† A RARE MOSS AGATE ‘DOUBLE CARP’ VASE, 18TH CENTURY

LOT 113 · 已成交

成交价 EUR18000.00

拍卖时间：2026-10-15 17:00

拍品描述

† A RARE MOSS AGATE ‘DOUBLE CARP’ VASE, 18TH CENTURY Expert’s note Moss agate is a translucent variety of chalcedony formed when silica-rich solutions fill cavities and fissures in rock, creating intricate mineral inclusions resembling moss or aquatic vegetation. Agate enjoyed renewed imperial favor during the Yongzheng reign, when its translucency and richly striated structure were particularly admired for the transformations produced when the stone was held to the light. This appreciation continued under the Qianlong Emperor, whose fascination with agate is well documented: in 1793, the Macartney embassy recorded an immense agate boulder displayed in an imperial pavilion, carved as a landscape and inscribed with a poem composed by the emperor himself. The present carving belongs to this tradition of working in close harmony with the material, its green inclusions ingeniously reserved for the aquatic vegetation surrounding the carp, so that the natural markings of the stone become an integral part of the composition. China. The vessel carved in openwork as a dragon carp accompanied by a smaller carp, both leaping out of lingzhi-form waves, the dragon carp’s large gaping mouth open forming the cavity of the vase, the fins and scales finely detailed, and a flaming pearl amid swirling waves. The semi-translucent stone is of a mottled pale gray color with hues of honey and caramel as well as icy white inclusions, and green moss-like areas dotted with few vermilion-red splashes ingeniously utilized by the carver. According to legend, the Yellow River carp makes its way upstream and passes above the rapids at Longmen (Dragon Gate) in Henan province where it is transformed into a dragon. Accordingly, the motif implies a wish for success in passing the civil service examinations. Dimensions: Height 11.9 cm (excl. stand), 14.3 cm (incl. stand) With a fitted wood stand finely carved in openwork and dating from the Qing dynasty, and a padded storage box. (3) Literature comparison: Compare a closely related carnelian agate vase in the form of a large dragon-carp and a smaller carp, dated 18th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 02.18.873. Compare a related red and white agate vase with two dragon-fish, dated Qing dynasty, 23 cm tall, in the National Palace Museum, Beijing, reference number 故00105929. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 10 September 2019, lot 93 Price: USD 275,000 or approx. EUR 310,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, modeling, and subject. Note the different stone and larger size (22.5 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 24 March 2021, lot 240 Price: GBP 44,100 or approx. EUR 66,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, manner of carving, and material. Note the color of the stone and size (20.5 cm). 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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