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国内拍卖首页 > Galerie Zacke > 亚洲艺术集珍 - 第二天 > Lot 357
DR. WOU’S ONE AND ONLY ‘DRAGON’ GIANT TEMPLE GONG, 19TH CENTURY, EX PROPERTY OF THE WOU LIEN-PAI MUSEUM
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2024年10月18日 开拍
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DR. WOU’S ONE AND ONLY ‘DRAGON’ GIANT TEMPLE GONG, 19TH CENTURY, EX PROPERTY OF THE WOU LIEN-PAI MUSEUM

Expert’s note: The sound of this gong is as monumental as its appearance, carrying for a mile or more, indicating it was likely used in a large temple or palace compound. The preservation of this piece is remarkable, especially considering the fragility of wood when exposed to the elements. To find a complete and so well-preserved temple gong of this caliber today is exceptionally rare, as many similar pieces have deteriorated over time due to weathering, and in some case the wood structures have simply been replaced by more durable metal components. Thus, this gong stands out as a unique and exceptional artifact. A video and audio file are included in this listing, and listening to the gong's resonant tones is highly recommended to appreciate its full impact.

Supported by two large pillars on bracket feet, the horizontal beam is topped with two opposing sinuous dragons carved in openwork, their scaly bodies meticulously detailed. The detachable heads feature wild manes, bulging eyes, and slightly agape mouths revealing sharp fangs. The turned frame suspends a large bronze gong.

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. H.CN.18. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.
Condition: Good condition with expected wear and natural imperfections overall, including age cracks. The wood with some losses, chips, nicks, scratches, tiny holes, flaking to pigments, minor cracks, as well as some old touchups and repairs. The bronze with a naturally grown patina and vibrant malachite encrustations.

Dimensions: Height 193 cm, Length 302 cm

With an old mallet. (2)

Expert’s note (continued): In the Qing dynasty, gongs were used primarily for ceremonial purposes and as status symbols in religious and imperial rituals. They signaled important events, such as royal processions or temple ceremonies. Their ornate dragon designs symbolized imperial power and authority. While widely popular during the Qing dynasty, today they are less common, primarily found in select private collections. A thorough online search conducted by our catalog team across countless museums, auction houses, and religious sites yielded no comparable results. Dragon gongs, much like dragon rooftiles, were once commonplace, but most have been replaced with more durable materials that are less susceptible to weathering and deterioration. The present gong – having been housed within the premises of the Wou Lien-Pai Museum to greet visitors when they first entered Dr. Wou’s private museum – was shielded from the elements, thus ensuring its preservation without significant damage.

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拍品估价：5,000 - 10,000 欧元 起拍价格：5,000 欧元  买家佣金：

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