.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The common name xiangji reflects the traditional use as a platform for burning fragrant incense - a traditional ritual for contact with the spiritual world. In addition to this primary use, stands such as the present lot were used to elevate decorative objects such as scholar's rocks, potted plants or vases, and have played an important role in the presentation of both artistic and functional objects for centuries. The elegant form of the present lot relates closely to a Ming dynasty huanghuali incense stand preserved in the Palace Museum, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (I), Hong Kong, 2002, p. 193, pl. 164 (fig. 1). This pair of cinnabar lacquer incense stands clearly fits into to the greatest period of Qing carved-lacquer production. The quality and the complexity of dragons, clouds and waves throughout the multiple surfaces clearly embody the virtuosity of one of the last few carved-lacquer masters.