Page 117 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog

190-ANTIQUE CHINESE BLACK LACQUER BIRDCAGE (Ch'ien-
lung)
Dome-shaped, with metal mounting; on carved ivory feet,
and with various carved ivory ornaments. The center-
post, upholding a round perch, is surrounded by a melon
vine, with fruit, in openwork. The dome is capped by a
coiled dragon. The worm tongs are carved with figures
in a pine grove, and other figures appear elsewhere, besides
flowers, birds and the dog Fu. Porcelain water cup, and
two feed cups of white jade flecked with green. The base
is surrounded by paintings of peonies and the wild prunus
in blossom, with birds among the branches. A pendant of
numerous strings of coral beads, hanging from a fei-ts'ui
jade carving, drops from the center of the bottom.
Height, 23 inches; diameter, 14 inches.

191-ANTIQUE CHINESE LACQUER BIRDCAGE (Ch'ien-lung)
Red lacquer bars with black lacquer ribs and base; dome-
shape. This cage is distinguished by the absence of a cen-
ter-post, or perch, and the whole interior of the bottom is
ornamented; at the center is a Shou medallion, which is
surrounded by four bats, and circumscribing all is a narrow
band of serpentine scroll, the whole in low relief. Around
the exterior of the base are most expressive lacquer paint-
ings in soft and rich colors, picturing boys at play-danc-
ing to the tom-tom or gong, riding the hobby-horse, oper-
ating a marionette theatre-and musicians sea ted on the
ground accompany a lady who is playing a musical instru-
ment that lies on a red lacquer table. Numerous carved
ivory ornaments, with a free use of the "squirrel and grapes"
motive, worm-tongs carved in openwork with figures, fungus
and rockery; carved ivory feet. Two blue and white porce-
lain feed cups, and a Ch'ien-lung cloisonne enamel water
cup with lotus ornamentation. Metal mounting. Hangs
by jeweled chain from a tall bracket set upon a dog Fu
carved, lacquered in vermilion and gilded.
Height, 22% inches; diameter, 14% inches.
H eight of bracket, 8 feet.
(Illustrated)