Page 136 - Bonhams May 12 16 London

109† Y Ф A rock crystal vase, waterpot and lingzhi group of high artistry
AN EXCEPTIONAL ROCK CRYSTAL VASE, WATERPOT AND and craftsmanship, such as the present lot, is extremely rare. The
LINGZHI GROUP WITH IVORY STAND accomplishment of Qing imperial craftsmen is exemplified in a related
Qianlong rock crystal vase group, carved with phoenix, bat and auspicious
Boldly carved as an archaistic hu vase with scrolling kui dragon plants, illustrated by S.Bushell, Chinese Art, vol 1, London, 1921,
handles flanking the waisted neck, and a well-fitted cover with pl.102. See also a similar crystal vase with lingzhi illustrated in Qing dai
gently-sloping edges, beside a globular water pot, all surrounded by yu diao zhi mei, Taipei, 1997, pl.128.
entwining gnarled lingzhi stems and leafy branches of peaches, 22cm
(8 5/8in) wide; the ivory stand meticulously carved with openwork Inspiration was also drawn from jade carvings, compare with a jade
designs of interlocking chilong surrounded by branches of lingzhi and vase group with auspicious animals, Qianlong mark and of the period,
peaches. 23.7cm (9 3/8in) wide (3). illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade
10, Beijing, 2010, p.57, pl.30, which highlights the similar exquisite
£50,000 - 80,000 CNY460,000 - 730,000 quality and form of carving.
HK$550,000 - 880,000
The ivory stand that supports the rock crystal vase is no less
清乾隆 水晶壽桃靈芝帶染牙座雙尊 exceptional and is typical of eighteenth century Qing imperial
craftsmen. The fine mastery of the carving can be compared to that on
an ivory screen, Qianlong period, illustrated in The Complete Collection
of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and
Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pp.220-221, pl.179.

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