A RARE CARVED BAMBOO 'ROMANCE OF THE WESTERN CHAMBER' PARFUMIER

17th/18th century

Footnotes

The item within this lot containing ivory has been registered in accordance with the Ivory Act (Section 10). Ref.6XRUDYPC

該批次中含有象牙的物品已根據《象牙法案》（章節10）註冊Ref.6XRUDYPC

十七/十八世紀 竹雕西廂記人物故事圖香筒

This exquisitely carved bamboo parfumier showcases the remarkable artistry and technical mastery of 17th and 18th century bamboo carving. The openwork design is expertly pierced, allowing the delicate tendrils of incense smoke to weave through the intricate lattice, enhancing the sense of depth and atmosphere. The finely rendered trees create an immersive scene, evoking the feeling of wandering through a secluded woodland retreat, where the romance of the tale unfolds. The exceptional craftsmanship is evident in the minute details such as the delicate foliage and the gracefully flowing robes of the figures. Such carvings exemplify the finest traditions of literati aesthetics, where art and literature merge to transport the viewer into a world of elegance and refinement. See a related carved bamboo parfumier, 18th century, but with a literary gathering, in openwork, illustrated by Ip Yee and L.C.S.Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, vol.I, Hong Kong, 1978, pp.310-311, no.88.

This parfumier depicts a scene from The Romance of the Western Chamber, specifically A Feast of Tears, where Madam Cui finally consents to Scholar Zhang marrying Yingying — provided he passes the civil service exam. The farewell banquet at the Pavilion of Farewell includes the young lovers, the maid Hongniang, Zhang's page boy, and a sedan-chair attendant. A similar scene appears on a Kangxi-period square vase, as illustrated by S.Little, Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period: 1620-1683, New York, 1984, p.96, pl.41c. See also a bamboo parfumier, Kangxi, with another scene but from The Romance of the Western Chamber, illustrated by S.Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, pp.254-255.

See a related carved bamboo 'figurative scene' parfumier, Kangxi, which was sold at Bonhams London, 11 November 2024, lot 265. Compare also with a carved and reticulated bamboo parfumier, 18th century, which was sold at Sotheby's London, 1 November 2022, lot 66.