Description: Ivory engraved and carved in low relief. Good patina
China, Kangxi, around 1700
The rectangular plaque carved with a scene from the Xi Xiangji, the reverse with a vase and fan and a short poetic inscription. The Story of the Western Wing (traditional Chinese: 西廂記; pinyin: Xīxiāng Jì), also translated as Romance of the Western Chamber, is one of the most famous Chinese dramatic works. It was written by the Yuan dynasty playwright Wang Shifu (王實甫) and set during the Tang dynasty. Known as "China's most popular love comedy," it is the story of a young couple consummating their love without parental approval, and has been seen both as a "lover's bible" and "potentially lethal," as readers were in danger of pining away under its influence.
Shape: Table screen plaque
Weight: 149,7 grams
Dimensions: Height 19,5 x 11 cm
Condition: Some age cracks, one chip to edge. Generally in very good condition
Provenance: United Kingdom private collection
Literature: Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection. December 1990. By Simon Kwan, Peter Y. K. Lam and Yang Boda. (for a comprehensive overview of Chinese ivories and many interesting examples from the Kangxi period)
Auction result comparison: CHINESE ART. Sotheby’s, 3 DECEMBER 2015, HONG KONG, lot 445. (for a related table screen)
康熙年間象牙雕”西廂記”硯屏
象牙淺浮雕,色澤良好
中國,康熙,約1700年
背面刻有白居易《杭州春望》青旗沽酒趁梨花
品相完善
英國私人收藏