Author: --

Size: D5.1cm

Signed and dated: Qianlong Period，Qing Dynasty

Estimate:

Final Price: RMB 4,900,000

Illustrated
The Oriental Ceramic Society Hong Kong，2006，P.268，fig.155
Qianlong Four-Character Mark
This small box and cover is skilfully modelled to give a round shallow side rising from a short foot ring and the exterior is bordered with a raised stylised kui-dragon near the rim，reserved on a blue and purple ground. The top side of the cover is made with a sphere-liked handle encircles by a band of petals and raised nipples in gilt. The box and cover are applied overall with a deep reddish-brown teadust glaze，highlighted with variegated umber and dark brown splashes simulating the patina of a bronze surface. The base is moulded with a four-character impressed Qianlong seal mark within a recessed square.
Provenance
On loan at the Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Antique Store Collection
Shanghai Jinghua，24.August，2003，Lot 952
David Huang & Son Art Foundation
Exhibited
Art Museum Hong Kong University Museum，Oct-Dec.2006
’Chinese Cutural Exchange Association’，Jun-Jul.2011，Calafonia，US，No 3
Imitations of other materials in porcelain were favoured by the Qianlong Emperor who had a penchant for the novel. Archaic and archaistic bronzes were particularly popular and copied in a great variety of ways with different glazes. The present piece is notable for its subtle russet and dark brown patches to resemble successfully a slightly worn patina of archaistic bronze vessels that have in turn been inspired by archaic ritual bronzes.