- 223
清十八世紀 青金石嵌百寶蓮紋燭臺一對
估價
60,000 - 80,000 USD
招標截止
描述
- lapis lazuli
each of square section, pieced together from separate pieces of lapis lazuli to form a candlestick with drip pan, column, tray and base, the decoration of stylized lotus blossoms and scrolling foliage surrounded by angular scrolls formed from carnelian, turquoise, rose quartz, tourmaline and agate inlay, the interiors of the drip pan, tray and base lined in gilt-bronze, the 'candles' made from rounded sections of carnelian encased with openwork gilt-bronze worked with the design of a five-clawed dragon amid clouds, the 'flame' made from a carnelian bead surrounded by flames to resemble a flaming pearl, wood stand (6)
來源
American Art Galleries，恭親王收藏，紐約，1913年2月27至3月1日，拍品編號198（其一）
Condition
Both candlesticks with scattered fill, replacements and losses to the lapis, as well as enhancement to the blue. Some of the inlay has been reattached, replaced and some are still missing. There are cracks to the carnelian 'candles' and one 'flame' is bent.
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.
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.
拍品資料及來源
Traditionally symbolic of purity and rarity, lapis lazuli appears to have been named qing jin shi (blue gold stone) during the Qing dynasty. The aura of mystery that surrounded this stone may have been due to the virtually inaccessible location of its principle mines in the remote Badakshan region of northeast Afghanistan behind the Hindu Kush. According to Ming Wilson in ‘The Colour of Stones’, Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society, vol. 62, 1997-98, p. 34, there are no known records identifying this stone before the Qing period although beads attributed to the Western Han period have been excavated. Its natural smoothness allowed it to be polished to a high degree which highlighted the brilliance of its blue color and contrasting natural inclusions. Carvings fashioned from lapis lazuli are relatively uncommon and were reserved for the imperial court.
A three-piece garniture similarly inlaid with semi-precious stones, possibly the original set to these candlesticks, was sold in these rooms, 17th April 1985, lot 254. Further examples of embellished lapis lazuli carvings include a pair of elephants, two stupas and a figure of Buddha, all from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong, 2004, pls. 25, 176-177 and 182.
In their form and decoration, the present candlesticks are reminiscent of those made from cloisonné enamel; see a pair sold at Christie’s New York, 17th September 2008.
A three-piece garniture similarly inlaid with semi-precious stones, possibly the original set to these candlesticks, was sold in these rooms, 17th April 1985, lot 254. Further examples of embellished lapis lazuli carvings include a pair of elephants, two stupas and a figure of Buddha, all from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong, 2004, pls. 25, 176-177 and 182.
In their form and decoration, the present candlesticks are reminiscent of those made from cloisonné enamel; see a pair sold at Christie’s New York, 17th September 2008.