Description

Chinese red peking glass vase of faceted hexagonal form.

The vase is formed with six sharply defined sides that rise from a gently lobed foot into a rounded mid-section, then taper elegantly upward before flaring into a wide, angular mouth. The crisp planar surfaces create strong light reflection and emphasize the saturated depth of the glass.

The glass is a vibrant translucent red, sometimes referred to as “ruby” or “overlay red” in the Peking glass tradition. The color glows richly when illuminated, shifting from deep crimson to fiery orange-red along the thinner edges. The surface is smoothly polished, highlighting the precision of the faceted form.

Unlike carved overlay examples, this piece derives its visual power from form and color alone. The clean geometry reflects the enduring influence of archaic bronze silhouettes combined with later Qing and Republic-era glassmaking refinement. Hexagonal profiles were especially favored for their architectural presence and symmetry.

Age: 20th century

Dimensions: 7 1/4″ high x 3 1/4″ wide