Ader
240
-
Set comprising a small purse, two mandarin insignia and a pi…
See original version (French)
240
-
Set comprising a small purse, two mandarin insignia and a pi…
See original version (French)
Estimate €250 - €350
Voluntary lot
Description
Set comprising a small purse, two mandarin insignia and a piece of silk gauze, China, 19th–20th century
- A small red silk purse embroidered with metallic threads depicting a bat, a peach and a lotus flower. It fastens with a cord finished with tassels. - A rectangular piece of beige silk gauze embroidered with multicoloured silk threads depicting baskets of flowers, lotus flowers, orchids, camellias, plum blossoms and butterflies. Framed by a strip of beige silk embroidered with clouds and geometric motifs. - Two mandarin insignia (front and back) of the fourth civil rank, featuring in the centre the wild goose ‘yan’ with outstretched wings, its orange beak turned towards the red sun. The bird perches on a steep rock rising from the sacred Lishui waters, set against a background of clouds and the eight precious treasures. The border is adorned with stylised ‘shou’ characters and bats.
Insignia: 27 x 29 cm; fabric: 86 x 34 cm; pouch: 9 cm
Stains, tears.
Both the bird and the sun are made from appliqué pieces, sewn in layers onto the embroidered background. This technique, which was very common towards the end of the Qing period, made it possible to modify an official’s insignia in the event of a promotion or to readjust the orientation of the sun in accordance with the rules of etiquette and the gender of the wearer (a man or a mandarin’s wife).
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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