Page 148 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art Nov 2013 Hong Kong
P. 148
339 The imagery depicting a woodcutter admiring the scholar playing qin is a
A fine and rare Imperial lacquer ‘qin’ circular box and cover reference to the tale of Yu Boya and Zhong Ziyi. Yu Boya was a historical
Qianlong incised and gilt six-character mark and of the period figure from the state of Chu during the Warring States era. He was
Thickly lacquered and deeply carved in relief, the central circular famed for being the advisor to the state of Jin and is widely known for
cartouche bordered by keyfret scrolls, featuring a scholar and his young his skill with the musical instrument qin. For many years, Yu searched
attendant amidst landscapes, the scholar seated with legs crossed for a soul who would comprehend his musical tune, but he could never
leisurely playing qin on his lap with an incense burner releasing fragrance find a companion who shared his vision. One day, whilst leisurely playing
at the side, the boy attendant preparing tea within the cabin of the qin on a raft during his journey back from the state of Chu, he met a
sampan, a woodcutter resting on the cliff listening to the melodic tune, woodcutter by the name of Zhong Ziyi whilst passing by the shores of
all set in a watery landscape with lush growths of pine trees, reeds the Hanyang River. Zhong immediately understood the passion within
and shrubs amongst rocky mountains, the sides further carved with the musical tune and Yu was overjoyed. Not long however, Zhong
hexagonal diaper ground leaving the interior and base lacquered black, passed away and the news left Yu heartbroken. Yu broke his beloved
the interior of the cover with a four-character kaishu inscription; the qin, vowing never to play the musical instrument ever again.
interior of the box with a six-character Imperial kaishu mark.
17.5cm diam. (2). Although there are many examples of lacquer boxes and covers
HK$900,000 - 1,500,000 in various sizes with both Imperial marks and accompanying four-
US$120,000 - 190,000 character marks, most of the published examples are from the Qing
Court collection in the Palace Museum, Beijing, or in the National
清乾隆 剔紅雕漆鼓琴寶盒 金彩「大清乾隆年製」楷書款、金彩「鼓琴 Palace Museum, Taipei. The only other published example of a circular
寶盒」楷書款 lacquer box and cover with accompanying Imperial mark and four-
character mark with the same subject of qin in the National Palace
Museum, Taipei, see Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colours. Treasured
Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2007, p.127,
no.120 (fig.1). Compare another two circular boxes and covers also with
accompanying Imperial marks and four-character marks in the National
Palace Museum, Taipei, where the diaper ground decoration at the sides
is identical to the current lot, see Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colours.
Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2007,
p.125, no.116 & 117.
fig. 1 National Palace Museum, Taipei.
台北國立故宮博物院
146 | Bonhams
