Description: Amber of bright orange color with opaque and translucent areas, smooth surface polish
China, 18th century
This fine amber miniature carving depicts Dongfang Shuo, a Daoist immortal, with a small basket at his back. Most certainly in the basket we would find the peach of longevity, Dongfang Shuo is known to have stolen. The mischievous smile on his face tells the whole legend.
The bright orange color and the vivid interplay of translucent and opaque areas make this piece a special little gem. Several drillings for suspension.
Shape: Figural shape with small holes for suspension or mounting
Dimensions: 6,3 cm (height), 3,5 cm (length), 2,5 cm (width)
Condition: Extensive hand patina, several notches and nicks
Provenance: Old Austrian Private collection, assembled in the 1930s to early 1950s
Literature comparison: For another amber miniature carving of Dongfang Shuo see Sotheby’s, ROGER KEVERNE - 50 YEARS IN THE TRADE, 05 OCTOBER 2016, HONG KONG, lot 88
十八世紀琥珀雕“東方朔”
包漿潤澤, 局部有缺口和劃痕
奧地利私人老收藏,上世紀三十年代至五十年代間購入