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Lot Essay
The 'Hundred Antiques' was a polular subject matter in China and was often applied on decorative objects. It conveyed the deep interest that the Chinese held for their ancient culture, depicting objects symbolising the arts, religion, and scholarship. The word 'Hundred' should not be interpreted literally but rather as the multiplicity of the symbols used.
For a definition of 'Hundred Antiques', cf.: C.A.S. Williams, Outlines of Chinese Symbolism & Art Motives, p.228, verbatim: 'The group known as the hundred (i.e. sundry or various) antiques is a miscellaneous or general collection of emblematic forms comprising the Eight Treasures, the Four Treasures, the symbols of the four fine arts, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, together with numerous conventional representations of sacrificial vessels, flowers, animals, etc.; or any small-decorative motives which do not fall under any particular classification.'
The vase is mounted as a (detachable) lamp leaving the porcelain in tact.
For a definition of 'Hundred Antiques', cf.: C.A.S. Williams, Outlines of Chinese Symbolism & Art Motives, p.228, verbatim: 'The group known as the hundred (i.e. sundry or various) antiques is a miscellaneous or general collection of emblematic forms comprising the Eight Treasures, the Four Treasures, the symbols of the four fine arts, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, together with numerous conventional representations of sacrificial vessels, flowers, animals, etc.; or any small-decorative motives which do not fall under any particular classification.'
The vase is mounted as a (detachable) lamp leaving the porcelain in tact.