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Expert’s note:
Our piece, unlike the more common export silver examples, evokes a classical aesthetic rooted in Tang dynasty traditions, which continued to influence metalwork throughout the successive Liao, Song, and Yuan periods. For this reason, there is a possibility that this tray is earlier than the date indicated above. See a parcel-gilt and repoussé silver ‘dragon’ bowl, Liao dynasty, dated by inscription to the bingyin year of the Taiping era, corresponding to 1026, 17.5 cm wide, formerly in the collection of Alan and Simon Hartman, at Bonhams New York, 14 December 2023, lot 62; another silver octagonal dish, Southern Song dynasty, 17.7 cm wide, at Christie’s New York, 25 March 2022, lot 763; and a parcel-gilt silver vase, Meiping, Song dynasty, at Bonhams Hong Kong, 29 May 2024, lot 401.
Of oval form, finely chased and embossed to the center with the Four Symbols which are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise (also called "Black Warrior") of the North, in addition to these four mythical beasts, the flying carp is also represented, all against a minutely ring-punched ground, encircled by a band of long shaped cartouches enclosing designs including squirrels and grapevines, butterflies and feline beasts, and gourds borne on leafy scrolling vines, below a band of scrolling foliage to the rim. The back fitted with a small loop for wall suspension.
Provenance: The Collection of Sam and Myrna Myers, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, expected tarnish, minor encrustations, light warping, tiny dents and dings, few small nicks.
Weight: 358.6 g
Dimensions: Length 29.3 cm
The Four Symbols (Sì Xiàng) are legendary creatures representing the cardinal directions and the four seasons. They are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North. Each symbol carries deep cultural, spiritual, and cosmological significance. The Azure Dragon (Qinglong) is associated with spring, the element wood, and is a symbol of strength, renewal, and imperial power. The Vermilion Bird (Zhuque), linked to summer and fire, represents beauty, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. The White Tiger (Baihu), connected to autumn and metal, stands for courage, military prowess, and righteousness. The Black Tortoise (Xuanwu), tied to winter and water, symbolizes endurance, stability, and longevity; it is often depicted entwined with a snake. These creatures were not only important in ancient Chinese astronomy, marking the four quadrants of the sky, but also played a role in art, literature, and religious practices.
The combination of carp and dragon alludes to the path of the scholar who must leap like a carp across the Longmen Falls in order to transform into a dragon, meaning to pass his examinations.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 6 November 2013, lot 428
Price: GBP 7,500 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Chinese export repoussé silver ‘dragon and carp’ tray, circa 1900
Expert remark: Compare the related technique and motifs. Note the different form and style.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Edinburgh, 22 March 2017, lot 163
Price: GBP 12,500 or approx. EUR 21,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large silver repoussé decorated box and cover, by Tai He, probably Bangkok, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related technique and motifs. Note the different form and the size (22 cm).
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