Page 104 - Bonhams, FIne Chinese Art, Linda Wrigglesworth Collection, May 13, 2021 London

89 Y
AN IMPERIAL CREAM-GROUND KESI POUCH-SHAPED PURSE
Qianlong/Jiaqing
Finely woven on each side in polychrome thread with a landscape lake
surrounded by mountains, trees, bridges and pavilions, sewn together
at the side, tied at the neck with a pair of Imperial yellow drawstrings
each suspending a coral-red bead.
11.1cm (4 3/8in) wide.

£1,000 - 1,500
CNY9,000 - 13,500

清乾隆/嘉慶 御製緙絲風景圖荷包

Provenance: Linda Wrigglesworth, purchased in the 1980’s

來源：Linda Wrigglesworth，購於二十世紀八十年代

Silk pouches decorated with Imperial yellow strings and tassels, such
as the present lot, formed an essential part of the formal outfit worn
by the Qing emperors and the highest-ranking members of society.
As there were no pockets in gowns or jackets until the beginning of
the twentieth century, small purses were usually suspended from the
formal court belt, chaodai, serving as receptacles containing daily
necessities, such as aromatic items, tobacco, and other small items.
They were also used as part of formal ceremonial regalia.

Drawstring purses affirm the nomadic origin of the Manchu, as they
probably developed from carrying purses made of leather which often
contained pieces of flint needed to strike a flame, fundamental to the
Manchu way of life. As the Manchu settled in China, cases made for
knife and compass were gradually replaced by cases made for fans,
kerchief holders and other items suggesting the more leisurely and
scholarly existence of the Chinese literati. Once established in China,
the Manchu emperors often kept areca nuts in the purses, but also
scented cotton and aromatic herbs.

A related pair of silk drawstring purses tied with Imperial drawstrings
and tassels, such as the present pair, in the Qing Court Collection, is
illustrated suspended from an Imperial ceremonial belt, Qing dynasty
in the National Palace Museum, Catalogue of the Exhibition of Ch’ing
Dynasty Costumes Accessories, Taipei, 1993, nos.32 and 33.
Compare with a nearly-identical pair of kesi pouches, late 18th/early
19th century, which was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 November
2011, lot 3154.

Silk drawstring purses in the Qing Court
Collection, Qing dynasty, in Catalogue of
the Exhibition of Ch’ing Dynasty Costumes
Accessories, Taipei, 1993, no.32.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
100 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.