Large Chinese Export Lacquer of shaped octagonal form decorated with scenes of Oriental life painted in gold Circa 1840
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Reference: TC580
Description:
TC580: Large Chinese Export lacquer tea chest of elaborate
shape decorated all over with gold of two colours depicting scenes
of Oriental life, figures in houses and gardens, opening to
a single compartment containing two lidded pewter tea canisters with
supplementary inner lids, the whole chest standing on feet in the
form of dragon heads. Circa 1840.
Origin: Canton China. Circa:
1840. Materials:
Size: It measures 11.3 inches
wide by 8.5 inches deep and it is 6.5 inches high
including feet: 28.8 cm wide by 21.5 cm deep by 16.4 cm high.
Condition: good
overall, working lock and key, see images.
As each person has different criteria and antiques by their very nature
have wear please enlarge the images and ask for extra information
as needed.
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The Chinese
lacquer is in good original condition. The lacquer is
decorated with gold in two colors.
The chest retains its original soft
metal interior canisters.
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The tops of the the
canisters have embossed decoration.
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The canisters also have inner lids to help keep the tea fresh. the
turned pulls are bone.
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The form of the chest is very organic with its curvaceous lines. This
would have made both the lacquering and decoration difficult. However
both were done with the virtuosity demanded by such a piece exceptional
quality.
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The base is done in a formal pattern in a controlled confident hand.
The main part depicts scenes of oriental life in sumptuous gardens. The
trees which rise above the buildings are painted in fine delicate
strokes and give the impression of an etherial landscape.
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The side showing more figures in a garden landscape. Gardens in China
were the settings of social, artistic and intellectual activities. They
were created as works of art in their own right and as such highly
valued. Reports of the Cathay gardens inspired many a European garden
designer and to this day we have pagodas and pavilions in many of our
grand gardens.
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The smaller sides continue the theme with the scale of the buildings
and number of figures adapted to the size.
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The back with an extended scene of seated figures. The straight lines
and angles of the buildings contrasted with the varied feathery foliage
of the trees.
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The other side, another scene.
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The top is wonderfully orchestrated with the curvaceous ogee framing
leading up to the flat top. The top has a thin line of formal design,
which gives way to rich flora which surrounds a cartouche of a
gathering. The trees follow the lines which define the cartouche in the
most natural way without any hint of confinement.
The design is a tour de force of formality and naturalness in perfect
harmony; in short, the very essence of an Oriental garden.
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his could be a scene of sages composing poetry sitting in the gardens
as reported by early travellers.
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Another view of the top.
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Detail of the scene. There are symbolic motifs such as butterflies
and scrolls on the surround.
The main scene appears to be set in a garden on a small island. This
garden structure was favoured in Royal gardens, where exotic islands
were dotted in huge lakes. The supports for the pavilion are visible in
the lower part where they disappear in a formal pattern which denotes
water.
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Drinking from small "dishes"?
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A conversation.
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Here is a high ranking lady sitting on a china garden seat.
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The underside.
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The interior of the lid is decorated with a very finely executed
formal bamboo design.
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Good hinges and fine
decoration on the facings.
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Working lock and key.
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The beautifully stepped structure showing the virtuosity of
juxtaposing repetitive and scenic designs.
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The form and structure of of this tea chest is similar
to another illustrated on our website: "Chinese
export lacquer tea chest with scenes of tea trading the interior fitted
with metal canisters, circa 1840."
The extra size of this chest
is clear when both are seen together.
http://www.hygra.com/tc2/chtealac.htm
It is probable that both originated in the same Canton workshop
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caddies.
All text and images and linked images are ©
1999-2011 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further
information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us
at copyright@hygra.com
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