AN IMPERIAL IVORY BOX AND COVER AND A CARVED INKSTONE SIGNED GU ERNIANG QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

of circular form, the cover centred with a medallion containing a pair of finely carved cranes on rockwork among bamboo and pines bordered by a band with two archaistic phoenix divided by a bat, the outer edge with a band of comma reliefs, the sides carved with four interlocking pairs of kui dragons, the underside and sides of the inkstone carved overall with a basketweave pattern and signed Wuzhong Gu Erniang zao ('Made by Gu Erniang of Wuzhong')

Sotheby's New York, 6^th December 1989, lot 57.

The overall condition is very good. The ivory box is in very good condition with only a 1.5 cm x 0.2cm section of the cover that has been restored with a carved sliver replacement. The surface has no age cracks, but has an attractive slightly yellowed patina. The cover and the base fit, but not snuggly; there is a slight gap. The inkstone has a few superficial nicks to the basketweave on the exterior.
"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."

It is rare to find inkstone boxes made in ivory and the present example appears to be unique. It is finely carved with the design of cranes amongst pine and bamboo, a motif that is rich in symbolism and conveys the auspicious wish for longevity. Cranes were said to live for a thousand years, while both the bamboo and the pine tree are revered for their resilience and long lifespan. The high degree of workmanship that possibly used a lathe to turn out round pieces, combined with the sensitive arrangement of the main design on the cover is characteristic of pieces made for the Imperial Court during the early Qing dynasty. For example, see a square brushpot finely carved in a related manner with the design of the flowers of the four seasons positioned to resemble a painting in a frame, attributed to the early Qing period, included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 141. 

Gu Erniang is widely considered to be one of the finest known Qing period inkstone carvers. A native of the Zhuanzhu xiang area of Wumen, modern day Suzhou in Jiangsu province, Gu was born into a family of inkstone carvers, although she was certainly its most famous member and especially noted for her skills in choosing fine stones. It is said that she was able to judge a stone with the point of her shoe, hence being nicknamed 'Gu Xiaojiao' (Little Foot Gu).  For an example of her work, see a similar inkstone decorated with a larger basketweave and inscribed with her place of birth, Wumen (Wuzhong), included in the exhibition The Fine Chinese Inkstone Collection of Steven Hung and Lindy Chern, Taipei, 2001, pp. 58-59.