Pair of Bluestone Carved Recumbent Pixiu Paper Weights, Qing Dynasty, 17th-18th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Each piece measures 19.5 cm (7.68 inches) long and 10 cm (3.94 inches) high; the pair weighs a total of 1525 grams. Qing Dynasty, 17th-18th century. Condition and Provenance: This pair of Pixiu is carved from a single piece of fine-grained, dense bluestone. The surface of the bluestone has naturally formed a smooth, thick, and evenly weathered patina over hundreds of years; it has not undergone modern acid washing, heavy polishing, or artificial dyeing. The two Pixiu are in a perfectly symmetrical, reclining posture. The distinct layers of mane and the details of the single horn are clearly visible, and all facial features, including the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, are intact. The relief cloud patterns encircling the torso are intact, and the sharp claws are also well-preserved; one Pixiu's front paw rests on a complete silk ball, which is also intact. The spiral tail is carved fully and clearly. The stone matrix contains no deep cracks or hidden fissures, only slight surface wear from long-term handling, with no traces of stone or glue repairs. This pair of Pixiu was originally a scholar's study collection in southern China and was exported overseas in the 1980s. It is now in the private collection of a Washington collector specializing in Chinese stone carvings and miscellaneous items. New York State and Vancouver are major global centers for trading antique stone carvings. Description: This pair of Qing Dynasty bluestone Pixiu is an exquisite antique stone carving craft designed specifically for a traditional Chinese scholar's desk. Each Pixiu is independently carved from high-quality bluestone, forming a complete male and female pair, used to hold scrolls and calligraphy paper. The Pixiu are relaxed in a crouching posture, with a robust and powerful body and simple, strong lines, displaying both majestic aura and the gentle elegance required for a desk ornament. Each Pixiu is adorned with a towering single horn atop its head, its flowing mane carved with lifelike detail and a lively spirit; its piercing eyes gleam with a solemn expression. The torso is decorated with cloud-patterned reliefs, and its strong, powerful limbs are carved with finely detailed claws. One Pixiu holds a silk ball beneath its claws, a classic auspicious symbol of wealth accumulation and warding off evil. Its coiled tail lies close to its hindquarters, its lines smooth and distinct. Centuries of gentle friction from the study have created a soft, spiraling patina on the cool gray stone surface. Well-preserved sets of Qing Dynasty bluestone Pixiu figurines are extremely rare on the market today. Unlike large architectural stone lions, these small, reclining beasts are exquisitely crafted, moderately sized, and ideal for study decoration. They embody profound folk auspicious culture and are important physical specimens for the study of ancient Chinese miniature stone carving techniques. This combination is ideal for scholars in folk art museums to study special exhibitions, and is also a striking desktop collectible for overseas enthusiasts building their collections of Chinese miscellaneous artifacts.

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