Lot 195
  • 195

A TWELVE-PANEL 'EIGHTEEN SCHOLARS' COROMANDEL SCREEN QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description

  • Wood and lacquer
the panels well-carved with a continuous scene depicting the convening of the famous 'Eighteen Scholars of the Tang', many engaging in literati pursuits such as calligraphy, painting, music, others conversing, enjoying cups of wine, and still others arriving carrying bundles of books, some on foot, some on horseback, at the palace gates, all amidst a verdant garden setting of rich foliage and elegant furnished pavilions, and bustling attendants, the 'Hundred Antiques' along the top border and real and mythical beasts below, the outer panels each with a single writhing four-clawed dragon and further beasts, the reverse undecorated

Provenance

Collection of Baron Jean-Germain Cassel Van Doorn (1882-1953), New Jersey (by repute).
Acquired by the family of the present owner circa 1960, and thence by descent.

Condition

Each panel has been re-mounted onto a wood board backing; the panels are separating from the backing in some areas. The top border and lower apron and legs have been removed. The panels have expected vertical age cracks, as well as lifting, cracks, and losses to the lacquer and pigments (some stabilized or retouched). The consolidant applied to the vertical cracks, to a large area at the top left, and to scattered other areas has darkened to black. The paper strata by the 'gate' and 'willow trees' is loose. There are scattered unrestored areas (largest is at lower center, approx. 18 x 3.5 cm). There is a superficial cloudy-white residue on the lower sections, probably from a cleaning solvent and probably easily removed.
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

Emperor Taizong (r. 626-649) of the Tang dynasty, while still Prince Qin, was granted the authority to recruit his own elite council of advisors. He established the Institute of Literary Studies, comprised of some of the most accomplished and erudite Confucian scholars. Its members lived within the imperial household and were supplied with fine cuisine and wine. The scholars were divided into three shifts, with six members on duty at all times to accommodate Prince Qin’s irregular schedule. In honor of this august assemblage, after ascending the throne, Emperor Taizong commissioned the imperial artist Yan Liben (circa 601-674) to depict the eighteen scholars. The present composition is most likely derived from the recorded description of a Song Dynasty rendering of the famous group of scholars, which portrayed them gathering in small groups in an outdoor setting. This format evolved in the Ming dynasty to incorporate and formalize the ‘Four Accomplishments’; mastery of calligraphy, painting, weiqi and the qin.