Page 116 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog

I88-ANTIQUE CHINESE TORTOISE-SHELL AND LACQUER BIRDCAGE
( Chi'ien-lung)
Dome-shaped with flattened top, the base and parallels in
chestnut-brown lacquer, the "wires" of tortoise-shell; metal
mounting. Base decorated in lacquer painting and mother-
of-pearl inlay with figures and landscapes in which weeping
willows, the ornamental banana and other trees appear.
Ivory ornaments carved with the grapevine in bearing, squir-
rels among the grapes, the god of longevity, figures in a
boat, melon and gourd vines, and an ivory feed box with
etched ornamentation and a caligraphic inscription. Bird
cups of Ch'ien-lung porcelain. Carved ivory feet.
Height, 20% inches; diameter, 14 inches.
(Illustrated)

I89-ANTIQUE CHINESE BIRDCAGE (Ch'ien-lung)
Horn, boxwood and ivory; shape, octagonal, with flattened
dome top. The upper surface of the bottom has been dec-
orated with a dragon, painted in gold lacquer, which is now
party obliterated. The doorway of the cage is a most
elaborate ivory carving-posts, lintel and sill-with numer-
ous figures, the spotted stag, and a dragon, and under-
neath the sill the famous Li Tai Peh, who is being served
with wine by attendants. Over the door another intricate
carving depicts an elephant undergoing a washing by sev-
eral men, one of whom he himself lifts up with trunk and
tusks. The mounting, which generally is of metal, is here
of ivory, carved with the flowers of the four seasons, the
lotus, peony, chrysanthemum and plum. Ivory panels dec-
ora te the base, and there is a continuous ivory foot, while
among the other decorative carvings are two Fu-lions with
most remarkable features.
Height, 22 inches; diameter, 11% inches.
(Illustrated)