.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This very distinctively shaped vessel carved in imitation of an archaic bronze form, was used to hold artist's materials. Coloured pigments were kept in the tubular compartments at each corner subdivided by wooden compartments, while the central compartment held a saucer and water for mixing the colours. For a discussion of the bronze prototypes, cf. Cheng Te Kun, 'The T'u-Lu Colour-Container of the Shang-Chou Period', B.M.F.E.A., no.37, 1965, p.239-249, pl.1-6, where examples in jade, marble and pottery are also illustrated.
Compare two of similar vessels dated to the late Qing dynasty in the Avery Brundage Collection, illustrated by d'Argence, Chinese Jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1977, p. 124, pl. LV. See another example in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Jadeware III, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, p. 190, no. 156. Another jadeite example was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 25 October 1993, lot 1014 and a second also sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th April 1996, lot 12.
Compare two of similar vessels dated to the late Qing dynasty in the Avery Brundage Collection, illustrated by d'Argence, Chinese Jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1977, p. 124, pl. LV. See another example in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Jadeware III, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, p. 190, no. 156. Another jadeite example was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 25 October 1993, lot 1014 and a second also sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th April 1996, lot 12.