QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A CARVED THREE-COLOUR LACQUER ‘DAOIST IMMORTALS BIRTHDAY’ CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
The box is intricately carved with a central panel depicting the Eight Immortals standing below a pine tree on a fenced terrace with their arms raised respectfully greeting Xiwangmu who is seated on a phoenix in flight amongst the trailing clouds above. The Three Star Gods are carved in the foreground on the stairs of the terrace. The cinnabar-coloured scene is carved through to a yellow and brown-lacquered ground. The central scene is surrounded by a lappet band and four shaped panels enclosing precious objects, separated by Buddhist emblems, on a ground of lotus scrolls, all encircled by a key fret band to the rim. The sides of the box base are similarly decorated. The black-lacquered interior is decorated with sweeping scattered flower sprays.
11 3/8 in. (28.8 cm.) diam.

Provenance

A French private collection, present in the collection by repute since the late 19th century

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Lot Essay

The scene on the cover of the box depicts Yaochi, the ‘Turquoise Pond’, in the mythical Daoist paradise on Mount Kunlun. The composition of the scene with the Eight Immortals and Three Star Gods arriving as well-wishers to Xiwangmu, The Queen Mother of the West, in the upper corner can be found in various compositions and media. See a very similar scene on a kesi panel sold at Christie’s New York, 22 March 2007, lot 478.

The execution of the box in three colours of lacquer is a testament to the skill of the carver. The subject-matter of Immortals, in combination with precious objects and Buddhist symbols would have conveyed a very auspicious wish to the receiver.

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