A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE INCENSE VASE WITH ARABIC INSCRIPTIONS, QING DYNASTY

拍品描述

A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE INCENSE VASE WITH ARABIC INSCRIPTIONS, QING DYNASTY China, 1644-1912 or slightly later. Elegantly cast with a pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall waisted neck and wide flared rim. The rounded body is applied with a raised oval cartouche containing finely executed Arabic inscriptions in relief and heightened with gilt, set against a ring punched ground. Dimensions: Height 14.5 cm Wares produced with inscriptions derived from Arabic script became particularly popular during the Zhengde reign (1505-1521), as can be seen with various porcelain and bronze vessels of the period. This demand was probably influenced by the large body of influential Muslim advisors, eunuchs and envoys that served in the Imperial Court during this period. Islamic-inspired vessels, such as the present lot, were principally made for export to the Islamic market. The inscriptions are religious or philosophical in content and many are quotations from the Qur'an. It is interesting to note that incense burning was also a popular practice among Muslims in their religious ceremonies. Literature comparison: Compare a related earlier bronze incense vase with Arabic inscriptions, also dated to the Ming dynasty, 1368-1644, 13.5 cm high, in the Musée Cernuschi, inventory number M.C. 8074. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 18 September 2024, lot 121 Mid-Estimate: USD 25,000 or approx. EUR 23,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form (albeit with handles), manner of casting, arabic inscription, parcel gilding, and size (14 cm). Note the earlier dating. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 25 October 2023, lot 111 Price: GBP 19,050 or approx. EUR 25,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, decoration, Arabic inscription, and size (14 cm). Note the earlier dating.

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