5.1 cm (height) × 25.0 cm (mouth diameter) × 18.8 cm (base diameter)
This jade washer, resembling a fully bloomed flower, exemplifies the characteristics of Islamic jade craftsmanship. The vessel’s walls are so thin and translucent that they appear weightless, while its surface is covered with delicate patterns as intricate as cicada wings. The overall design is exquisitely detailed, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship.
At the center of the washer is a floral core, from which meticulously layered petals radiate outward to the rim. The rim itself features relief-carved petals curling back toward the center, fully embodying the symmetrical geometric beauty of Islamic art and creating a vibrant visual effect. The exterior walls are adorned with overlapping leaves that extend from the washer’s central base toward the rim, gradually widening and lengthening in a rhythmic pattern. The gracefully curved contours further enhance the visual harmony of the washer, evoking a sense of melodic fluidity.
This exotic aesthetic captivated Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799), who commissioned the making of a matching wooden stand for the washer and inscribed the wooden stand with a poem. In this poem, he marveled at the ingenuity of the foreign jade craftsmanship, praising how the interior and exterior patterns blended seamlessly to form a masterful work of art. Emperor Qianlong composed this poem at the age of 81, which is a testament to his remarkable energy. Through these verses, one can gain insight into the poetic sensibility that permeates the emperor’s literary works.