AN IMPERIAL CARNELIAN-AGATE 'TWO FIGURES' GROUP AND LAPIS LAZULI STAND QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

carved as two figures closely standing next to each other with a recumbent Buddhist lion resting by their side, the figures adorned in hats and long flowing robes, one of them depicted holding a peach in both hands, the other holding a lingzhi spray in one hand and supporting a long gnarled branch over his shoulder in the other, a basket with lingzhi blooms hanging from the branch, the stone of a variegated red colour with banded areas skilfully picked out to depict the backs of the Buddhist lion and the back of the figures, lapis lazuli stand carved with lingzhi-shaped clouds

The carnelian-agate figures are in overall good condition with natural inclusions and crackles with related losses. There has been polishing to some of the extremities with corresponding minute losses to detail, others such as the tip of the basket have minute abrasive areas. There is a circular aperture where it was mounted on the stand. The lapis lazuli stand is in overall good condition with just expected minute nicks to the extremities.
"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.
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Carnelian-agate, imported from India or as far afield as the Americas, was highly prized at the Qing court, reserved for the finest quality carved snuff bottles and refined objects. The classification of agates and other quartz in the import records of the Guangzhou customs agency is not sufficiently precise to identify how much was imported, but judging by the paucity of material in the holdings of the Palace Museum and the quality of the output, it was clearly selectively utilised.

For a carnelian-agate brush holder from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Small Refined Articles of the Study. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Shanghai, 2011, p. 122, pl. 91. Like the current carving, where the figures are depicted holding a sprig of lingzhi and a peach, both emblematic of longevity, the Palace Museum vessel is carved with lingzhi, peach, bats and crane. The exquisite lapis stand for the current figures group, which was clearly carved contemporaneously for the piece, is also carved with lingzhi-shaped clouds. It may well be that this rare hardstone, expensively imported and particularly exotic in this case with its attractive banded striations, was particularly auspicious and associated with longevity.