CHINE, REPUBLIQUE (1912-1949)

Details

GROUPE EN IVOIRE SCULPTE POLYCHROME
CHINE, REPUBLIQUE (1912-1949)
Représentant un chou fermé sur lequel évoluent un gros criquet, un second plus petit, une coccinelle et deux autres insectes, socle en bois ; petites restaurations
Longueur: 22 cm. (8 5/8 in.)

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. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT payable at 19.6% (5.5% for books) will be added to the buyer’s premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Further details

A STAINED-IVORY SCULPTED GROUP IN FORM OF A CABBAGE
CHINA, REPUBLIC (1912-1949)

Brought to you by

Mathilde Courteault

mcourteault@christies.com +33 (0)1 40 76 86 05

Lot Essay

In Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, p. 135, T. T. Bartholomew remarks, that because of its green (qing) and white (bai) colors, "the Chinese cabbage" (Brassica rapa var. glabra) is a pun for qing and qingbai, both meaning 'without stain,' as in a clean personal record." Bartholomew also notes that the second character of "cabbage" (cai) is a pun for "wealth," and that the Chinese believe that eating this vegetable will help one gain prosperity

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