A FINE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL AND GILT BRONZE RUYI SCEPTER, 18TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A FINE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL AND GILT BRONZE RUYI SCEPTER, 18TH CENTURY China. Exquisitely crafted, the gently curved shaft extends from a lobed terminal through a rectangular mid-section to a ruyi-shaped head. Each of the three sections is mounted with a shaped gilt-bronze panel, two enclosing auspicious shou characters, all finely embellished with bats amid swirling clouds. The shaft is richly decorated in vivid polychrome cloisonné enamels against a turquoise-blue ground with the Eight Buddhist Emblems (Bajixiang), further shou characters, and blossoming lotus borne on scrolling foliage. A suspension loop at the terminal is fitted with a faded yellow and ochre silk double tassel. Dimensions: Length 44.8 cm Originally an attribute of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, the ruyi scepter became an auspicious symbol of good fortune and the fulfilment of wishes in China, particularly during the Qing dynasty. As such, it was frequently presented as a prestigious gift on the occasion of birthdays. From its early appearance during the seventeenth century, the ruyi scepter evolved into an increasingly elaborate object, and by the Qianlong period examples executed in a wide range of media had become important demonstrations of technical virtuosity. Parallel to the development of the ruyi form, characterized by its gently curved shaft and distinctive cloud-shaped head, cloisonné enamel reached an exceptional level of refinement during the eighteenth century. No expense was spared in the production of these wares, especially in the application of gilding. Contemporary archival records indicate that a double layer of gilding was often employed, imparting to Qianlong-period cloisonné its distinctive richness, brilliance, and luminosity. The symbolism of the present ruyi scepter is highly auspicious and suggests that it may have been conceived as a presentation gift on the occasion of a birthday. The five bats (wufu) allude to the Five Blessings, namely longevity, wealth, health, the love of virtue, and a peaceful death and, in combination with the Shou characters, form the rebus ‘wufu qingshou’, conveying wishes for longevity. This iconographic program is further reinforced by the representation of the Eight Buddhist Emblems (Bajixiang) on the shaft of the scepter. Traditionally understood as the auspicious offerings presented to the Buddha by the gods upon his Enlightenment, these emblems conveyed blessings of prosperity, longevity, and spiritual as well as temporal wellbeing. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related cloisonné enamel ruyi scepter, dated Qianlong period, 40 cm long, in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, accession number 1909-37, and illustrated in Béatrice Quette (ed.), Cloisonné. Chinese Enamels from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, 2011, p. 293, no. 135. Compare a closely related gilt-bronze and cloisonné ‘ruyi’ scepter, dated Qianlong period, 35 cm long, illustrated in Zhang Xin (ed.), Colorful, Elegant and Exquisite. A Special Exhibition of Imperial Enamel Ware from Mr. Robert Chang's Collection, Suzhou, 2008, p. 80-81. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 10 November 2011, lot 489 Price: GBP 229,250 approx. EUR 408,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and refined craftmanship. Note the size (42 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1559 Price: HKD 780,000 approx. EUR 143,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and refined craftmanship. Note the size (39.7 cm).

图片