Description: Transparent rock crystal with natural inclusions some of which appear like golden speckles
China, 18th century
This masterly carved and incised rock crystal cup bears an intricate geometrical décor at the round vessel, standing in beautiful contrast to the plain Chilong dragon. The beast is excellently carved and polished and its tail as well as a heavenly band stretch along most of the centerpiece.
Rock crystal objects were highly sought after by Qing Dynasty literati who referred to the material as ‘water turned to stone’.
Shape: Cup shape with figural handle, accentuated foot rim
Dimensions: 7 cm (height), 10,5 cm (length)
Condition: Good condition with fine hand patina as well as very few tiny nicks
Provenance: Austrian Private collection
Literature comparison: Sotheby’s, GEMS OF CHINESE ART FROM THE SPEELMAN COLLECTION I, 03 APRIL 2018, HONG KONG, lot 3445 (for an important Imperial example of a rock crystal vessel with the chilong motif).
十八世紀“螭龍”執柄水晶杯
透明水晶石,天然内沁,有幾處類似金片
中國,十八世紀
這件精湛雕刻的水晶執杯杯體上有反復的雷紋裝飾,與極具立體感的螭龍形成鮮明對比。 這隻螭龍雕刻精美,表面拋光,其尾巴以及身軀部位剛建有力,是整件作品的點睛之筆。
在清代,水晶因爲它的純净與高雅,尤其被文人推崇,人稱水玉、水精等。
形狀:執柄杯
尺寸:7x10,5 cm (高x寬)
品相良好,包漿細膩,有輕微磕損
奧地利私人收藏
文獻參考:蘇富比《淵雅尚典-史博曼雅藏中國藝術珍品》,2018年4月3日,拍品3445號 (一件重要的御製螭龍水晶筆洗)