Page 89 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog
P. 89
148-LAPIS-:M:ALACHITE WATER DISH (Ch'ien-lung)
A low, shallow, circular dish, on three rudimentary feet,
the body ovoidal, carved from a solid block of malachite
with which lapis-lazuli mingles. Four lizard-dragons carved
in bold relief circle the shoulder. Within the dish, on the
bottom, a figure which in Western art would be an amorino,
in gaily capering attitude and carved in high relief, lies
in an up-curled lotus leaf, holding a stem with blossom
in his hand. The coloring in greater part is the charac-
teristic green mottling of the malachite, dappled with gener-
ous streaks and veins of deep blue lapis-lazuli, the whole
exhibiting a soft, unctuous polish. Teakwood stand,
formed of the coiling bodies of three dragons carved in the
round.
Diameter, 6 inches.
