Page 85 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog
P. 85
143-IMPERIAL WEDDING GIFT (Ch'ien-lung)
Scene from the Taoist paradise, the "Hills of Longevity."
Carved from a single piece of natural tree coral, with the
exception of the flanking figures on the heavy lateral
branches, the small tree at the left, and the deer and crane
below. Hsi Wang Mu is enthroned on a conventional
thalamus, with attendants at her shoulders and a mon-
key at one elbow, a clump of pine trees towering over-
head and other pines standing at either side. Between
the trees are the figures of the eight Taoist immor-
tals, carved in the round, with their attributes. In a grotto
beneath are seen Shou, Lu and Fu, gods of longevity, rank
(or wealth), and happiness, carved in high relief. Open-
work teakwood base carved with peaches and plum blos-
soms on stands of teak and ivory, in case.
H eight of coral, 19% inches; width, 22 inches.
