QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER MARKS AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-95)

Details

A PAIR OF RARE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL MYTHICAL BEASTS
QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER MARKS AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-95)
Each modelled recumbent looking directly ahead with broad gilt horn extending towards its back from curls on the forehead, its head with fierce expression, open jaws and short beard above the protruding breast, which is decorated with pink and white layered scales continuing onto its underside, the body decorated with green and gilt scale-pattern panels on the shoulders and haunches, and a blue and gilt striated panel around the backside divided by the slender gilt tail curled to one side, the remaining body attractively decorated with multi-coloured small flower heads and scrolling foliage on a dark green ground, the undersides each with a square gilt-metal four-character reign mark
8¼ in. (21 cm.) long (2)

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium

Lot Essay

An example of this rare group of auspicious animal, but with turquoise-ground body, is in the Beijing Palace Museum, illustrated in Metal-Bodied Enamel Ware, The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 123, pl. 119; and in The Selected Handicrafts from the Collections of The Palace Museum, The Palace Museum (Beijing), 1974, pl. 74.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Including Export Art

View All