Page 258 - Nov 29 2017 HK Important Chinese Ceramics

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A CARVED THREE-COLOUR LACQUER ‘DAOIST The scene on the cover of the box depicts Yaochi, the ‘Turquoise Pond’,
IMMORTALS BIRTHDAY’ CIRCULAR BOX AND in the mythical Daoist paradise on Mount Kunlun. The composition
COVER of the scene with the Eight Immortals and Three Star Gods arriving
as well-wishers to Xiwangmu, The Queen Mother of the West, in the
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795) upper corner can be found in various compositions and media. See a
The box is intricately carved with a central panel depicting the very similar scene on a kesi panel sold at Christie’s New York, 22 March
Eight Immortals standing below a pine tree on a fenced terrace 2007, lot 478.
with their arms raised respectfully greeting Xiwangmu who is The execution of the box in three colours of lacquer is a testament to
seated on a phoenix in flight amongst the trailing clouds above. the skill of the carver. The subject-matter of Immortals, in combination
The Three Star Gods are carved in the foreground on the stairs with precious objects and Buddhist symbols would have conveyed a
very auspicious wish to the receiver.
of the terrace. The cinnabar-coloured scene is carved through
to a yellow and brown-lacquered ground. The central scene is
surrounded by a lappet band and four shaped panels enclosing 清乾隆 剔彩羣仙祝壽圖百寶圓蓋盒
precious objects, separated by Buddhist emblems, on a ground of
lotus scrolls, all encircled by a key fret band to the rim. The sides of 來源
the box base are similarly decorated. The black-lacquered interior 法國私人珍藏，入藏於十九世紀末（傳）
is decorated with sweeping scattered flower sprays.
11 ¡ in. (28.8 cm.) diam.
HK$200,000-300,000 US$26,000-39,000

PROVENANCE
A French private collection, present in the collection by repute
since the late 19th century

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