Page 239 - Bonhams asian Art Knightsbridge May 2018

678 678 (detail)

679
A ‘HEAVENLY HORSES’ SILK KESI PANEL
Circa 1700
The panel boldly woven in multi-coloured threads depicting two
confronted heavenly horses enclosing a ruyi motif and galloping amidst
vaporous clouds and billowing waves, the hemline suspending 18th
century multi-coloured tassels within a later brocade mount.
51cm (20 in) and 46.5cm (18 2/8in) high.

£1,000 - 1,500
CNY8,800 - 13,000
HK$11,000 - 16,000
This panel would have been part of a kesi cover which protected
the chairs while not in use. During the 18th century, the cover was
probably sent as a tribute from the Chinese Court to a monastery in
Tibet, where the present panel was cut to decorate the apron worn
during the performance of religious dances. Compare with a kesi chair
cover, 17th century, illustrated by R.D.Jacobson in Imperial Silks:
Ch’ing Dynasty Textiles in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol.2,
Minneapolis, 2000, p.891, no.438.

Also compare with a related kesi panel, 17th century, which was sold
at Christie’s London, 13 March 2011, lot 1199. 679

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART - PART II | 237