† AN EXCEPTIONAL AND EXTREMELY RARE CARNELIAN AGATE CARVING OF A BIXIE, 18TH CENTURY

拍品描述

† AN EXCEPTIONAL AND EXTREMELY RARE CARNELIAN AGATE CARVING OF A BIXIE, 18TH CENTURY Expert’s note: The present figure is impressive for its large size and vibrant color. A sense of playfulness is captured through the creature’s animated expression, bulging eyes and dynamic posture, while its power is implied through the clever incorporation of the natural inclusions of the stone into the overall composition. Such carvings required craftsmen to visualize their final work by merely examining the pebble while being able to adapt it spontaneously depending on further inclusions they came across while modeling the piece. Agate is a rare material that naturally forms when the iron content from the earth’s surface is suffused within cooled down lava. This specific type, distinctive for its striking vermilion-red color, is categorized as nanhong (‘south red’) in Chinese, as such material was only available in the southwest part of China, modern-day Yunnan province. This quality of carnelian agate was among the semi-precious stones prized by the Qing court and was more frequently utilized for the production of playthings, snuff bottles and other small intricately carved scholar’s objects during the 18th century, when the art of agate carving reached its unprecedented height. China. Finely carved in a seated posture, the beast turns its head backwards, its mouth agape revealing sharp fangs, bulging eyes below furrow brows, a wide snout, and goatee, while the bushy tail sweeps alongside its rear haunches. A small horn rises between the ears, its mane and tail incised with fur, and the neck is encircled by a collar suspending a bell. The stone is of a milky white color transitioning to the upper section in bands of vermilion-red and pale brown with few dark green patches. Dimensions: Length 16.3 cm (excl. stand), Height 20.1 cm (incl. stand) With a finely carved matching hardwood stand dating from the Qing dynasty. (2) Literature comparison: Compare a related carnelian agate crane form water dropper, dated 18th century, 7.9 cm wide, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 02.18.876a, b. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 623 Price: USD 75,000 or approx. EUR 91,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, color of the agate, and manner of carving. Note the much smaller size (6.3 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s London, 5 November 2013, lot 36 Price: GBP 62,500 or approx. EUR 106,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar material and color. Note the form, size (20 cm), and slightly later dating. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

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