拍品 190
  • 190

明 / 清 象牙雕「蓮葉」形墨床

估價
120,000 - 150,000 HKD
招標截止

描述

  • Ivory with ebony stand
modelled in the form of a furled lotus leaf with a budding flower, growing from a pair of intertwined stems opposite the bud, allowing it to function as an occasional brushrest, stand

Condition

Apart from typical age cracks and the light surface wear visible in the photo, the overall condition is very good. The carved wood stand is in good condition. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration, a fraction more pale brown and less yellow.
"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

The present finely carved ivory piece, in the form of a lotus leaf, was primarily designed as an inkrest with the two severed stalks providing an ideal resting place for a brush, however, it may have also been used as a paperweight. It is a superb example of a series of small, well carved ivory group made for the scholar’s studio that was designed to be multi-functional. The form of a lotus leaf and the bud together is full of auspicious connotation, with the many seeds found in the pod representing the wish for the continuation of the male line (lianzi).

For a later example see a stained ivory piece carved as a lotus leaf, from the collection of Sir Victor Sassoon, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Ivories from the Shang to the Qing, London, 1984, cat. no. 217; and a small ivory lotus-leaf form tray, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 29.