A 'GUANGDONG TRIBUTE' IVORY RAFT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved in the form of a prunus log, one end with branches of flowering prunus, the smiling figure of a woman standing in the middle of the raft and waving, and a child sitting at her side holding a paddle, traces of blue, black, yellow, red and green pigment, wood stand

The raft is in good overall condition. The two figures and the branches and stem of the prunus are carved separate and fixed to the raft. The raft itself is fixed to the stand which is lined with yellow silk. The colour of the ivory is a slightly warmer tone than the illustration suggests.
"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."

The present ivory raft with figures is exceptional for its meticulous carving. It is representative of the finest carvings by artists who worked in the ivory workshops in Guangzhou and manufactured items for tribute to the Imperial court.

A related ivory carving of a raft in the form of a prunus log with three figures is illustrated in Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection, Hong Kong, 1990, pl. 154; another was included in the exhibition, The Minor Arts of China IV, Spink and Son Ltd., 1989, cat.no. 46; and a third related example was sold in our New York rooms, 15th February 1985, lot 860. See also a carving of figures in a composite landscape published in Selected Ivory Carvings from the Sir Victor Sassoon Chinese Ivories Trust, London, 1999, pl. 48.