A LARGE IMPERIAL INSCRIBED CARVED LACQUER PANEL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved through cinnabar lacquer to reveal a black-lacquer layer, depicting a central group of three luohan seated and standing on a rocky outcrop, above another group standing and conversing with a figure on a small bridge, set within a mountainous river landscape, with rocky outcrops, pine trees and swirling clouds, the upper left section with long inscription, all within a frame of key-fret and scrolling peony and lotus

Collection of Lieut.-Colonel Arthur Bowdich Cottell, member of the English College of Surgeons and in charge of the hospital ship Meanee in Hong Kong between 1882-83. Purchased by him whilst in Hong Kong. 

This fine panel is in very good overall condition with the exception of: some possible sun damage to the upper section of the sky which has caused the lacquer to lose partial definition to the carving; twelve small chips and losses to the tips of the branches of the pine tree to the left, four to the pine tree in the middle and four to the pine tree on the right side of the panel; the loss to the tip of the fly-whisk held by the Immortal on the left and loss to the bottom of the staff held by the Immortal on the right; partial loss to strokes on sixteen of the characters in the inscription; light age craquelure to the sky at the left; 2.5cm., diagonal deep scratch to the sky top right; 1.5cm., wide shallow flake to the inner bottom right side edge of the frame; minor chipping and dixcolouration around the outside edge of the frame; very minor loss and nicks to the foliage band around the frame; a 5mm., wide shallow flake to the bootom left edge of the frame; 2.5cm., shallow chip to the bottom left edge of the frame; small areas of scratching to the black lacquer on the back especially at the corners, characteristic light age cracks to the black lacquer; and a slight convex bow to the panel from left to right.
"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 panel is a fine example of the exceptional workmanship achieved by lacquer carvers of the Qianlong period. It is meticulously detailed with each figure carefully executed, paying close attention to aspects such as facial expressions and body gestures. The inscription seen on the panel provides a detailed description of the eight luohan figures carved on the panel which include:
Ka-li-ha or Kala, who rules over Sinha the Lion region and attained arhatship. Kala sits in meditation and has extremely long eyebrows that he holds up from the ground. Seated next to Kala is Fa-she-na-fu-t'o or Vajraputra, who rules over the Po-la-na division of the world and is generally represented with a lean body and his ribs showing. Holding a staff next to Vajraputra is Ka-no-ka-fa-ts'o or Kanaka the Vatsa, who was originally the disciple of Buddha and was said to understand all systems good and bad. Seated by the edge of the lake are Tan-mo-lo-po-t'o or Tamra, Bhadra, who was Buddha's cousin and one of his great disciples, and A-tzu-ta or Ajita, who is said to be the incarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Tamra is represented in meditation holding his prayer beads, while Ajita is depicted as an old man seated on a rock grasping his bamboo staff. Seated holding a wooden staff and a book is Yin-chieh-t'o or Angida, and next to him is the smiley faced Na-ka-hsi-na, Nagasena, who was the expert in propounding the essentials of Buddhism and had a ready wit and a commanding presence. Fa-na-p'o-ssu, also called Vanavasa, is depicted seated in the lower corner of the panel with closed eyes in meditation and hands folded over his knees. Luohan were monks who had attained sainthood through diligent study and good deeds. One traditional group is composed of sixteen luohan, who were all loyal disciples of Buddha. They are usually depicted as elderly monks with ears pierced wearing circular earrings and with a specific attribute that has a symbolic meaning and helps identify them. The landscape setting seen on the panel has further symbolic reference that is most auspicious. For example see the fruiting peach tree laden with large juicy peaches, symbol of longevity, and the five pine trees representing wisdom, steadfastiness and self-discipline.  

The present panel is special for its well preserved condition, with only a small number of related examples of the type extant today. For a panel of similar form and dimensions see one carved with a scene of boys playing in a garden setting surrounded by lakes and pavilions, sold at Christie's New York, 21st March 2000, lot 67, and again in London, 12th November 2002, lot 37. Compare also a large panel carved in a related manner with a battle scene from one of Qianlong's military campaigns, sold at Christie's London, 12th July 2005, lot 148, inscribed with a poem dated to 1788. Compare also a panel sold at Christie's London, 9th June 1975, lot 125, carved with various groups of immortals, including the Queen Mother of the West, Xiwangmu.