LATE MING/QING DYNASTY

Details

A VERY RARE SMALL RHINOCEROS HORN CARVING OF A TURTLE
LATE MING/QING DYNASTY
The figure finely and realistically carved standing with neck outstretched and head raised, the extended back left leg touching the tail, the carapace finely patterned, and the underside also finely detailed, the outer border of the carapace flanking the turtle's neck inscribed on one side, Jiajing bingwu (bingwu year of the Jiajing reign), and on the other side, Jiang Chunbo zao (made by Jiang Chunbo), of deep honey color
2 7/8 in. (7.5 cm.) long, burlwood box, ivory stand

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

Chunbo was the art-name of the late Ming Suzhou carver Jiang Fushen (dates unknown). A short biography of Jiang was recorded in Zhou quan lu (Records of Spring), where it mentions that Jiang spent all his fortune from carving religious sculptures on buying medicinal materials and special types of wood. During his free time, he used old burlwood, wicker and bamboo from Hunan province to make mountain-shaped ink rests, brush holders, arm rests, ruyi scepters, chairs, daybeds, fly whisks, and chair cushions, which were all highly sought-after by the wealthy and upper echelon of society. The artist passed away when he was almost 90 years old.

An inscription on the underside of the removable cloth cover inside the box reads 'The turtle carved by Jiang Chunbo is vividly rendered as if it is coming alive, and it is particularly good that it bears his signature. Chunbo lived in the Ming dynasty and was very close to Liuru, Zhishan, Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) and his son Wen Peng (1498-1573). Chunbo was a famous sculptor, see Zhuo quan zhi.' Liuru is the hao of Tang Yin (1470-1523); Zhishan is the hao of Zhu Yunming (1498-1573).
Inside the box are two inscriptions by Xu Hanqing: one reads 'physiognomy of longevity'; the other states that Jiang learned the Dao (the Way), and passed away during meditation when he was nearly ninety years old.

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