Mid to Late Qing Dynasty (19th Century) Large Bamboo Carved Archaistic Beast Mask and Banana Leaf Pattern Covered Jar with Rope-Pattern Handle

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 26 cm (10.24 inches), maximum width 17 cm (6.69 inches), approx. 0.85 feet, 19th century, weight unknown. Condition and Provenance: This piece is in excellent overall condition; the original lid, handle, and body structure are intact. The aged bamboo has developed a warm, rich patina, and the carved details are clearly visible, with no obvious missing parts or structural damage. Provenance: Private collection, New York, USA, long held within a family collection. Description: This exquisite covered jar is carved from a single piece of aged bamboo, modeled after ancient bronze ritual vessels. Standing 26 cm tall and 17 cm at its widest point, it is a large and exquisitely crafted bamboo carving, made specifically for display by scholars and literati. The jar consists of a body, a matching lid, and a spiral bamboo handle. The piece, crafted from thick bamboo, is meticulously carved to a rich, reddish-brown amber luster, retaining the natural texture of the bamboo. The vessel's body imitates the form of ancient ritual bronzes, with a constricted neck, a rounded and full belly, a narrow base, and an everted foot. The perfectly sealed lid closes seamlessly, and symmetrical side handles support a continuous spiral bamboo-joint handle, outlining a balanced and elegant silhouette. The lid is decorated with layered carvings, including a pearl-shaped top ornament adorned with a meander pattern and eight banana-leaf-shaped panels, each carved with intricate geometric patterns derived from ancient bronze decorations. The neck is decorated with raised dragon and taotie motifs, surrounded by rows of raised ornaments, showcasing the strong visual language of early Chinese ritual bronzes. Eight pendant banana-leaf-shaped panels encircle the body, carved with continuous geometric patterns and scrolling foliage, creating a strong three-dimensional effect. Repeating longevity patterns are carved on the foot, cleverly connecting the entire decorative design. The handle is meticulously carved with continuous spiral bamboo joints, seamlessly integrated with the body. The interior of the vessel retains the natural hollow texture of bamboo, while the exterior displays a mature, reddish hue, with clear and complete carving details. This work integrates round carving, high relief carving, hollow carving, and bamboo imitation techniques, transforming bamboo into a visual language unique to ancient bronze ritual vessels. Its large size, complete form, and exquisite decoration make it an outstanding representative of traditional Chinese bamboo carving art, possessing both artistic and decorative value.

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