Why are Qianlong porcelain pieces expensive?

Qianlong porcelain pieces attract high prices since many collectors view the Qianlong reign as a peak period for Qing luxury arts. The Qianlong Emperor ruled from 1735 until 1796 and supported large imperial kiln production in Jingdezhen. Craftsmen created highly decorated vases, moon flasks, bowls, plaques, and enamelled wares with detailed painting. Palace workshops experimented with bright colours, gilding, carved decoration, and copied styles from earlier dynasties. Imperial pieces often carried six-character reign marks written in underglaze blue or iron red enamel. Auction houses regularly report record prices for rare Qianlong porcelain. A revolving phoenix vase sold in China for more than €70 million during 2021. Collectors from mainland China drove prices upward during the last two decades. Condition matters greatly. Small cracks or repairs can reduce values sharply. Authentic imperial wares remain scarce since many stayed inside palace collections for centuries. Museums in Taipei, Beijing, London, and New York hold major examples from the Qianlong period.