Ɏ † A SUPERB BLUE CHALCEDONY AND AGATE ‘TWO FISH AND A DUCK IN A LOTUS LEAF’ BRUSH WASHER, XI, QIANLONG

拍品描述

Ɏ † A SUPERB BLUE CHALCEDONY AND AGATE ‘TWO FISH AND A DUCK IN A LOTUS LEAF’ BRUSH WASHER, XI, QIANLONG Expert’s note This washer is a fine example of the innovative designs and increasingly sophisticated lapidary techniques that characterize hardstone carving of the Qianlong period. The carver’s skill is particularly evident in the ingenious use of the naturally colored layers of the stone as an integral part of the design. The expansion of the Qing Empire and increasing contact with neighboring regions greatly enriched the range of precious materials available to the imperial workshops, including nephrite from Xinjiang, jadeite from Burma, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and rare chalcedonies and agates from the Yangzi River regions. Chalcedony was particularly prized for its luminous coloration and translucency and, in its finest varieties, such as the striking blue color found in the present lot, could be valued as highly as jade. China, 1736-1795. Exquisitely carved as a large lotus leaf sheltering two small fish and a duck, finely incised with veins and detailed with attendant buds and a leaves, all issuing from stems undulating on the underside. The translucent stone is of a lavender tone with milky white patches, caramel and icy blue inclusions, and crystallized bands, all ingeniously utilized by the carver. Dimensions: Length 17.2 cm The bowl is accompanied by its original fitted zitan stand, finely carved in openwork with entwined lotus pods and roots, closely echoing the naturalistic design of the chalcedony and agate vessel above. The openwork carving is supported on a fitted zitan platform raised on short feet, finely inlaid in silver with key-fret borders. The stand is of the Qianlong period and was evidently conceived specifically for the present vessel. With a fitted storage box. (3) The two mandarin fish, recognizable by their prominent spiny dorsal fins, carry several auspicious meanings. The word for fish, yu, is a homophone with ‘surplus’ or ‘abundance,’ while paired fish symbolize conjugal harmony, fertility, and doubled prosperity. Enfolded within a lotus leaf, they form the rebus liannian youyu, ‘May you continuously have abundance year after year,’ or alternatively hebao jinyu, ‘May your purse be filled with abundant wealth,’ since ‘lotus wrap’ and ‘purse’ are both pronounced hebao. The accompanying waterbird, probably a duck, further evokes marital happiness and fidelity, completing a richly auspicious composition wishing abundance, prosperity, and domestic harmony. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 9 October 2012, lot 3005 Price: HKD 2,420,000 or approx. EUR 376,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, form, and manner of carving. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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