Imperial porcelain made during the successive reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are known for the delicate techniques, fine styles and varieties of decorative motifs to present high artistry. Those made to the orders of Qianlong particularly show sophistication to meet his enthusiasm in art and crafts.

Two such examples of refinement will go under the hammer at Poly Auction's sales in Hong Kong, in early April. One is a cobalt blue qinghua ware that was modeled after zun, a type of bronze wine vessels of the Shang (c. 16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou (c. 11th century-771 BC) dynasties. It features floral and water wave patterns, neatly arranged from the mouth, neck to bottom, which were recurring motifs of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) qinghua wares.

Another ware was also fashioned in the style of zun and features the typical motifs on Shang and Zhou bronzes. And it is coated with a soft greenish glaze, a typical color of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) porcelain.

Both items show the heights of Qianlong porcelain that would combine technical and artistic features from different stages of time in Chinese ceramic making.

Works of art and craft are on show at a preview of Poly Auction Hong Kong sales.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

The two wares were among the objects shown at an auction preview recently held in Beijing. Other highlights include Mu Lan Hua Man, a letter done in the kaishu regular script of calligraphy by Gu Yanshou who lived in the late Song and early Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.

A rare feature of this piece, to congratulate a friend's birthday, is that it was written on huajian ("flower paper"), a specially kind of paper in Song which was made to the tailored designs by scholars at the time. The unique craft integrated floral motifs with the paper, while making the surface smooth and flat, and the patterns can be seen only from certain angles. It shows the typical Song artistry prompted by the intellectual group, and the craft later extinguished.

Works of art and craft are on show at a preview of Poly Auction Hong Kong sales.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Works of art and craft are on show at a preview of Poly Auction Hong Kong sales.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Works of art and craft are on show at a preview of Poly Auction Hong Kong sales.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Works of art and craft are on show at a preview of Poly Auction Hong Kong sales.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com]