Page 28 - Bonhams Chinese Paintings June 2015
P. 28

7018
                               Two carved coral ruyi scepters
                               Late Qing dynasty
                               Similarly designed, each shaft carved as a long, gnarled, leafy branch issuing derivative sprigs
                               bearing pomegranates, peaches and Buddha’s hand citrons, the upper section attached with
                               a pieced branch supporting a large rounded head carved in relief and some openwork with
                               further leafy peaches and one bat with stretching wings.
                               13 1/4 and 13 1/2in (33.7 and 34.3cm) long
                               $40,000 - 60,000
                               Provenance
                               acquired in 1966 as per acquisition number 1966.2286.6.1-2
                               The design of the three fruits together, pomegranate, peaches, and Buddha’s hand citron
                               invokes sanduo (the three abundances) in Chinese art. They represent the main wishes for
                               an ideal life: an abundance of descendants (achieved by having many sons), longevity, and
                               good fortune.

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