Lot 3519
  • 3519

A 'HUANGHUALI' STEELYARD CASE EARLY QING DYNASTY

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 HKD
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Description

  • huanghuali
modelled in the form of a stylised fish, the case comprising an upper and lower half that can slide open and shut, hinged together near the tail end with a pin comprising a huangtong floral knob and a chrysanthemum-shaped plate, the lower half with recessed sections on the interior, housing a baitong and bone steelyard, the exterior of the other inlaid in metal with two characters reading Wang Ji

Exhibited

Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 176-177.

Condition

Good overall condition with just minor surface wear.
"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

This type of miniature steelyard, contained in a beautifully grained huanghuali wood case, was used for weighing precious material and medicine.

See a similar example but lacquered in black and gold in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhu Jiajin and Xia Gengqi, eds, Zhongguo Qiqi Quanji [Complete Book of Chinese Lacquer], vol. 5: Ming, Fuzhou, 1995, pl. 152.