A large Chinese famille rose 'tianqiuping' vase, 20th century.

Named after its resemblance to a planet, the tianqiuping was first created under the Yongle Emperor (r. 1403-1424) and Tang’s versions draw from those decorated with three-clawed dragons of the Yongle and Xuande (r. 1426-35) reigns, which were produced in several different versions. The form of this vase are rooted in imperial porcelains of the early Ming, of Tang Ying’s exposure to the extensive court collection. The supervision of Tang Ying (1682-1756), the acclaimed Superintendent of the Imperial Kilns in Jingdezhen. From the age of sixteen Tang was employed by the Neiwufu (Imperial Household Department) in the Forbidden City where he was trained in the arts of enamelling and painting and exposed to the extensive imperial collection of artefacts that would serve as inspiration throughout his career. From 1728 porcelain manufacture in Jingdezhen rose to unprecedented levels under his direction, which had a far-reaching influence on ceramic manufacture both in China and the West. It was essential in understanding the vision of the Qianlong Emperor and materialising it in porcelain, and is still being produced for its grandeur.