AN UNMADE IMPERIAL KESI RED-GROUND PURSE

GUANGXU PERIOD (1875-1908)

Details

AN UNMADE IMPERIAL KESI RED-GROUND PURSE
GUANGXU PERIOD (1875-1908)
Of kidney shape, each side decorated with a rainbow-striped lishui border below a band of waves and a gold thread shou character flanked by a pair of bats suspending ribbon-tied wan emblems
9¼ x 5½ in. (23.5 x 14 cm.)

Provenance

Purchased London, 1977.

Lot Essay

The shou character medallion has been deliberately woven in an ovoid shape, so that the symbol assumes its true circular form when the purse is pleated. Remnants of the original imperial yellow selvedge are still attached.

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