Chinese
A Rare Chinese Silver Wire Inlaid Hornbill Skull, Qianlong Marks, Early 19th Century
carved hornbill
5 1/2 x 3 x 8 in, 14 x 7.6 x 20.3 cm
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500 CAD
Sold for: $3,125
Preview at:
PROVENANCE
Fox's Gem Shop, Seattle
Private Collection, Vancouver, 1980s
By descent to the present Private Collection, Vancouver
Of typical form and attached with a carved piece of lacquered wood protecting the base of the skull and eyes inlaid with spinach green jade, the protrusion above the beak carved with a scene of a phoenix and various songbirds amidst pine trees and large peonies, both sides of the skull inlaid with silver wire a scene of birds, rockery and florals, all below a continuous poem dated to the Qianlong reign:
All the colours of the garden faded by comparison
She drew the attention of all things
The water was not deep enough for her shadow
Her fragrance lingered wherever she went
All the small creatures gazed at her under the moonlight
Even the butterflies were taken by her beauty
Men could not enhance her beauty by mere poetry
Her budding charms were visible
Through the sheerness of her gown
Her fragrance was worthy only for an emperor
The moon goddess paled by comparison
The emotions she aroused were indescribable
Please note that this work is for domestic purchase only in Canada; Heffel will not ship this work internationally. Please be advised that this lot contains organic material that is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Veuillez noter que cette œuvre n’est offerte que pour achat national, au Canada seulement; la Maison Heffel refusera d’expédier cette œuvre à l’extérieur du pays. Sachez également que ce lot comporte du matériel organique protégé en vertu de la Convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d’extinction (CITES).
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our
Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the
condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.