A FINELY CAST BRONZE ‘FOREIGNER’ CANDLESTICK, MING DYNASTY

拍品描述

A FINELY CAST BRONZE ‘FOREIGNER’ CANDLESTICK, MING DYNASTY China, 1368-1644. Depicting a foreigner supporting a tall candlestick, the figure shown kneeling on one leg atop a stepped rectangular base, wearing a pointed cap and short robes tied at the waist. His face is boldly modeled with large rounded eyes, arched brows, broad nose, and open mouth, the expression animated and forceful. He holds a vase-form support before him, from which rises a tall stem cast with scrolling openwork ornament, surmounted by a circular drip pan and central pricket for the candle. Dimensions: Height 25.5 cm The motif of a foreigner in standing or kneeling position holding a censer, a vase, a pearl, or a branch of coral, is known as ‘the foreigner offering treasures’ (huren xian bao) and bears stylistic influences from India and Gandhara. Figural representations of foreign people have been part of the Chinese artistic repertoire since the establishment of the Silk Road. The phenomenon first appeared during the Tang dynasty with the flourish of international trade with Central Asian countries, and subsequently came to symbolize a peaceful era under a powerful nation. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s Paris, 9 June 2021, lot 173 Price: EUR 21,250 or approx. EUR 23,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, and subject with similar pose, square face, and exaggerated features. Note the larger size (35 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Koller, Zurich, 24 March 2007, lot 111 Price: CHF 13,200 or approx. EUR 20,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, and subject. Note the similar size (28 cm).

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