A SMALL FAMILLE ROSE PLAQUE

LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

Details

A SMALL FAMILLE ROSE PLAQUE
LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY
Of shaped outline, one side inscribed in black with the characters zhai jie, the reverse inscribed in Manchu, both inscriptions within a raised oblong border surrounded by flower sprays reserved on a pale green ground, the sides decorated in iron red with florets, pierced longitudanally
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) long, box

Lot Essay

Zhai jie is the ceremonial requirement for abstinence before one worshipped their ancesters, the Heavens or other deities, which usually lasted for three days. During this time, one should refrain from eating meat and fragrant herbs such as onions, chives, garlic and the like, consuming alcohol, and from any intimate acts.

Compare the plaque of this type sold Sotheby's, London, 8 November 2006, lot 557, and another sold Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 27-28 April 1993, lot 221.

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