Gold, peridot and plique-à-jour enamel brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1910

April 16, 2017, 2:37 pm

≫ Next: 18-karat gold, opal, sapphire and garnet brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1920

≪ Previous: 18-karat gold, amethyst and lapis lazuli brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1914–1920

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Lot 69. Gold, peridot and plique-à-jour enamel brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1910. Estimate $6,000–8,000. Photo: Sotheby's.

Centering a cabochon amethyst within a gold wirework mounting accented by gold leaves and clusters of lapis lazuli beads, gross weight approximately 9 dwts, signed Tiffany & Co.; circa 1914-1920.

Note: For brooches of similar design see Bejewelled by Tiffany 1837-1987, edited by Claire Phillips, page 241.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM

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18-karat gold, opal, sapphire and garnet brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1920

April 16, 2017, 2:48 pm

≫ Next: A fine doucai ‘Longevity’ dish, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795)

≪ Previous: Gold, peridot and plique-à-jour enamel brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1910

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Lot 77. 18-karat gold, opal, sapphire and garnet brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1920. Estimate $60,000–80,000. Photo: Sotheby's.

Centering a round black opal measuring approximately 18.5 mm, within an openwork plaque set with numerous round sapphires, demantoid garnets and spessartite garnets, the reverse of the opal decorated with scrollwork flourishes, signed Tiffany & Co.; circa 1920. With signed box.

Provenance: Sotheby's New York, Jewels From the Estate of William B. Dietrich Sold to Benefit the William B. Dietrich Foundation, December 9, 2010, lot 17.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM

A fine doucai ‘Longevity’ dish, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795)

April 17, 2017, 10:38 am

≫ Next: A doucai ‘Scrolling Blossoms’ bowl, Daoguang six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1821-1850)

≪ Previous: 18-karat gold, opal, sapphire and garnet brooch, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1920

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Lot 132. A fine doucai‘Longevity’ dish, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795), 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 220,000 - HKD 260,000 (USD 28,439 - USD 33,609). Price realised HKD 325,000 (USD 42,007) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

The interior of the dish is enamelled with a Shou character and radiating Lanca characters within linked arabesques, the exterior with leaf and stem elements forming stylised Shoucharacters above linked arabesques.

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong 

A doucai ‘Scrolling Blossoms’ bowl, Daoguang six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1821-1850)

April 17, 2017, 10:59 am

≫ Next: A famille rose and iron-red 'Double gourd and Bats' tea bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

≪ Previous: A fine doucai ‘Longevity’ dish, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795)

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Lot 151. A doucai‘Scrolling Blossoms’ bowl, Daoguang six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1821-1850), 5 5/8 in. (14.4 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 120,000 (USD 10,341 - USD 15,512). Price realised HKD 100,000 (USD 12,925) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

The exterior of the deep rounded sides of the bowl is enamelled with six stylised lotus blooms surrounded by scrolling leafy tendrils, all between double-lines encircling the rim and overlapping ruyi lappets at the base. The interior is plain.

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong 

A famille rose and iron-red 'Double gourd and Bats' tea bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

April 17, 2017, 11:16 am

≫ Next: A famille rose 'abstinence' plaque, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century

≪ Previous: A doucai ‘Scrolling Blossoms’ bowl, Daoguang six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1821-1850)

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Lot 152. A famille rose and iron-red 'Double gourd and Bats' tea bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795), 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) diam., wood stand, box. Estimate HKD 50,000 - HKD 70,000 (USD 6,463 - USD 9,048). Price realised HKD 225,000 (USD 29,082) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

The bowl is enamelled with vines bearing double gourds and leaves, interspersed with five hovering iron-red bats. The interior is plain.

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong 

A famille rose 'abstinence' plaque, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century

April 17, 2017, 11:24 am

≫ Next: Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Brooch, Mauboussin, France

≪ Previous: A famille rose and iron-red 'Double gourd and Bats' tea bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

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Lot 154. A famille rose 'abstinence' plaque, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century, 2 1/2 in. (6.5 cm.) long, box. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 260,000 (USD 19,390 - USD 33,609). Price realised HKD 187,500 (USD 24,235) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

Of flattened double-gourd form, the plaque is inscribed on one side with two oval cartouches with the characters zhaijie(abstinence), all within a gilt raised border and an outer field of lotus scroll on a pink ground. The reverse is similarly decorated with the inscription inscribed in Manchu. 

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong  

Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Brooch, Mauboussin, France

April 17, 2017, 12:27 pm

≫ Next: Platinum, 18 Karat White Gold, Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, Mauboussin, Paris, circa 1940

≪ Previous: A famille rose 'abstinence' plaque, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century

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Lot 98. Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Brooch, Mauboussin, France, circa 1930. Estimate 60,000 — 80,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's. 

Designed as a jardinière decorated with carved and buff-topped rubies and emeralds, accented by carved sapphires, set with variously-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.80 carats, signed Mauboussin-France, numbered 1234, with French assay marks; circa 1930.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM

Platinum, 18 Karat White Gold, Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, Mauboussin, Paris, circa 1940

April 17, 2017, 12:35 pm

≫ Next: A famille rose boneless-style ‘Butterfly and Peony’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

≪ Previous: Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Brooch, Mauboussin, France

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Lot 246. Platinum, 18 Karat White Gold, Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, Mauboussin, Paris, circa 1940. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's. 

Centering an emerald-cut aquamarine weighing approximately 45.00 carats, within a scrolling panel set with round and baguette diamonds weighing approximately 8.70 carats, completed by cone-shaped links set with round sapphires, length 6 inches, signed Mauboussin, Paris, with French assay mark and French maker's mark for Verger Fils; circa 1940. 

Note: The design of the present bracelet is believed to have been inspired by the Maginot Line, a system of defensive fortresses constructed in northeast France to divide French and German-occupied territories during WWII. The fortresses were characterized by their linear design and thick concrete walls, many of which were built underground, giving them a mound-like appearance. Outside the main structures, a series of “dragon’s teeth,” similar in shape to the bracelet’s sapphire-set links, were arranged to impede the procession of German tanks.

A bracelet with links of similar design is in a photograph of Mauboussin's vitrine at the World's Fair in New York in 1939. This photograph can be seen on page 118 of Mauboussin by Marguerite de Cerval.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM

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A famille rose boneless-style ‘Butterfly and Peony’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

April 17, 2017, 12:40 pm

≫ Next: A famille rose ‘Lady’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within double circles and of the period (1723-1735)

≪ Previous: Platinum, 18 Karat White Gold, Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, Mauboussin, Paris, circa 1940

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Lot 155. A famille rose boneless-style ‘Butterfly and Peony’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within double circles and of the period (1723-1735), 6 1/2 in. (14.5 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 30,000 - HKD 50,000 (USD 3,878 - USD 6,463). Price realised HKD 93,750 (USD 12,118) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

The dish is enamelled on the interior in the ‘boneless style’ with a brightly coloured butterfly above a large pink peony blossom growing amidst a smaller golden peony, long grasses and rockwork.

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong  

A famille rose ‘Lady’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within double circles and of the period (1723-1735)

April 17, 2017, 1:03 pm

≫ Next: 18 Karat Gold, Enamel, Peridot and Pearl Pendant-Necklace, René Lalique, circa 1905

≪ Previous: A famille rose boneless-style ‘Butterfly and Peony’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

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Lot 156. A famille rose ‘Lady’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within double circles and of the period (1723-1735), 6 1/2 in. (16.6 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 250,000 (USD 19,390 - USD 32,317). Price realised HKD 400,000 (USD 51,702) © Christie's Imags Ltd 2017.

The dish is painted with a lady leaning on the back of a chair as she bends to pick up her fan, before an altar table with marble top supporting books and various precious objects.

Provenance: G & T Portier, Paris, collection label
Sold at Christie’s London, 15 July, 2004, lot 386

Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong  

18 Karat Gold, Enamel, Peridot and Pearl Pendant-Necklace, René Lalique, circa 1905

April 17, 2017, 1:12 pm

≫ Next: 18 Karat Gold, Molded Glass and Enamel Necklace, René Lalique

≪ Previous: A famille rose ‘Lady’ dish, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within double circles and of the period (1723-1735)

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Lot 216. 18 Karat Gold, Enamel, Peridot and Pearl Pendant-Necklace, René Lalique, circa 1905. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's. 

The baton-shaped links applied with light green enamel, with three small pearls, supporting a pendant designed as opposing dragonflies highlighted with blue and green enamel, centering an oval-shaped peridot and suspending a baroque pearl measuring approximately 15.9 by 10.0 mm, length 15½ inches, signed Lalique; accompanied by a hat pin attachment, the pendant and pearl detaches for variety of wear; circa 1905.

Note: lease note the pearls have not been tested for natural origin.

For additional pendants and hat pins, see René Lalique: Exceptional Jewelry 1890-1912 edited by Yvonne Brunhammer, pages 249-250.

Leader of the Art Nouveau movement and instigator of an entirely new approach to jewellery, René Lalique (1860-1945) started as an apprentice in 1876 at Louis Aucoc, a renowned Parisian silversmith and jeweler. He worked as a designer for different jewelry houses and moved in 1890 to 20 rue Thérèse where he began his experiments with glass. By the 1890s, Lalique was using more motifs from nature, concentrating on unusual aspects of plants and flowers. He frequently depicted insects, whom he described as “other lovers of plants,” in his jewelry, hearkening back to his childhood walks. Indeed, two of his favorite subjects were beetles and dragonflies. Though the use of insects in jewels may have unsettled viewers in the early 20th century, Lalique managed to transform them into objects of beauty that have been admired for over 100 years.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM 

18 Karat Gold, Molded Glass and Enamel Necklace, René Lalique

April 17, 2017, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: A rhinoceros horn 'auspicious birds' libation cup, 17th-18th century

≪ Previous: 18 Karat Gold, Enamel, Peridot and Pearl Pendant-Necklace, René Lalique, circa 1905

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Lot 215. 18 Karat Gold, Molded Glass and Enamel Necklace, René Lalique, circa 1900. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's. 

The baton-shaped links applied with dark green enamel, suspending a pendant in the form of a green molded glass scarab, the legs and wings highlighted in green and blue enamel, the reverse of the pendant detailed to resemble the legs and wings of a scarab, length 20 inches, signed Lalique, with maker's mark; circa 1900.

Literature: A sketch of the pendant is illustrated in René Lalique: Schmuck und Objets d'Art, 1890-1910 by Sigrid Barten, page 309.

Note: For a drawing of a brooch of similar design, see René Lalique: Exceptional Jewelry 1890-1912, edited by Yvonne Brunhammer, page 204.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald, New York, 25 Apr 2017, 10:00 AM 

A rhinoceros horn 'auspicious birds' libation cup, 17th-18th century

April 18, 2017, 1:05 pm

≫ Next: Tambaran Gallery at TEFAF New York Spring 2017

≪ Previous: 18 Karat Gold, Molded Glass and Enamel Necklace, René Lalique

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Lot 310. A rhinoceros horn 'auspicious birds' libation cup, 17th-18th century, 15.5 (6 1/8in) long. Estimate £10,000 - 15,000 (€12,000 - 18,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Finely carved around the exterior with pairs of cranes, phoenix, magpies, sparrows, and mandarin ducks, all amidst landscape with bamboo, prunus and pines with two gnarled pine trees forming the handle, the horn of rich caramel-brown tone.

Provenance:  a Scottish private collection

Note: Pairs of birds represent the auspicious wishes for fertility as well as for happiness in marriage, which is the particular symbolism of the pair of mandarin ducks. Related rhinoceros horn libation cups carved with cranes and phoenix in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, are illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.187.

A similar rhinoceros horn 'auspicious birds' libation cup, 18th century, was sold in these rooms, 10 November 2011, lot 440.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

Tambaran Gallery at TEFAF New York Spring 2017

April 18, 2017, 1:44 pm

≫ Next: Jade Bowl with Floral Design and Turquoise Inlays (Jin zanhua gaozu baiyu gaiwan), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

≪ Previous: A rhinoceros horn 'auspicious birds' libation cup, 17th-18th century

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Bwami Mask,  Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega, 19th century. Wood, Kaolin. Height 29.2 cm. Courtesy Tambaran Gallery

Provenance: Collection Joseph Herman, Suffolk

 Sulka Headdress Helmet With Dog On Top, New Britain Island, South Pacific, 19th century. Wood with pigments. Courtesy Tambaran Gallery 

Provenance: Ex Ithica State College Museum, New York

Dan Go Ge Mask, Ivory Coast, late 19 century. Wood and fiber. Height 20.3 cm. Courtesy Tambaran Gallery

Provenance: Barry Kitnick - Gallery 'K', Los Angeles, 1970; Saul & Marsha Stanoff, CA

Literature: Mary H Nooter, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, Munich 1993, cat. no. 68, p.149; Masks, Mysterious Forces, Tambaran Gallery, NY November 2009

Exhibition: New York, the Museum for African Art, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, 1993 (for additional venues see Noother, 1993)

Wum Helmet Mask, North West Cameroon, 19th century. Wood. Height 25.4 cm. Courtesy Tambaran Gallery

Provenance: Private collection, France

Maori Male House Post Figure Poutokomanawa, Polynesia, New Zealand, early 19th century. Wood. Height 81.6 cm. Courtesy Tambaran Gallery

Provenance: Patricia Without, London; ex Budapest Ethnographic Museum, Hungary, donated by Lazlo Vertes in 1891

Literature: Tibor Bodrogi, Die Kunst Ozeaniens, 1960, plate no. 137; Tibor Bodrogi, Stammeskunst, Budapest 1981, Vol 1, plate no. 47; Important Tribal Art from Africa, The Pacific and North America, New York 1988

Exhibition: Arnold Herstand Gallery, New York, November - December 1988

Dogon standing Maternity figure, Tintam style, Mali, Tintam village. Hard wood (tested: 1485-1645 AD = 15/17ct). Courtesy Tambaran Gallery

Provenance: Private collection, New York; Dr. Wally Zollman, IN

Literature: Bryce Holcombe and Leon Siroto, African Spirit Images and Identities, New York 1976

Exhibition: Pace Primitive and Ancient Art, April-May 1976

Jade Bowl with Floral Design and Turquoise Inlays (Jin zanhua gaozu baiyu gaiwan), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

April 18, 2017, 2:10 pm

≫ Next: Gold Cup with Jewel Inlay: Eternal Territorial Integrity, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

≪ Previous: Tambaran Gallery at TEFAF New York Spring 2017

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Jade Bowl with Floral Design and Turquoise Inlays (Jin zanhua gaozu baiyu gaiwan), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty. Height: 26cm, Mouth diameter: 14.5cm © The Palace Museum. 

This bowl has a jade body complemented by a gold cover and pedestal stand. The four characters at the bottom indicate that it was made by an imperial studio during the Qianlong reign. Its gradually flaring foot is embossed with patterns of interlocking lotus and clouds, and is inlaid in turquoise with crabapple blossoms and clouds. Resting on the foot pedestal is a saucer with framed panels and overlapping circle patterns as well as turquoise lines around the edge. Inside the framed panels are interlocking branch patterns and turquoise inlays. Above the saucer, is a round stand with interlocking lotus patterns and turquoise plum blossoms.   

The pure white jade bowl is undecorated on the outside but has an inscription in Tibetan on the inside. The swelling cover with broad brim has interlocking lotus patterns and turquoise decorations. The upper part of the cover is embossed with lotus petal patterns. It is topped with a bud-shaped knob. 

Although various covered bowls were used at the court during the Qing dynasty, those with both jade and gold are rarely seen. The exquisite techniques contribute to this excellent work that is both practical and beautiful.

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Gold Cup with Jewel Inlay: Eternal Territorial Integrity, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

April 18, 2017, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: Gourd-shaped Ewer with Dragons in Clouds, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

≪ Previous: Jade Bowl with Floral Design and Turquoise Inlays (Jin zanhua gaozu baiyu gaiwan), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

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Gold Cup with Jewel Inlay: Eternal Territorial Integrity, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty, height: 12.5 cm, mouth diameter: 8 cm © The Palace Museum. 

This gold cup in the shape of a round tripod has a straight mouth rim with a band of rectangular spiral patterns around it. The four characters for "Eternal Territorial Integrity" are carved on one side of the cup, and the four characters for "Made in the Qianlong reign," on the other side. Rosette designs cover the entire outside surface of the cup with the pistils inlaid with pearls, ruby, sapphire and other jewels. The two handles are shaped as stylized dragons with pearls inlaid on the dragon heads. The three legs are in the shape of elephant heads with small ears, long tusks and curled trunks. The foreheads and eyes of the elephants are inlaid with jewels. During the reign of the Emperor Qianlong, wine cups of all styles were made by the palace's Department of Works. Many of them had dragon-shaped handles of different styles. But very few had elephant-shaped legs. This gold cup is one of the best both in design and in craftsmanship and was made especially for use by the emperor.

Gourd-shaped Ewer with Dragons in Clouds, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

April 18, 2017, 2:27 pm

≫ Next: Gold Tea Bowl with Characters for Longevity and Happiness, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

≪ Previous: Gold Cup with Jewel Inlay: Eternal Territorial Integrity, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

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Gourd-shaped Ewer with Dragons in Clouds, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Gold and semi-precious stones. Height: 28.8 cm, mouth diameter: 5.3 cm, foot diameter: 10.1cm © The Palace Museum. 

The gourd-shaped ewer is made of an alloy which is seventy percent pure gold. Its spout is decorated with a beast and linked to the body by a dragon. The exterior is incised with a motif depicting two dragons competing for a pearl. The ewer has inlays of various semi-precious stones including pearl, ruby, turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli. The area above the foot ring is carved with patterns of mountains and waves. A gold chain links the cover and the handle.   

The gold ewer combines incised patterns and semi-precious stone inlays to enhance its beauty. It was presumably one of a pair of wine vessels that was used at banquets for the emperor or the empress.

Gold Tea Bowl with Characters for Longevity and Happiness, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

April 18, 2017, 2:33 pm

≫ Next: Gourd-shaped Ewer with Gold Floral Patterns, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

≪ Previous: Gourd-shaped Ewer with Dragons in Clouds, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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Gold Tea Bowl with Characters for Longevity and Happiness, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Gold, height: 6 cm, mouth diameter: 9.5 cm, foot diameter: 5.1 cm © The Palace Museum. 

The tea bowl is made of a metal alloy that is eighty percent pure gold. Both the exterior lip and the foot ring are rimmed with meandering patterns. The stomach is incised with four medallion characters for longevity (shou) and four double happiness (xi) characters. The area above the foot ring is decorated with a circle of lotus. The foot bears an inscription indicting the year of manufacture and weight of the bowl.   

The tea bowl has exquisite carvings and an elegant design. Even in the Qing court, gold objects were not used by the emperor in his daily life. Displayed in the grand ceremonies, this tea bowl was made based on the description in the record of the Collective Rituals of the Great Qing Dynasty (Daqing huidian).

Gourd-shaped Ewer with Gold Floral Patterns, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

April 18, 2017, 2:37 pm

≫ Next: Ewer in Form of Tibetan Vase with Sanskrit Patterns (Yin zanhua fanwen pengba hu), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

≪ Previous: Gold Tea Bowl with Characters for Longevity and Happiness, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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Gourd-shaped Ewer with Gold Floral Patterns, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911), silver and gold, height: 48 cm, mouth diameter: 7.5 cm © The Palace Museum. 

In the form of a gourd, the silver ewer has a pagoda-shape cover and a long spout decorated with a dragon extending from the lower segment of the gourd. Its cover is embossed with many lotus. The body of the gourd is incised with three sets of patterns from the top to the bottom. Each features a larger gilded stylized lotus surrounded by six smaller ones. The upper segment of the gourd has two dividing lines, between which are two circles of leaf patterns. The foot bears a six-character Qianlong reign mark written in regular script (kai shu) in a rectangular frame. Of a relatively large size, this ewer was used by the emperor during hunting outside the imperial palace.

Ewer in Form of Tibetan Vase with Sanskrit Patterns (Yin zanhua fanwen pengba hu), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

April 18, 2017, 2:43 pm

≫ Next: Gilded Silver Inkstone Container with Enamel Inlays, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

≪ Previous: Gourd-shaped Ewer with Gold Floral Patterns, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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Ewer in Form of Tibetan Vase with Sanskrit Patterns (Yin zanhua fanwen pengba hu), Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911), silver, overall height: 21.2cm, mouth diameter: 1.3 cm, bottom diameter: 9.8 cm © The Palace Museum. 

The ewer is characterized by a small mouth, flat belly and a long spout which is connected to the body with a relief animal's head. Its cover and stand are shaped like lotus blossoms. The center of the belly is decorated with gilded Sanskrit seed characters. On the neck and belly are patterns of lotus blossoms and other flowers. The foot also has a flower design.   

This beautiful ewer, with its distinctive shape, was a ritual implement in Tantric Buddhist worship at the court.