Imperial kiln wares reflect taste of famous emperors

A pair of very rare blue and copper-red vases from the Kangxi period [Photo/ english.cguardian.com]

Kangxi Emperor, the longest reigning emperor in Chinese history, is considered one of China's greatest emperors. Kangxi was a workaholic. The Qing Dynasty opened up the "Prosperous Era of Kangxi and Qianlong" during his reigning period, also as the Imperial kiln began to revive. However, due to the chaotic situation in the early Kangxi period, most of the Imperial porcelain remaining today is small, such as plates, bowls, or brush-washers. The pair of big vases above is rarely seen and sold for 24,150,000 RMB at the China Guardian 2011 Spring Auctions. The shape of vase looks like a huge bell, which appeared exclusively during the Kangxi period.