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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.
Provenance: Christie’s London, 7 November 2012, lot 416 (dated 19th century), sold for GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 32,500 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). The private collection of Jules Speelman, London, acquired from the above. The storage box with an image of the object labeled ‘9WSP’. 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, two small chips to the fin of one fish and to the rim of the lotus leaf. Little nibbling. The stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed into thin hairline cracks.
Weight: 556 g (the brushwasher), 705 g (incl. stand)
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
Description: An imperial agate washer with a stained ivory stand, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period
Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, form, and manner of carving.
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