A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF A FOREIGNER OFFERING AN ENAMELED SILVER GOURD, QIANLONG

拍品描述

A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF A FOREIGNER OFFERING AN ENAMELED SILVER GOURD, QIANLONG Expert’s note The fascination with foreigners and exotic tribute reached a particular sophistication at the Qing court during the Qianlong period. While representations of Europeans and other foreigners had already become increasingly prominent in Chinese art during the Kangxi reign, by the mid-18th century such subjects were frequently combined with the technical virtuosity and playful juxtaposition of materials characteristic of Qianlong-period luxury production. The present figure is particularly evocative of this development. Finely modeled as a foreigner bearing an offering, he carries a precious silver double-gourd vase further embellished with colorful enamels. The combination of an exotic figure, an elaborate tribute object, and contrasting materials transforms the subject from a simple representation of a foreigner into an image of abundance, novelty, and tribute. Such sophisticated interplay of subject, material, and technique is particularly characteristic of the artistic environment of the Qianlong period. China, 1736-1795. Well cast kneeling on a waisted stand and holding aloft a double gourd vessel, dressed in a buttoned robe with geometric hems, wearing shoes, his face with almond shaped eyes, large nose, and gentle smile, framed by curly hair. The double-gourd vase is finely fashioned from silver, the surface worked in raised and chased relief with a lotus pond inhabited by a goldfish, the recessed areas filled with translucent turquoise enamel to striking effect. A shou symbol is similarly rendered on the base. The stand is further decorated with archaistic bats amid scrolling designs. Dimensions: Height 17.1 cm The motif of a foreigner in standing or kneeling position while offering a precious object, 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: Bonhams London, 9 November 2017, lot 227 Price: GBP 17,500 or approx. EUR 28,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar subject. Note the size (30.5 cm).

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