Page 105 - Bonhams, FIne Chinese Art, Linda Wrigglesworth Collection, May 13, 2021 London

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AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF GREEN-GROUND EMBROIDERED commonly found in the arts of the Qing dynasty. The theme symbolised
‘HUNDRED ANTIQUES’ PURSES the continuity of Chinese culture and reverence towards the glorious
18th/early 19th century past. The objects included in this pattern included archaic bronzes,
Each pouch finely embroidered on each side in polychrome thread ceramics, scholar’s objects and other three-dimensional decorative arts,
with scholarly objects including scriptures, weiqi board and incense which were often incorporated into auspicious rebuses.
burners, sewn together at the side, each pouch tied at the neck with
a pair of incence-green drawstrings each suspending a tassel and a Compare with a similar pair of silk purses embroidered with the
coral red bead. ‘Hundred Antiques’, illustrated by V.Garrett, A Collector’s Guide to
Each 9cm (3 1/2in) wide. (2). Chinese Dress Accessories, Singapore, 1997, p.110, fig.3.
£800 - 1,200
CNY7,200 - 11,000
十八世紀/十九世紀早期 刺繡博古圖荷包一對

Silk pouches formed an essential part of the outfit worn by the
highest-ranking members of Qing society. These small containers were
often suspended from court belts, chaodai, serving as receptacles
containing daily necessities, such as aromatic items, tobacco, and
other small items. As the lower part of these delicate purses was
densely embroidered in either Peking knot or tent-stitch, the top part
was finely pleated.
Drawstring purses probably originated from purses made of leather
which often contained pieces of flint needed to strike a flame,
fundamental to the Manchu way of life. As time progressed and the
Manchus settled in China, knife and compass cases were gradually
replaced by objects suitable for the more leisurely and scholarly V.Garrett, Silk purses embroidered with the ‘Hundred
existence of the Chinese literati. ‘The Hundred Antiques’ is a Chinese Antiques’ in A Collector’s Guide to Chinese Dress
decorative pattern that became popular in the 17th century and is Accessories, Singapore, 1997, p.110, fig.3

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. FINE CHINESE ART | 101