The shape of this present ewer is probably an adaption of the archaic bronze wine vessel, he. Emperor Qianlong was well known for his interest in archaism. A number of jades made during his reign were either after archaic bronze or jade form, simultaneously incorporating the motifs found on these archaic pieces. The present lot is an excellent archaistic example from the Qianlong period. The material of this wonderful piece is high quality yellow jade. Only one example is found in Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in Jade Ware II, The Complete Collection of The Treasures of the Palace Museum Beijing, no. 112.