Li Jianshen is the founder of Sanbao International Pottery Village near Jingdezhen, and currently Professor at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. In recent years, he has devoted his attention to re-discovering and reinterpreting the tradition of guan or official wares that were made for the imperial court in China, wares that are renowned for their precision, superlative technique, and refined quality. His early works in this area were displayed in a solo exhibition at the Palace Museum, Beijing, in 2006.

The painted design on this vase, with the peony as its central motif, is reminiscent of the mille fleur decoration on Chinese porcelain that emerged during the late Yongzheng reign (r. 1723–35) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). However, instead of using brightly coloured enamels that were typical of mille fleur decoration, Li paints silver outlines on a monochrome ground, which evokes the refined baimiao (plain drawing) painting tradition associated with the literati. The precisely rendered metallic outlines, together with details in gold, on a finely potted surface, retain the element of luxury that is a feature of official wares. On the other hand, the flattened shape of this vase creates an unexpected visual effect that distances it from its original utilitarian function.