How did lacquerwork made for the Qianlong emperor differ from earlier Ming lacquerwork?

Lacquerwork produced under the Qianlong emperor (1735–1796) differed significantly from earlier Ming dynasty pieces in both technical execution and aesthetic style.

While Ming lacquerware—particularly from the Yongle and Xuande reigns—is noted for its bold, free-flowing designs and rich, deep colors, Qianlong-era work is characterized by a different approach. The workmanship of objects created under the Qianlong emperor is described as brilliant in the extreme, yet the colors are notably harder than those found in earlier pieces. Furthermore, while Ming designs were often characterized by a sense of breadth and simplicity, the designs of the Qianlong period tend toward a somewhat stereotyped formalism.1

Technically, the Qing dynasty lacquerware of the 18th century showed advancements, such as being generally free from the small cracks that frequently developed in Ming-era products. Despite these differences, the 18th century is not considered a period of decadence, as the superb execution of the work remains a hallmark of the era.1