- 158
Rare montagne en stéatite Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 EUR
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Description
- Soapstone
finement sculptée sur un côté de Shoulao avançant sur un chemin de montagne escarpé, accompagné d'un serviteur agenouillé lui présentant une coupelle remplie de pêches, la paroi rocheuse ponctuée d'une chute d'eau et de pins, l'autre côté sculpté d'un daim solitaire un lingzhi dans la gueule contemplant une chauve-souris en vol dans un décor similaire, la pierre rehaussée d'inclusions lie-de-vin
Provenance
Acquired in China before 1922.
Thence in the family by descent.
Thence in the family by descent.
Condition
The piece is in overall good condition, the stone polished to a soft glow with some unpolished parts along the base.
"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."
"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
As noted by Hugh Moss in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 2011 (reprint), p. 52, the various stones of the soapstone group were a favoured material of the literati from the Ming Dynasty onwards. A humble stone, it was highly appreciated above precious materials, encouraging the artists to make some of the finest pieces of sculpture of predominantly small size that fully expressed Chinese connoisseurship.
The present piece is unusual both in size and subject. Using a large piece of stone of contrasting creamy white and mottled deep red tones, it depicts a towering cliffside with an immortal. The fine yet subtle quality of the carving is enhanced by the beautiful soft patina. Unassuming at first glance, the fine carving reveals itself gradually thus displaying the capacity of the carver to evoke an image of a much grander scale.
The present piece is unusual both in size and subject. Using a large piece of stone of contrasting creamy white and mottled deep red tones, it depicts a towering cliffside with an immortal. The fine yet subtle quality of the carving is enhanced by the beautiful soft patina. Unassuming at first glance, the fine carving reveals itself gradually thus displaying the capacity of the carver to evoke an image of a much grander scale.