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A SMALL PINK TOURMALINE 'DRAGON' BRUSH PALETTE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 HKD
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Description
- Hardstone
- 5.4cm
of elliptical form, the straight sides rising from a flat base to a rim finely carved in the form of a pair of stylised dragons, their confronting heads separated by a 'flaming pearl', their tails curling on the opposite edge and forming a ruyi motif, the stone of a translucent variegated pink colour with yellowish tones skilfully picked out with the dragons' heads, wood stand
Condition
In overall good condition with minor bruising to the rim.
"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
This exquisitely carved tourmaline brush palette displays the skill of the carver, who expertly utilised the natural range of colour in the stone to produce an elegant and highly decorative piece. The carving is abundant in auspicious symbolism, with the dragons and ruyi motif together representing Imperial power, blessings and longevity.
Tourmaline was prized at the Imperial court for its rarity and the decorative value of its strong and vivid colours. For a tourmaline pendant carved with two hydras in openwork, from the Qing Court collection, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong, 2004, pl. 111. For another rare tourmaline piece of comparable quality sold at auction, see the Qianlong period belt buckle sold in these rooms, 8th October 2009, lot 1803, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection.
Tourmaline was prized at the Imperial court for its rarity and the decorative value of its strong and vivid colours. For a tourmaline pendant carved with two hydras in openwork, from the Qing Court collection, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong, 2004, pl. 111. For another rare tourmaline piece of comparable quality sold at auction, see the Qianlong period belt buckle sold in these rooms, 8th October 2009, lot 1803, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection.