Page 180 - Christie's Fine Chinese Paintings March 19 2019 Auction

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A CARVED RED LACQUER INCENSE STAND, XIANGJI
18TH-19TH CENTURY
The top is carved with a dense geometric pattern reserved on a diaper ground The common name xiangji refects the traditional use as a platform for burning
further carved with foral sprays, all within a scrollwork border. The whole is fragrant incense. In addition to this primary use, stands were used to elevate
raised on shaped legs that terminate in scroll feet and are intricately carved at decorative objects such as scholar’s rocks, potted plants or vases. The vertical
the corners with dense lotus scroll. The legs are joined by crossed stretchers slots below the crossing stretchers is an unusual feature, but they appear
and further carved with vertical slots below the stretchers. to be original to the design. A Qing-dynasty painting depicts four servants
29.3 in. (75.5 cm.) high, 19 in. (48.3 cm.) square carrying a red lacquer incense stand, which supports a scroll, on palanquin
poles in a procession. (Fig. 1) The robust construction, seen in the use of cross-
$10,000-15,000 stretchers, and the vertical slots suggest that the present stand may have been
used to carry ceremonial objects in a ritual ceremony or while on parade.
A pair of carved red lacquer incense stands, dated to the Qianlong period, each
PROVENANCE
with cabriole legs and fnely carved top was sold at Christie’s Paris, 21-22 June
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bernat Collection.
2016, lot 127.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bernat; Sotheby’s New York, 25 October 1980, lot 261.
清十八/十九世紀 剔紅錦地花卉紋香几

Fig. 1 Detail from a set of 12 scrolls, “Imperial Edicts regarding
General Qi Mian,” ink and color on silk, mid to late 16 th century

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