Page 45 - Christies Fine Chinese Works of Art March 2016 New York
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Thrones come in two basic forms, difering only in the number of panels are notable diferences that include the Eight Buddhist Emblems as part
that form the back rest. The present example is composed of a single back of the design, dragon designs on the outward-curved legs (as opposed to
panel fanked by two side panels forming the arm rests. The other variation the squared archaistic design on the legs of the present throne) and diaper
is comprised of three back panels fanked by the two arm rests. The themes carving on the sides of the frame. The plain, beaded scroll found on the
depicted in the carving on Imperial zitan thrones tend to fall into distinct frame and the archaistic scroll on the legs of the present throne can also
themes, including dragons among clouds, foral scroll or landscape scenes. be found on a zitan and nanmu throne in the Palace Museum Collection
With their associations to Imperial authority, it is likely that that ‘dragon’ illustrated by Hu Desheng in Ming Qing gongting jiaju daguan, vol. 1, Beijing,
thrones would have been reserved for use in the most important halls and 2006, p. 70, fg. 45. Another closely related throne carved with the Eight
settings in the Imperial Household. In contrast to the strictly prescribed Buddhist Emblems among lotus, illustrated in situ with a screen and fanked
forms and functions of Palace furnishings and working within the constraints by cloisonné cranes, mythical beasts and censers on a throne carpet, is
of the emperor’s specifc requests, the master craftsmen clearly had a wide illustrated ibid., vol. 2, p. 679, fg. 777. Compare, also a zitan and zitan-clad
degree of freedom in their interpretation of the designs and as a result, ‘dragon’ throne from the C. Ruxton and Audrey B. Love Collection dated to
almost all known examples of thrones appear to be diferent and individual in 18th-19th century, sold at Christie’s New York, 20 October 2004, lot 315 and
their designs. a high-waisted, ‘S’-shaped-legged throne with fve panels illustrated by Tian
Jiaqing, Notable Features of Main Schools of Ming and Qing Furniture, Hong
Another slightly larger (140.5 cm. wide) zitan ‘dragon’ throne, attributed to Kong, 2001, pp. 54 - 61.
the Qianlong period, with very similar rendering of the dragons, clouds and
waves, was sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 October 2009, lot 1645, and is
now in the Long Museum, Shanghai. The Long Museum example appears
to be the closest published throne to the present throne. However, there
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