A LARGE JADE AND HARDSTONE-INLAID ZITAN PANEL QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

of double-gourd form centered by a cloisonné enamel endless knot, decorated to the lower section with various scholar objects and antiques, the upper section with two birds perching on a magnolia tree, the reverse painted in red lacquer and gilt with bats flying amidst scrolling clouds

Panels depicting a combination of antique and contemporary objects began to be produced in the Kangxi reign, although they peaked in popularity during the Qianlong period when they were made in a variety of materials; for double gourd shaped examples see a pair of inlaid lacquer panels sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 362; another pair sold at Christie’s London, 6th November 2007, lot 118; and a pair of hardstone embellished zitan-veneered panels, from the Y.C. Chen collection, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 29th May 2013, lot 1958.

The objects adorning these panels not only represent the scholar’s studio but are also steeped in auspicious symbolism, such as the wish for longevity, good fortune and wealth represented by the lingzhi-decorated brushpot that contains a ruyi sceptre, and a bowl filled with Buddha’s hand citrons (foshou), peach (tao) and pomegranates (shiliu).