18TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF HONGMU BAMBOO-FORM INCENSE STANDS
18TH CENTURY
Each two-panel top is set into the square frame above a tall pierced waist and shaped aprons and spandrels set with vertical struts. The whole is raised on tall, thin legs of rectangular section joined by shaped base stretchers, raised on small tab feet. The frame and members are carved in imitation of lengths of bamboo.
35 in. (88.9 cm.) high, 13 in. (33 cm.) square

Provenance

Grace Wu Bruce, Hong Kong, 1998.

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.

Lot Essay

The design of these stands is inspired by bamboo furniture. The carpenters carved the members to simulate the nodes on a length of bamboo, while the angular scrolling of the aprons and base stretchers evoke the bamboo furniture construction technique of bending long stalks of bamboo using steam or heat. The abundance of bamboo made it popular among the lower classes, as a cost-effective and more easily portable alternative to the more luxurious hardwood examples.

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