登录
Expert’s note:
The present figure is impressive for its large size and vibrant color. A sense of playfulness is captured through the creature’s animated expression, bulging eyes and dynamic posture, while its power is implied through the clever incorporation of the natural inclusions of the stone into the overall composition.
Such carvings required craftsmen to visualize their final work by merely examining the pebble while being able to adapt it spontaneously depending on further inclusions they came across while modeling the piece.
Agate is a rare material that naturally forms when the iron content from the earth’s surface is suffused within cooled down lava. This specific type, distinctive for its striking vermilion-red color, is categorized as nanhong (‘south red’) in Chinese, as such material was only available in the southwest part of China, modern-day Yunnan province. This quality of carnelian agate was among the semi-precious stones prized by the Qing court and was more frequently utilized for the production of playthings, snuff bottles and other small intricately carved scholar’s objects during the 18th century, when the art of agate carving reached its unprecedented height.
China. Finely carved in a seated posture, the beast turns its head backwards, its mouth agape revealing sharp fangs, bulging eyes below furrow brows, a wide snout, and goatee, while the bushy tail sweeps alongside its rear haunches. A small horn rises between the ears, its mane and tail incised with fur, and the neck is encircled by a collar suspending a bell.
The stone is of a milky white color transitioning to the upper section in bands of vermilion-red and pale brown with few dark green patches.
Provenance: Rare Art Gallery, New York, 9 May 1980. A private collection in Pennsylvania, United States, acquired from the above. Christie’s New York, 16 March 2015, lot 3018, sold for USD 81,250 or approx. EUR 100,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). The private collection of Jules Speelman, London, acquired from the above. Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2 October 2018, lot 3422, mid-estimate HKD 1,350,000 or approx. EUR 173,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). The figure with a label from the Sotheby’s sale. The Rare Art Gallery was established by the influential art dealer Alan Hartman (1930-2023), after he had taken over his parents’ antique business in Manhattan. The New York gallery was located at 1050 2nd Avenue, before moving to East 63rd Street in the mid-1990s, and then 515 Madison Avenue. Hartman’s wife Simone (née Horowitz) already served as assistant manager of the New York gallery before the couple married in 1975. Alan Hartman has been described as the greatest antiques dealer of our generation, and was widely recognized as a world authority in Chinese jade, bronzes, and Asian works of art. Jules Speelman is a world-leading dealer and collector of East Asian art with 60 years of experience. In 1964 he joined his late father, Alfred, in the family business which already stretched back three generations to 19th century Holland and expanded into England around the turn of the century. Originally, A & J Speelman dealt with antiques, from European ceramics, silver, tapestries, and furniture to Chinese porcelain, and works of art. With his father, Jules gradually shifted the focus towards Asia and under Jules Speelman's skilled direction, A & J Speelman is now considered amongst the foremost dealers in Asian antiques, with a particular emphasis on figurative sculpture and works of art from the past 2000 years.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and tiny nibbles.
Weight: 1,526 g (excl. stand), 1,890 g (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Length 16.3 cm (excl. stand), Height 20.1 cm (incl. stand)
With a finely carved matching hardwood stand dating from the Qing dynasty. (2)
Literature comparison:
Compare a related carnelian agate crane form water dropper, dated 18th century, 7.9 cm wide, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 02.18.876a, b.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 623
Price: USD 75,000 or approx. EUR 91,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small carnelian agate figure of a mythical beast, China, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century
Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, color of the agate, and manner of carving. Note the much smaller size (6.3 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 5 November 2013, lot 36
Price: GBP 62,500 or approx. EUR 106,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A carnelian agate 'phoenix' vase and cover, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the similar material and color. Note the form, size (20 cm), and slightly later dating.
|
|
| Galerie Zacke | |
| 地址： | Zelinkagasse 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria |
| 电话： | 0043-1-5320452 |
| 邮编： | 1070 |
| 向卖家提问 | |
