Page 111 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog

IS4-ANTIQUE CHINESE BLACK LACQUER BIRDCAGE (Ch'ien-lung)
Dome-sha pe with flattened top. The Fu is conspicuous in
the decoration of this cage, one in ivory surmounting the
dome, with a paw on the brocaded ball and accompanied
by a cub; three framing the archway to the water cup, two
standing on their heads and the third spanning the arch;
and numerous others fantastically carved on various dec-
ora tive accessories disposed about the cage, these includ-
ing also emblematic bats, and carvings with pavilions and
figures near pine trees. A jade vase adorns the interior, and
on the outer side hangs a jade thumb-ring, for use in mov-
ing the cage. Soapstone figures, applied, adorn the base.
Metal mounting. Hangs by pendant of jade and other
stones from a Ch'ien-lung lacquered bracket in an ornately
carved base of teakwood.
Height, 22 inches; diameter, 14 inches; height of bracket, 8 feet.

IS5-ANTIQUE CHINESE BLACK LACQUER BIRDCAGE (Ch'ien-lung)
Dome-shape, on high lunette-shaped ivory feet carved with
numerous figures on foot and on horseback in bold relief
and openwork; metal mounting, the base clamps cut with
medallions. Center post in the form of the sage with a
gourd-shaped vase upholding a circular perch carved with
dragons; worm-tongs carved with three immortals among
the pines, one of whom is unfolding a scroll, one carrying
a peach of longevity, and the third holding a scepter; and
among the other carved ivory decorations are a group of
sages in a grotto, a vase of openwork holding blossoms, a
landscape with pine trees and a pagoda, a panorama of
sages crossing the sea, a seed cup in the form of an elabo-
rately ornamented vase, and a cylindrical worm-box carved
with an intricacy of ornamentation. Two blue porcelain seed
cups have an interior glaze minutely crackled, and an over-
glaze decoration on the exterior of mei blossoms and swal-
lows, and there is a water cup in cloisonne enamel, all being
of the period.
Height, 22 inches; diameter, 14 inches.