Page 134 - Sotheby's Speelman Collection Oct. 3, 2018

3431

A FINELY CARVED LAPIS 清乾隆

LAZULI BOULDER 青金石雕高仕出遊圖山子
QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG

PERIOD

the substantial boulder of mountain form, skilfully carved with
a continuous scene to render a mountainous setting, one side
with a scholar and an attendant conversing on a flight of steps
before several pavilions, all surrounded by jagged rockwork,
the idyllic setting further decorated with a crane below
overhanging tall pine trees, the reverse similarly rendered with
impressive boulders, further decorated with a recumbent doe
resting on a bridge above a gushing stream, the stone of a rich
royal blue colour accentuated with streaks of gold flecks and
milky-white inclusions, wood stand
19.4 cm, 7⅝ in.
HK$ 800,000-1,000,000
US$ 102,000-128,000

A sense of naturalism is successfully achieved in this boulder
through carefully observed details, such as the gently swaying
sleeve of the robes of the figures and the different textures
of the rocks and pine trees. The striking blue and contrasting
milky-white inclusions of the stone have been cleverly utilised
to convey a serene misty atmosphere that is reminiscent of
the rendering of nature often seen in traditional Chinese ink
paintings.
Further lapis lazuli boulders include one, carved with two
elderly figures in a mountainous landscape amidst waterfalls,
pavilions and pine trees, in the Palace Museum, Beijing,
illustrated in Zhongguo meishu fenlei quanji. Zhongguo
yuqi quanji. 6. Qing [Complete collection of Chinese arts.
Compendium of Chinese Jade, vol. 6: Qing], Shijiazhuang,
1993, pls 262-263; another boulder, but carved with a deer
amongst pine trees on the reverse, in the National Palace
Museum, Taipei, no. Gu za 00370-N000000000; and a
boulder with an inscription of the Qianlong Emperor, carved
with Bodhidarma seated in a grotto, sold in these rooms, 5th
April 2017, lot 3631. Compare also a similar carving, but also
with an inscription, fashioned with a bearded immortal and
his servant amongst landscape, from the Avery Brundage
Collection, illustrated in R.Y. Lefebvre d’Argencé, Chinese
Jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, Japan, 1972, p. 142,
pl. LXIV; and one carved with Shoulao and his attendant in a
mountainous landscape amongst clouds and pine trees, sold
in our London rooms, 7th November 2007, lot 379.

132 SOTHEBY’S 蘇富比