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Expert’s note
Dating unique objects such as the present lot is always a hard challenge. The exceptional quality of the stone and highly refined carving style seen here are only encountered in the finest Chinese agate objects, which were first produced during the Song dynasty (960-1279) and later revived only for a very short period during the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign (1722-1735).
The subsequently applied gold hiramaki-e decoration on this bowl is characteristic of the refined workmanship associated with the early Meiji period (1868-1912), although its remarkable quality may suggest an even earlier date; however, an Edo-period date seems unlikely given the political situation at that time. It is also worth noting here that Japanese collectors and connoisseurs traditionally held Song-dynasty works in particularly high esteem, often regarding them as the pinnacle of refinement and elegance.
In the late 19th century, a tradition emerged in Japan of embellishing Chinese objects, most typically snuff bottles, with maki-e and inlay decoration. While these objects have a distinct charm, the present lot distinguishes itself from them in its restraint, allowing the mesmerizing colors, bands, markings, and translucency of the stone to remain the focal point.
Of oval section, the deep rounded sides supported on a flaring foot with a flat base.
The bowl is exquisitely painted in fine two-tone gold lacquer around the interior sides with delicate sprays of kiku (chrysanthemum), the subtly contrasting shades of gold lending remarkable sophistication to the design, with selected details executed in light relief to enhance the naturalistic effect. The exterior is similarly decorated with finely rendered grasses and blossoms, their slender stems and petals articulated with breathtaking precision and also subtly raised from the polished surface. The mouth and foot are elegantly lined in gyobu nashiji, providing a richly textured contrast to the gold decoration.
The translucent stone of spectacular natural color, carefully selected by the lapidary to exploit its remarkable inherent markings, displaying an intricate interplay of naturally banded ripples and concentric eyes in rich tones of caramel and amber merging into subtle shades of pale gray, with only a few scattered brown inclusions. The softly shifting layers of color lend the stone exceptional depth and movement, their organic patterns becoming particularly vivid as light passes through the translucent material.
Provenance: The private collection of Jules Speelman, London. 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: Superb condition with only minor wear and expected natural imperfections.
Weight: 421 g
Dimensions: Length 22 cm
The application of gold hiramaki-e lacquer directly onto a hardstone body represents a rare and innovative technique. Japanese craftsmen like the Shibayama and Tsuda Families experimented with unconventional and foreign materials including snuff bottles originating from China, in combination with traditional lacquer techniques and inlays of precious materials to create luxury objects intended for an international clientele. This practice reflected both the Japanese appreciation of Chinese antiquities (karamono) and the Meiji-era fascination with creating luxurious works that merged historical objects with contemporary artistic innovation. For a Shibayama style inlaid amber snuff bottle with lacquered blossoms and grasses, possibly by Tanzan, see Bonhams Hong Kong, 25 May 2011, lot 102.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 30 May 2017, lot 103
Price: HKD 2,880,000 or approx. EUR 375,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A very rare agate lobed 'mallow' bowl, The bowl Song dynasty or later; the silver mounts possibly 16th/17th century
Expert remark: This bowl is a rare example of a Song dynasty agate bowl which has later been embellished, in this case with silver mounts. Note the size (18.7 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 12 May 2011, lot 184
Price: GBP 216,000 or approx. EUR 384,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An extremely rare translucent banded agate oval dish, Incised Yongzheng horizontal four-character mark and of the period
Expert remark: Compare the related form, manner of carving, and stone. Note the size (18.7 cm) and Yongzheng reign mark.
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