Page 326 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art Nov 2013 London

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An elaborately carved ivory hinged box and cover
19th century
The ivory panels variously deeply carved with a dignitary entertaining
a scholar, a ceremonial procession, a gentleman carrying a lady and
musicians in the background, a multitude of flowers, the lock with
accompanying key, the interior with two ivory trays, wood stand.
20cm (8in) long (5).
£8,000 - 12,000
HK$100,000 - 150,000 CNY79,000 - 120,000
十九世紀 象牙雕人物故事圖長方蓋盒
Provenance: an English private collection, acquired by the owner’s
uncle in southern China in the 1880s and thence by descent
來源：英國私人收藏，由現藏家的叔叔於1880年代於中國南部購得，
並由家族繼承下去
An exquisite ivory box with panels depicting details of a temple
festival. The front panel depicts a religious procession carrying a
deity in connection most likely with the temple, with standard bearers
carrying plaques inscribed with the characters ‘上帝巡遊’ meaning
‘The Lord on High’s Tour’, and others with ‘迴避’ and ‘肅靜’ signifying
to those around “be deferential” and “be silent” respectively.These
plaques emphasise the grand solemnity of the occaision. Yet the
scene is anything but quiet; In front of the deity’s palanquin are
musicians with gongs and trumpets, while children play beside them.
The back panel depicts preparations for the deity’s arrival, his seat
placed behind the alter, while a carpet is laid down before it. On the
alter itself are offerings of food and incense. Musicians play, and
children light firecrackers. The top panel depicts a scene from a
Chinese opera; opera being a vital part of the temple festival.

322 | Bonhams