Page 44 - Bonham's Asian Art London November 2015
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102 Sheng, Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch’ing The creative playfulness and fascination
A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘BIRD AND Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, pl.55. For a similar during the Qianlong period with imitating
TORTOISE’ PRICKET CANDLESTICK example from a private collection, see Zhang forms of materials extended to the creation
Qing Dynasty Xin, ed., Colorful, Elegant, and Exquisite: A of similar objects in different materials. The
Each bird modelled with outstretched white Special Exhibition of Imperial Enamel Ware present lot is an example of this, with similar
enamelled wings, the feathers well detailed in from Mr. Robert Chang’s Collection, Suzhou, candlesticks also found carved from jade
gilt wire, standing with gilt clawed feet atop 2007, p.72; and another, formerly in the such as lot 260, carved from spinach green
the green, turquoise and blue enamelled Kitson Collection, is illustrated by Sir Harry jade and a pair from the Lady Lever Art
tortoise embracing paired red enamelled Garner, Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Gallery Collection, illustrated in S.C.Nott,
serpents, all within a saucer raised on gilt Enamels, London, 1970, pl.74B. See also Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Vermont,
humanoid feet, the rim and base with lotus a similar pair sold in our New Bond Street 1973, pl.XCI.
scrolls, the exterior walls with upright petals. salerooms, 5 Nov 2009, lot 42. The tortoise (gui), one of the four revered
21cm (8 1/4in) high All examples, though illustrating an identical ancient animals, symbolises the North and is
concept of design, conveying the wish for often depicted with a snake, as in the present
£5,000 - 7,000 ‘peace under heaven’, show certain variations example. Tortoises represent the creation of
CNY48,000 - 68,000 in their modelling and detail of decoration. all beings and also symbolise longevity, since
HK$59,000 - 82,000 Compare the variations in the shape of the they were believed to live for ten thousand
saucers, drip pans and tortoises and the years. A bird standing at the head of a tortoise
Similar cloisonné enamel bird and tortoise enamelled detailing of the waves, lotus scrolls, relates to the wish for success in the Imperial
candlesticks are in important public and lappets and feathers. The present lot, though Jinshi examinations and by implication, a
private collections. For a single example sharing all characteristics with the noted successful career leading to status, wealth
from the Qing Court Collection at the examples, is particularly rare for its variation of and power; see P.B.Welch, Chinese Art: A
Palace Museum, Beijing, see The Complete form of the bird with its closed pointed beak Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery, Vermont,
Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: and upright spread wings. 2008, p.106.
Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong,
2002, pl.151; for a pair from the National
Palace Museum, Taipei, see Chen Hsia-
42 | BONHAMS
