AN ELABORATELY CARVED IVORY 'INVESTITURE OF THE GODS' 'FAN' QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

pieced together in the shape of a fixed frame gauze fan, with central stile and long handle, carved on one side with scenes from the Ming dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods), some characters clearly identifiable by their attributes, including Wen Taishi seated in front of his black qilin, Randeng Daoren on his flowered deer, Zhao Gongming with his magic pearl doing battle with Jiang Taigong who counters his attack with his magic pennant, and Nezha on his fire wheels attacking fleeing soldiers with his universal ring, all surrounding a central cloud enclosed panel possibly depicting the scene where the fallen heroes receive their appointments in heaven and are deified, the reverse incised with depictions of female immortals and their attendants, fitted box (2)

Mme. Chiang Kai Shek nee Soong Mei-Ling gifted to Loretta Ng at her wedding in 1947.
Collection of Mrs. Loretta Ng-Quinn Slaton (1922-2009) and thence by descent.

 

The handle is broken, and shows evidence of being previously repaired. There is a screw in the top of the fan from an earlier repair. There are remains of a pin in the handle. There are some minor age cracks and minute nicks along the sides and edges. There is also discoloration along the sides and in areas on the back of the fan.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Consisting of one hundred chapters and covering numerous battles, the Fengshen Yanyi tells the tale of the fight between the Zhou and Shang forces in the declining years of the Shang dynasty. Numerous spirits, immortals, magicians, gods and demons take part in the battles, some fighting to support the ailing Shang dynasty, others on the side of the Zhou. At the end, all those who fought valiantly, no matter on which side, are deified as gods, and given heavenly appointments.  Written during the Ming dynasty, the novel took existing gods from popular religion, and wove them into its plot lines. The novel is still popular today and has formed the basis for numerous television series, movies, cartoons and video games.

Compare a similar fan sold at Bonhams San Francisco, 13th December 2010, lot 5005.