Suzhou's master artisans strive to revive delicate authenticity

On par with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Emperor Qianlong's high-profile love for calligraphy and paintings is his fascination with jade. During his reign from 1736 to 1796, the emperor's obsession led to an unprecedented elevation in jade craftsmanship.

In his lifetime, Emperor Qianlong wrote around 800 poems in appreciation of jade that expressed his joy and admiration of craftsmanship, especially when he received a truly precious piece.

Among the numerous jade artifacts that caught the emperor's eye and inspired his poetry were Hindustani jade vessels originating from the Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to 19th centuries.