Lot 1986
  • 1986

A RARE ROCK CRYSTAL DUCK-FORM VESSEL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

Estimate
500,000 - 700,000 HKD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

the stone of nearly flawless clarity, carved in the form of an archaistic duck standing foresquare and hollowed to form a pouring vessel, the deep compressed body carved in high relief with stylized scrolling plumage rising to a tapering neck and everted rim, the stylized tail incised with the four character Qianlong nianzhi seal mark

Condition

Apart from some old nicks to the edge of the seal face and vertical corners and a 1cm polished indentation on the side, the overall condition is very good. The actual colour is slightly paler than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Ewers fashioned out of rock crystal are rare although an example in the shape of the archaic bronze guang, with a cover, and carved with clambering chilong is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 44.

The present vessel is characteristic of products made in the Imperial Palace Workshop (Zaobanchu) located in the Forbidden City. The wheel-cut four-character reign mark is typical of the Palace Workshops, appearing across a range of wares made for the Qianlong emperor and the Imperial Household. For a detailed discussion of imperial marks see Hugh Moss and Gerard Tsang, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 156.

One of the earliest records on rock crystal dates from the Tang dynasty (618-907) where it is mentioned as a product of 'water turned to stone' and 'a beautiful material imported from Persia', hence the Chinese name shuijing, 'the brilliance of water'. Historically rock crystal has been popular with the literati who associated clear crystal with 'plain beauty' and had various scholars' objects made of this material. However the majority of rock crystals are of the 18th century, and the pieces produced during the Qianlong period are most outstanding for their quality of carving and purity of the stone.

For examples of rock crystal carvings see a cup and a vase, both from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong, 2004, pls. 22-3. Compare also a brushpot with the four-character Qianlong yuyong (Made for the Imperial Use of the Qianlong Emperor) mark, attributed to the Palace Workshops, included in the Fung Ping Shan Museum exhibition, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 130.

Ewers of similar form can also be found made of jade; for example see one illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, op. cit., pl. 37.