A VERY RARE PAIR OF IMPERIAL CLOISONNE ENAMEL STOOLS

THE PROPERTY OF THE DUQUE DE CADAVAL

细节

A VERY RARE PAIR OF IMPERIAL CLOISONNE ENAMEL STOOLS
KANGXI

Each square top with a raised square panel decorated with an octagonal geometric pattern within a gilt-bronze rim, surrounded by a studded diaper ground above a waisted apron decorated with striding dragons centering lotus scrolls, the corners with ruyi panels above square section legs with hoof feet, braced by high stretchers decorated with classic scroll, the oak carcase numbered I, II, III IV on one stool and V, VI, VII, VIII on the other (two stretchers distressed, small losses to cloisonne decoration, minor restoration)
24in. (61cm.) square x 20in. (51cm.) high (2)

来源

Fonthill Heirlooms, numbered 239, probably from the Summer Palace

拍品专文

The Fonthill Heirlooms Collection was formed made by Alfred Morrison during the 19th Century. It included a large quantity of porcelain purchased from Lord Loch of Drylaw, which he brought back from Beijing after the sacking of Yuanmingyuan in 1860.

Cloisonne enamel furniture is rare. Stools of this exceptionally large size exist rarely even in wood. A single stool, 70cm. square, is illustrated in The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, Catalogue, no.53. A cloisonne enamel low table from the 17th Century, similarly decorated but with an additional barbed dragon medallion to the top surrounded by pairs of dragon panels is illustrated in Chinese Cloisonne: The Pierre Uldry Collection, fig. 182; for another table on curved legs, cf. idem., fig.145