Mortier en ivoire sculpté Dynastie Qing, XVIIE siècle

circulaire, les parois largement évasées sur un pied ourlé, le pourtour très finement sculpté de deux registres séparés par un anneau en relief, la partie supérieure à décor continu de deux dragons parmi les flammes, la partie inférieure de deux phénix séparés par un oiseau volant au-dessus d'un couple de renards, l'ivoire avec une belle patine d'âge

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and early 1990s.

The mortar is in overall very good condition. There is old crackling to the interior and exterior of the mortar consistent with the material and age of the piece. There are traces of red pigment in the recessed areas of the carved design and the ivory shows a beautiful soft yellow patina.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A number of ivory mortars of this distinctive shape and design are known, among them a mortar and pestle in the ethnographic collection of the Nationalmuseet in Copenhagen, inventoried in Copenhagen in 1674 and suggesting a similar 17th century date for the present example. Compare three examples, illustrated in William Watson (ed.), Chinese Ivories from the Shang to the Qing, London, 1984, pp. 160-161, figs. 200-202.