31
A repoussé and engraved 'phoenix' box and cover, Tang dynasty | 唐 銀捶揲鳳穿花紋蓋盒
1/5
Description
length 7.8cm. (3 ⅛ in.)
(2)
Provenance
J.J. Lally, New York, October 2008
Catalogue note
Although birds in pairs and lotus petals might have suggested influence from Persia and India, the motif of two phoenixes on this box facing each other would be typical of Tang iconography. The sculptural relief of repoussé technique enhances the visual impact of the motif with a sensual touch to the box. Such a treatment allows the relief pattern to further stand out against the ring-matted background by limiting the light reflection, as opposed to the plain and smooth ground, see Bo Gyllensvärd, 'T'ang Gold and Silver', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no.29, London, 1957, pp.35-36 for further details of the techniques employed. A similar repoussé work in circular box featuring a tortoise with a serpent, from the collection of Dr. Johan Carl Kempe (1884-1967), is illustrated in Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold & Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl.135. A similar subject with repoussé technique is demonstrated on the base of a bowl from the Avery Brundage Collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, exhibited in Chinese Gold & Silver in American Collections, Tang Dynasty A.D. 618-907, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, 1984-85, cat. no.19.
(2)
Provenance
J.J. Lally, New York, October 2008
Catalogue note
Although birds in pairs and lotus petals might have suggested influence from Persia and India, the motif of two phoenixes on this box facing each other would be typical of Tang iconography. The sculptural relief of repoussé technique enhances the visual impact of the motif with a sensual touch to the box. Such a treatment allows the relief pattern to further stand out against the ring-matted background by limiting the light reflection, as opposed to the plain and smooth ground, see Bo Gyllensvärd, 'T'ang Gold and Silver', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no.29, London, 1957, pp.35-36 for further details of the techniques employed. A similar repoussé work in circular box featuring a tortoise with a serpent, from the collection of Dr. Johan Carl Kempe (1884-1967), is illustrated in Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold & Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl.135. A similar subject with repoussé technique is demonstrated on the base of a bowl from the Avery Brundage Collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, exhibited in Chinese Gold & Silver in American Collections, Tang Dynasty A.D. 618-907, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, 1984-85, cat. no.19.
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
length 7.8cm. (3 ⅛ in.)
(2)
Provenance
J.J. Lally, New York, October 2008
Catalogue note
Although birds in pairs and lotus petals might have suggested influence from Persia and India, the motif of two phoenixes on this box facing each other would be typical of Tang iconography. The sculptural relief of repoussé technique enhances the visual impact of the motif with a sensual touch to the box. Such a treatment allows the relief pattern to further stand out against the ring-matted background by limiting the light reflection, as opposed to the plain and smooth ground, see Bo Gyllensvärd, 'T'ang Gold and Silver', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no.29, London, 1957, pp.35-36 for further details of the techniques employed. A similar repoussé work in circular box featuring a tortoise with a serpent, from the collection of Dr. Johan Carl Kempe (1884-1967), is illustrated in Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold & Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl.135. A similar subject with repoussé technique is demonstrated on the base of a bowl from the Avery Brundage Collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, exhibited in Chinese Gold & Silver in American Collections, Tang Dynasty A.D. 618-907, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, 1984-85, cat. no.19.
(2)
Provenance
J.J. Lally, New York, October 2008
Catalogue note
Although birds in pairs and lotus petals might have suggested influence from Persia and India, the motif of two phoenixes on this box facing each other would be typical of Tang iconography. The sculptural relief of repoussé technique enhances the visual impact of the motif with a sensual touch to the box. Such a treatment allows the relief pattern to further stand out against the ring-matted background by limiting the light reflection, as opposed to the plain and smooth ground, see Bo Gyllensvärd, 'T'ang Gold and Silver', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no.29, London, 1957, pp.35-36 for further details of the techniques employed. A similar repoussé work in circular box featuring a tortoise with a serpent, from the collection of Dr. Johan Carl Kempe (1884-1967), is illustrated in Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold & Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl.135. A similar subject with repoussé technique is demonstrated on the base of a bowl from the Avery Brundage Collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, exhibited in Chinese Gold & Silver in American Collections, Tang Dynasty A.D. 618-907, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, 1984-85, cat. no.19.
The Edith & Stuart Cary Welch Collection
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
34-35 New Bond Street
London
W1A 2AA
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
Sotheby’s Post Sale Service teams can arrange expert delivery and convenient shipping of your property. We offer exceptional service and competitive rates whether shipping a diamond bracelet or a large piece of furniture. Fully knowledgeable on all international regulations, Sotheby's will compile a full range of services for you, including collection, packing and arranging for shipping and transit insurance worldwide. For sales in London and New York, simply provide us with your delivery address when you register for a sale. Following your purchase, we will send you a competitive and comprehensive shipping quote. For property purchased in all other salerooms, contact that office directly to arrange for the transport of your purchases.
To learn more, or if we may be of assistance contact us.
Important Information
https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/conditions-of-business-for-buyers-london-27.09.23.pdf?locale=en
Terms & Conditions
https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/conditions-of-business-for-buyers-london-27.09.23.pdf?locale=en
