Due to many inquiries, reserve has been lifted on this item! Will sell to high bidder!
Large Statuary of Han Gong (Han Dynasty 206 BC–220 AD) Palace Wife Playing Pi Pa
During the Han Dynasty, one of China’s earliest royal rulers, the king would have a principal wife, then hundreds of secondary and tertiary wives, whom would occupy the royal palace. During their extensive idle time in court life, painting, writing poetry or playing musical instruments would be common pastimes (see images for painting of Han Gong life).
w Pinyin written language character panel is ivory or bone; characters are “Han” for Han Dynasty and “Gong” for Palace
w Face and hands ivory; delicate grain visible; fine patina; face expression delicately and femininely rendered
w Pi Pa (similar to Lute) fashioned of sterling silver (patinaed) and brass; champlevé detail on neck medallion
w Cloisonné details of flowers, floral and fan fabric patterns, butterflies, dragons and royal white ermine fur texture imitation; I’ve counted 18 unique cloisonné enamel colors before giving up count – very elaborate and time consuming from a craftsmanship standpoint
w Platter/screen is champlevé enamel bottom with cloisonné border and decorative floral medallions and panels – minor crazing on champlevé half of circular panel – minor crazing; brass (ormolu?) edging
w Champlevé peacock headdress with turquoise flower bead detail; red coral peackock head ornament; neck and head feather detail exquisitely fashioned from fine cloisonné wire; tiny decorative pendant with turquoise bead hanging from its beak
w Wood base is hand carved representation of rock ledge and floral motif; custom made to accommodate figural and platter elements as is typical
I have never seen this combination of materials, and such a quality of craftsmanship among them.
Thanks for looking and good luck! Please check out my other items.