A CHESTNUT AND RUSSET JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST

Late Qing Dynasty

Footnotes

晚清 黃玉雕辟邪擺件

Provenance: Tan Zongjun (1846–1888) (label on box)
Pang Yuanji (1864-1949) (label on box)
Anthony du Boulay (1929-2022) and Judith du Boulay (1933-2021)
Duke's, Dorset, 11 November 2019, lot 179

來源： 譚宗浚（1846-1888）（匣上標籤）
龐元濟（1864-1949）（匣上標籤）
Anthony du Boulay(1929-2022)和Judith du Boulay(1933-2021)伉儷舊藏
Duke's 拍賣行，（英國）多塞特，2019年11月11日，拍品編號179

The Licun Caotang was the library of Tan Zongjun (1846–1888) during the Qing dynasty. Tan Zongjun, courtesy name Shuyu, was a native of Nanhai, Guangdong. A brilliant scholar from a young age, he held official posts including editor at the Hanlin Academy, historian at the Bureau of History, education commissioner in Sichuan, and judicial commissioner in Yunnan. An avid book collector, he authored works such as Licun Essays, A Study of Two Han Dynasty Seals, and Collected Writings of Xigutang.

Pang Yuanji (1864–1949), courtesy name Caichen, art name Xuzhai, was a renowned modern industrialist, connoisseur, and collector. His extensive collection included bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and jades, with his painting collection being particularly distinguished. He authored the Catalogue of Xuzhai's Famous Paintings and its sequel.

Anthony du Boulay (1929–2022) was a renowned British expert in Chinese porcelain. He served as the Keeper of Porcelain and Director of the European Works of Art Department at Christie's, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the market for Chinese ceramics. Over his career, he became a leading authority on the subject, publishing influential books, including Chinese Porcelain (1973) and Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics (1984), which remain valuable references for collectors and scholars. Known for his discerning eye and deep knowledge, du Boulay was also a respected lecturer and consultant, sharing his expertise with museums, institutions, and private collectors. His contributions significantly advanced the appreciation and understanding of Chinese art in the West.

The present lot is accompanied with a wood stand, with the base bearing an incised and gold-filled inscription in clerical script reading 'Han Bixie' and a seal reading 'Qianlong Imperial Collection' (乾隆御鉴). The present lot reflects Qing dynasty archaism, when emperors and scholars promoted the meticulous study and reproduction of ancient jade forms. See for example an earlier jade mythical beast, Han dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (I), Hong Kong, 1995, pp.240-241, no.201.