- 3702
A RARE AND FINELY CARVED AGATE OCTAGONAL 'LOTUS'-HANDLED CUP MING DYNASTY
Estimate
400,000 - 600,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- agate
the translucent stone with natural ripples of yellowish-beige tones on a sepia ground, exquisitely carved with eight flaring sides resting on a short foot of corresponding form, decorated to one side in openwork with a handle modelled in the form of a curling stem supporting a stylised lotus bloom, the base incised with a two-character shangyong ('imperial use') mark, the lustrous brilliant stone patinated to a smooth finish
Provenance
A Pennsylvanian estate, by repute.
Condition
Good condition. There are minute nicks to the upper rim. Other general surface wear.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
It is rare to find a Ming agate cup of this delicate, pronounced form, comparable to contemporaneous jade cups. A closely related example is on display in the collection of Wuhan Museum. This pleasing octagonal form continued to be used for agate cups of the 18th century. See a Qianlong reign-marked agate cup of comparable form in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji [Complete Collection of Chinese Jade], vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1991, pl. 12.
This rare mark, a two-character shangyong ('imperial use') is also discussed in Tong Yihua, Zhongguo lidai taoci kuanshi huiji [Marks on Chinese porcelain through the Ages], described as mid Ming, 'in use inside the palace', Hong Kong, 1984, p. 60, and p. 129, fig. 25D.