Page 36 - Freemam Auction of Asian Art September 10th, 2016

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86 160842/5
A rare Imperial Chinese hunting knife with enameled gold and
silver sheath
qianlong four character mark and of the period
the two-part handle contstructed of lapis lazuli and pure white
nephrite capped with a bead inset gold band, the gilded steel blade
inset to spine with gold wire Qianlong Nianzhi mark, the unusual
tapering sheath decorated with a shaped band of blue enameled
repoussé silver between sections of beaded and enameled gold
filigree, the tip of the sheath decorated with gilt copper lotus bud.
overall L: 12 1/4 in., 31cm
provenance:
Property of a Pennsylvania Gentleman
Acquired by American world traveler and collector in early 20th
century, thence by descent
note:
Few Imperial hunting knives of the Qing Dynasty bearing four-
character reign marks have appeared at auction within the past ten
years. A marked Qianlong hunting knife with carved rhinoceros
horn sheath and antelope horn handle was sold as Lot 1817 from
Sotheby’s Hong Kong ‘s October 8, 2009 auction of imperial
artworks from the celebrated Water, Pine and Stone Retreat. The
next year, Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s April 8 auction of Fine Chinese
Ceramics and Works of Art featured Lot 1810, a marked Qianlong
hunting knife with horn handle and a gold and turquoise sheath.
Freeman’s Lot 86 appears a particularly rare configuration among
known Qianlong Imperial hunting knives in that the sheath tapers
to a point and the handle is composed of two materials –vibrant
blue lapis lazuli and a “hidden” section of white jade only revealed
when the knife is unsheathed. Such knives were a symbol of
Manchu ruggedness and self-reliance. Whereas the
aforementioned knives composed largely of organic materials evoke
rustic survival, though, our Lot 86 speaks more of formality within
Qianlong’s court. Its lapis, jade, jewel, gold, silver, steel, bronze and
enamel makeup indicate strict ceremonial use.
$20,000-40,000