Imperial Two‑Foot Square Golden Brick Manufactured By Suzhou Prefecture Qianlong Period, With Open‑Work Coin‑Pattern Hardwood Square Stand, Qing Dynasty Qianlong Era

拍品描述

Dimensions: 70 cm (27.56 inches) on each side, 77 cm (30.31 inches) in total height. A complete 18th-century Qing Dynasty royal gold brick display set. Condition and Provenance: The thick gold brick is structurally sound, with no obvious defects or deep cracks. The surface is naturally covered with a mottled golden-brown patina developed over centuries. Multiple carved inscriptions on the vertical sides are well-preserved, with clearly legible characters and no severe wear or blurring. It has not undergone modern polishing, stone restoration, or artificial patina treatment. The matching hardwood base stands firmly on four legs. The openwork coin and scrollwork apron components are intact, without damage, wood cracks, or loose joints. The gold brick is securely placed on a wooden shelf. This set entered a private Oriental antiquities collection in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA in 2024. New York State and Vancouver are important global centers for the antiquities trade. Description: This museum-quality exhibition set includes a two-foot-long imperial gold brick made in the Suzhou official kiln during the Qianlong period, paired with an exquisite Qing dynasty hardwood square base, representing the art of high-end Chinese antique furniture. The gold brick is a heavy square block with a rich, mottled, antique gold sheen, and a solid, dense structure. It was made from specially washed clay, undergoing a complex process of aging, shaping, air-drying, and long-term wood-firing, exclusively for the construction of royal palaces and temples. The brick's edge is carved with multiple rectangular grooves, within which raised inscriptions in regular script record the year of manufacture, official dimensions, supervising authority, and craftsman information. The neat calligraphy and consistent carving depth are important characteristics for authenticating Qianlong Suzhou gold bricks. The hardwood base follows the classic Chinese square base design, with straight brick legs ending in an inward-curving horseshoe shape. The brick's skirt is decorated with exquisite openwork carvings of ancient coin patterns and interwoven scrollwork, symbolizing the eternity of wealth. The intricate carvings are arranged in an orderly manner, with smooth, rounded edges. The hardwood boasts a deep, rich color and clearly visible natural grain, giving it a dignified and elegant overall appearance. The production process of these gold bricks is extremely rigorous, demanding strict control over the quality of the clay, firing temperature, and processing procedures. Complete gold bricks, including two-foot bricks, are rare in the antique market if they still retain multiple side inscriptions. Well-preserved gold bricks with matching, exquisitely carved hardwood bases are even rarer. This particular gold brick bears the marks of time and retains a complete official inscription, perfectly complementing the finely carved wooden furniture. The stone and wood elements are perfectly integrated, creating a harmonious whole. It is not only an important physical testament to the history of Qing Dynasty imperial architecture but also possesses significant collectible value, suitable for elegant indoor display. It has outstanding archaeological, historical, artistic, and collectible value, belonging to the top extant Qing Dynasty miscellaneous artifacts and deserving of museum exhibition.

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