- 135
A BOXWOOD RUYI SCEPTER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- 43.8 cm, 17 1/4 in.
the ruyi-shaped head carved with a shou character below a wan symbol, enclosed by three stylised lotus sprays and foliage scrolls, all below a bat in flight with wings stretched, the long curved elegant stem finely detailed with a pair of cranes below a pine tree and scrolling clouds, with a keyfret border at the handle, the smooth patina of a warm reddish-orange tone
Provenance
Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th October 2010, lot 2195.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th October 2010, lot 2195.
Condition
This sceptre is in good condition, apart from an approx. 1 cm chip to the underside of the head at the top to one side of the bat and an approx. 1.9 cm crack to the other side of the bat.
"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."
"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
The present elegantly formed and finely carved sceptre bears all the characteristics associated with 18th century wood carving in China. The design, carefully planned and executed, is full of auspicious symbolism. The crane (he) and the pine (song) together form the rebus 'songhe changchun' meaning 'may you enjoy a life as long as the pine and crane' conveying the wish for longevity. The lingzhi fungus is another symbol for longevity, while the shou and wan characters together form the saying 'wanshou wujiang' meaning 'may one have long life without boundaries'. The bats represent happiness and good fortune.