![Group of three small vases forming an incense set Three vases in archaic bronze forms carved on a stepped stand: in the centre, an incense burner, with upright handles and three animal-style feet, carved with a taotie, the domed cover with an oval button knob; to one side, a two-handled vase, also with t](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/teaser-image/trail/360074-1360083851.jpg)
Jade in the Royal Collection
Vibrant jades collected from around the world
Circular plaques with wood stands
reign of Qianlong: 1736-95RCIN 35370
Pictorial jades, such as these, became popular in the reign of the Qianlong Emperor as he sought to place jade work within the academic tradition of landscape painting and calligraphy. The Qianlong Emperor called these 'jade paintings'. This type of jade object often depicted images with literary themes. In this example, the plaques depict scholars meeting near a pavilion and scholars carrying a ruyi, both of which are common scenes in 'literati' painting popular in southern China at this time.