Page 133 - Sotheby's Sir Quo Wei Lei Collection Oct. 3, 2018

The present carving is an exceptional object encompassing message conveying affluence and long life. The subject and
sophisticated auspicious symbolism and demonstrating the its numerical significance is particularly enamoured by the
craftsman’s mastering of artistic naturalism. Qianlong Emperor, to an extent that it became one of the best-
loved porcelain designs in his period, as demonstrated by a
This substantial boulder is carefully worked with refined three-
dimensional modelling and openwork, depicting succulent, group of revered imperial famille-rose ‘nine peaches’ porcelain
plump peach fruits borne on an intertwining network of vases, tianqiuping. One of such example, from the Meiyintang
knotted stems of rougher and coarser texture. The thoughtful collection, was sold in these rooms, 5th October 2011, lot 15.
arrangement of the nine fruits enables the carving to be
appreciated equally from both sides. The depiction of peaches Although it is not uncommon to find jade carvings depicting
at various stages of ripeness also avoids over cluttering of peaches, similar examples rendered in such large size,
the overall composition. Moreover, the craftsman cleverly sophistication and quality are particularly rare. Compare a
interrupted the monotonous subject with naturalistic furled white jade ‘peach and bat’ group, of smaller size but with
leaves in shoots of twos and threes. This is only possible with analogous rendering of peaches and leaves, illustrated in
meticulous scrutiny of detail and an erudite knowledge of Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan
nature. and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 205; and another
sold in Christie’s New York, 21st/22nd March 2013, lot 1360.
Peaches are associated with various immortal dignitaries and A further example is also included in the Min Chiu Society
often considered as symbols of longevity. It is not unusual exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of
to find peaches as subjects of jade carvings as the stone Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 195. Such depictions of nine
was traditionally associated with immortality. It altogether peaches in jade are also known in utilitarian vessels on
depicts nine peaches. Nine, being a propitious number, is scholar’s tables, as seen in a celadon jade waterpot sold at
sophisticated in its concept and reassuring in its eternal Christie’s London, 5th November 2013, lot 23.