- 337
A CARVED ZITAN 'SQUIRREL AND GRAPEVINE' TRAY QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description
- wood
naturalistically carved in the form of a leaf with shallow undulating sides, the interior with delicately incised 'veins', a flower in full bloom, a pair of of squirrels nibbling at grapes, and further grapes borne on a leafing vine with coiled tendrils all carved in high relief, the gnarled trunk of the plant forming the handle
Condition
One of the short end corners has a diagonal-shaped patch repair approximately 2 inches by 3 inches. The same end with long filled repairs to splitting. There are repaired breaks to small elements of the openwork carving, particularly the vines and one small leaf may be replaced. There is a missing section of vine on the handle side of the tray. There are filled repairs to chips along the rim. The surface generally with expected wear from age and use.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Grapes in Chinese are called putao, the syllable tao, being a homophone for the word 'peach' which is a symbol of longevity. Squirrels are called songshu, the syllable song being the name for 'pine', which also represents longevity. In addition, the spreading vines with numerous fruit and seeds of the grape also represent the flourishing and continuation of the family line. The finely carved motif on this tray therefore carries that hope of long life and a family line that will flourish and grow.