QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A VERY RARE CARVED IVORY 'FINGER CITRON' WATER POT AND COVER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
Naturalistically carved in the form of a finger citron with dimpled surface to simulate the rind of the fruit, with a short green-stained stem, and a small oval aperture in the top for the cover, which is carved as three further 'fingers', stained yellowish brown
4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm.) long, stand, box

Literature

The Literati Mode, Chinese Scholar Paintings, Calligraphy and Desk Objects, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., 1986, p. 219, no. 95.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

A nearly identical ivory water pot carved as a finger citron is illustrated in Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1990, no. 128. See, also, a pair of ivory boxes carved as finger citrons, but lacking the exquisite detailing of the present water pot, illustrated in The Palace Museum Collection of Elite Carvings, Beijing, 2002, pl. 125; and another example illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Miniature Crafts in the National Palace Museum, Japan, 1971, pl. 29.

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