grand panneau auspicieux en laque Chine, dynastie Qing, XIXE siècle

orné au centre en relief d'un large caractère Shou doré sur un fond noir décoré de chauve-souris en vol, le caractère finement décoré de neuf dragons à cinq griffes férocement représentés geules ouvertes et yeux exorbités, les corps en jaune et bleu ondulants en générant des flammes, se disputant des perles d'immortalités dans un décor de rivages rocheux, le fond décoré de nuages auspicieux ruyiyun en émaux polychromes, le panneau encadré d'entrelacs géométriques leiwen et de fleurs de lotus dans des médaillons en réserve

The gilt of the rim is rubbed as can be seen in the illustration; there are a few minor lacquer loss to the edge. There are 3 cracks (circa 10cm, 6cm+20cm from the top) on the ju character. Otherwise in good condition.
"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."

l'ensemble du décor de ce panneau exalte la souveraineté suprême de l'empereur. Le dragon à cinq griffes, emblême qui lui est réservé est décliné neuf fois. Chiffre symbolique, il est présent dans de nombreux événements de la vie de l'empereur, et rythme également la construction des bâtiments impériaux. Les motifs de nuages (le ciel) de rocher (la terre) et de vague ( les mers) font référence à l'univers dans lequel évolue l'empereur.

It is rare to find lacquer panels with the shou character although this design element appears on various wares and decorative object of the Qing dynasty. The shou character was much favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) who was fond of calligraphy and painting and had written the character on large scrolls. See a scroll written by Cixi included in the exhibition Imperial Treasures from China, National Gallery of Greece, Athens, 2004, cat.no. 107, from the Palace Museum, Beijing.

For earlier examples of the shou character used as a decorative motif see a Jiajing lacquer tray and box, carved with a fu and a shou character, respectively, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Gugong Bowuyuan cang diao qi, Beijing, 1985, pls. 200 and 201. It is interesting to note that it was in the Qing dynasty that the Ming concept of using the shou and fu characters as decorative patterns was revived. A Qing polychrome lacquer dish carved with a fu character with strokes filled with flowers and emblems, also in the Palace Museum, is included ibid., pl. 285.