A RARE LARGE CARVED IVORY 'RIVERSCAPE' PEACH QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the substantial ivory skilfully carved in the round as a ripe peach, precisely decorated in low relief and openwork with a continuous riverscape scene with jagged cliffs, verdant vegetation and a gushing waterfall, the flowing waters detailed a fisherman on a boat, the tranquil setting further portrayed with small architectural structures, the base pierced with an aperture

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks to the surface. Other minor surface wear. Overall good condition.
"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."

This extremely rare 'peach' carving could have been used as a scrollweight, but may simply be an imperial plaything of the highest quality. Certainly, the quality of the intricate landscape carving, the billowing clouds and the longevity subject matter, indicate Palace workmanship

For closely related ivory landscape carving of similar quality, see an ivory 'landscape and figure' brushpot from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Li Jiufang ed., The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pp. 178-179, pl. 152.