QING DYNASTY, JIAQING SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN IRON-RED AND OF THE PERIOD (1796-1820)

The present stupa represents a long tradition in Chinese history and art. Stupas were originally memorial monuments built over the mortal remains of the Shakyamuni Buddha following his death at approximately 400 BC; the tradition was also extended to include other important figures. They represent the past and the present, and are a symbol of Nirvana. The form of the stupa comprises of a square base with a circular or domed body and spire. This structure reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy envisioning the earth as a square surmounted by the domed or circular heavens above. The joining of the two forms in the stupa creates a link between heaven and earth, mortal and immortal.
The present Jiaqing-period (1796-1820) porcelain stupa is considerably rarer than examples from the preceding reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795). The slender proportions, the lobed-form base and the elegant ruyi-form opening at the front are particularly noteworthy. Additionally, it retains the interior figure of Buddha, which has been lost on many published examples. A green-ground porcelain stupa, Qianlong period, in the National Museum of China, Beijing, is of a similar height to the present stupa but lacks the interior figure of Buddha. See Zhongguo guojia bowuguan, guancang wenwuyanjiu congshu, ciqijuan, qingdai, Shanghai, 2007, p. 143, no. 95. Another Qianlong example, with a ruby-red ground and also lacking the interior figure, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 April 2002, lot 536.