Description: Smoky quartz of fine transparent quality in light to dark grey hues, natural inclusions
China, 18th / early 19th century
This large brush washer is masterly carved and bears two compartments, both in the shape of a lotus leaf. On the upper rim of the larger leaf we see two tiny ducklings, facing each other. We also find a smaller lotus bud as well as a capsule with the seeds visible growing from a branch that also functions as the figural base. An overtly clever naturalistic carving by a gifted artist.
Shape: Figural shape
Dimensions: 6,5 cm (height), 16,5 cm (length)
Condition: Good condition with fine hand patina
Provenance: Austrian Private collection
Literature comparison: Christie’s, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 May 2013, London, lot 85 (for another double-compartment brush washer of comparable size and with a floral motif, carved from rock crystal and dating to the 19th century).
清代大型煙晶“鴨戯蓮葉”筆洗
透明晶瑩的煙晶,深灰色,天然絮狀物
中國,十八世紀至十九世紀初
這件大型筆洗雕工精湛,通過蓮葉彎卷曲綫把筆洗雕成兩個隔層,均呈蓮葉形狀。 在較大的葉子的上緣,可以看到兩只小鴨子,彼此面對。 我們還發現一個較小的蓮藕芽以及一個可見的蓮蓬。 本器以把蓮為形制特點,生動逼真,的確是一件天才匠人的自然主義雕刻作品。
形狀:隨形而雕
尺寸:6,5 x16,5 cm (高x長)
品相良好,包漿細膩
奧地利私人收藏
文獻參考:佳士得《中國陶瓷與工藝品》,2013年5月14日,倫敦,85號拍品 (另一件雙層筆洗,類似尺寸,水晶雕刻花卉,十九世紀)