A CARVED DWARF COCONUT ‘LOTUS LEAF’ WASHER QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of elongated ovoid form with chocolate-brown skin, finely carved as a large lotus leaf supported on a curling stem bearing three lotus blooms and a smaller leaf, together with a cluster of three conch shells In relief forming the feet of the vessel, a couple of lotus flowers emerging from the interior, the furled edge adorned with a pair of herons fighting over food with their beaks, the rim further set with a crab, crayfish, and a pair of mandarin ducks

Collection of Chen Chi.
Christie’s New York, 29th March 2006, lot 245.

There a few tiny insect holes at one extremity and a few light scratches, however, the overall condition is very good. The actual patina is deeper than showing on the illustration in the catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Coconut shell carvings became fashionable in the Qing dynasty, when scholars, who were able carvers themselves, used soft materials such as coconut to fashion small pieces for their own enjoyment. The present water vessel is made from a relatively large dwarf coconut, a special type found in the southern parts of China, which is of elongated ovoid form and grows much smaller than regular coconut.

The decoration is full of auspicious symbolism, with the lotus (he or lian) representing peace (heping) or continuity (lianlian meaning year after year), and the lotus and the crab together evoking the term hexie (harmony). The pair of mandarin ducks represent marital harmony. The crab clutching a blade of reed is also a pictorial pun for the saying huangjia quanlu which means, ‘The palace guards in yellow armour passing on the message’, alluding to the custom of the emperor selecting the successful candidates at the final round of the civil examination. This saying is used to express the hope that someone will have excellent examination results.