Page 146 - Bonhams Chinese Art London May 2013

104 1A0p4a*ir of patinated bronze scroll weights
142 | Bonhams
Qing Dynasty
The pair with a single scene of a scholar seated under a plantain tree with a
fan in his right hand and gazing fondly at two geese wandering freely at his
feet, each end with a pierced circular medallion and the left scroll weight with
the characters Xi zhi ai e. Each 25cm (9¾in) long (2).
£5,000 - 8,000
HK$59,000 - 94,000 CNY47,000 - 75,000
清 銅「羲之愛鵝」鎮紙一對
Provenance: a European private collection
來源：歐洲私人收藏
The weights depict the famous calligrapher Wang Xizhi who lived during
the Jin Dynasty (303–361) and is traditionally referred to as the Sage of
Calligraphy. Considered by many to be one of the most esteemed Chinese
calligraphers of all time, he is also particularly associated with geese. He reared
geese himself and was said to have learned how to turn his wrist whilst
writing by observing how geese move their necks. Inscribed with characters
meaning ‘Xizhi loves geese’, the image of the calligrapher and his geese is
therefore particularly suitable for a scholarly object.

1A0d5u*an ‘qin’ inkstone

Qing Dynasty
The heavy stone carved to imitate a qin with two confronted chilong dragons
with archaistic scrolling bodies divided by seven fine radiating threads at the
top above the well, hollowed out to hold ink, the other end simulating the
ends of the seven threads fixed over a curving bow line, bamboo box and
cover. 21.7cm (8 1/8in) long (3).
£10,000 - 15,000
HK$120,000 - 180,000 CNY94,000 - 140,000
清 端石螭龍紋琴式硯
Provenance: a European private collection
來源：歐洲私人收藏
According to the late Ming literatus Wen Zhenheng (1585-1645): ‘inkstones
from Duan brook quarries are superior 研以端溪為上’. Inkstones made
from the Duan brook quarries, located in present day Guangdong province,
were considered the best because of the various distinctive markings and
rock materials imbedded in the stone. These markings and imbedded rock
materials created unique patterns and stone eyes (inclusions) which were
highly valued in Imperial China.
In addition to the beautiful quality of the stone itself, the rarity of it only added
to its appeal. In fact Duan inkstones were carefully categorised by the mines
from which the raw stone was excavated and particular mines were open only
for short periods in history and sometimes only for the Emperor himself.
The form of the present lot as a qin also reflects scholarly concerns. The qin
was traditionally favoured by the literati as an instrument of great elegance
and refinement. Indeed it was said that ‘A gentleman does not part with his
qin without good reason.’ In this way, the literati ideals of scholarship and art
combine together in this extremely refined piece.

A10s6pi*nach-green jade ‘Eight Buddhist Symbols’ bowl

18th/19th century
Raised on a straight foot, the exterior carved with eight lobed panels
with a ruyi head in each corner and divided by narrow pendent leaves,
each panel containing one of the Eight Buddhist Symbols, bajixiang,
wood stand. 23.8cm (9 3/8in) diam. (2).
£3,000 - 5,000
HK$35,000 - 59,000 CNY28,000 - 47,000
十八/十九世紀 碧玉雕八吉祥紋碗
Provenance: a European private collection
來源：歐洲私人收藏