QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED AND STAINED IVORY MALLOW-FORM TRAY
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
The tray is carved in the form of a large mallow leaf borne on a gnarled, fruiting leafy vine ingeniously wrapping around and underneath the outer side. It is further decorated with two butterflies and a cicada on the interior. The leaves and vines are picked out in blue.
7 in. (18 cm.) long

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, tortoiseshell and crocodile. 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

The present lot is unique as only one other washer of this exceptionally rare form appears to be published. Compare to a similar ivory mallow-form tray, illustrated Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 202, no. 166. Both have been carved and decorated remarkably with their leaves and insects picked out in blue colour. The delicate carving and naturalistic rendering of the mallow leaf are characteristic of the extraordinary artistry during the 18th century.

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