Lot Essay
Vessels carved from amber are rare. This example, carved from a large block of pure and translucent material, would have been costly and considered quite precious.
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Details
A RARE AMBER 'DOUBLE DRAGON' WASHER
QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY
The washer is formed with foliated rounded sides, raised on a shallow conforming foot, carved in relief on the interior with a pair of confronted dragons contesting a 'flaming pear', the wide mouth rim decorated with four evenly spaced stylised insects, each continuing to the exterior to form an elaborate floral-shaped niche enclosing a cash symbol, the amber of a transparent golden honey tone
6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm.) wide
QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY
The washer is formed with foliated rounded sides, raised on a shallow conforming foot, carved in relief on the interior with a pair of confronted dragons contesting a 'flaming pear', the wide mouth rim decorated with four evenly spaced stylised insects, each continuing to the exterior to form an elaborate floral-shaped niche enclosing a cash symbol, the amber of a transparent golden honey tone
6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm.) wide