拍品 2090
  • 2090

A RARE CLOISONNE GILT-BRONZE CONCH SHELL QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

估價
800,000 - 1,200,000 HKD
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描述

modelled in the form of a conch shell in the round, the spiral exterior decorated in cloisonné with fish, shrimps, crabs and frogs swimming in a continuous deep blue lotus pond with small conch shells, the interior similarly decorated with rockwork, pearls, and a handscroll above cresting waves, wood stand

來源

Christie's Hong Kong, 27th May 2008, lot 1870.

Condition

There are some typical small losses and burst air bubbles to the enamels. The largest enamel loss measures about 0.5 cm to the interior. There are also some occasional dents and chips to the gilt-bronze body, including a chip of about 0.5 cm next to a 0.3 cm dent at the tip. Apart from some wear to the gilt decoration, the overall condition is otherwise quite good.
"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."

拍品資料及來源

Cloisonné enamel depictions of conch shells are extremely rare and no other example appears to have been published. From as early as the Tang dynasty (618-907) conch shells were reproduced in various materials; see a sancai shell-shaped vessel from the Barlow collection, illustrated in Craig Clunas, The Barlow Collection of Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades: an Introduction, Brighton, 1997, pl. 11; a 'Ding' model published in Ding ci yi shu, Hebei, 2002, pl. 113; a lapis lazuli example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in Monarchy and Its Buddhist Way. Tibetan-Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, pl. 65; and a fine white jade carving sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st December 2010, lot 2960.

The conch shell (sankha) is one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixiang) and as it comes from the ocean it represents the far-reaching sound of the Buddha's teachings. The Kangxi emperor's devotion to Tibetan Buddhism saw the introduction of magnificent ritual implements into the Qing court which combined the traditional canonical prescriptions with the opulent style of imperial wares.