A translucent ‘chicken fat’ yellow glass bowl modeled in the form of a large lotus leaf with a scalloped rim folding over the edge of the lotus leaf, the outer wall carved and incised with a continuous scene of lotus blossoms, leaves and pods, the stalks of the plant forming the elegant foot.

According to Theresa Bartholomew, a clump of lotus represents “firm roots and luxuriant branches, or May your business have a firm foundation and may it flourish.” See Bartholomew (2006), 6.25.1. For similar pieces in green and blue glass, see Brown (1995), cat. no. 100 and 101.

Provenance: acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1970’s

Exhibited: Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach, April 7, 2007 – April 6, 2008

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Qing Dynasty Glass Treasures: A Selection from the Gadient Collection (2009), cat. no. 42

Depicting a landscape with rural scenes among rice fields, including sumo-wrestling, lion dance and New Year's rituals.

Materials/Techniques: Ink, colored pigments and gold on paper, black lacquer wood frame and metal fittings.

Condition: The front is excellent, the back in good condition with some minor old damage.

A large six panel screen decorated with scenes from the famous Japanese novel The Tale of Genji written by Lady Murasaki in the 11th century, depicting from right a couple on the veranda of a villa, the man reading aloud from a book; at center an old man and a boy carrying a basket, as a pair of mandarin ducks swim by, above the scene of the Third Princess and the Chinese cat from the New Herbs chapter; and at left a woman and a youthful attendant standing beside a stream.

Materials/Techniques: ink, colors, and gold on paper, lacquered wood frame and metal fittings.

Condition: Excellent, with some restorations

A medium-size six panel screen decorated with scenes from the famous Japanese novel The Tale of Genji written by Lady Murasaki in the 11th century, depicting from left to right, a man standing by a seated woman in pavilion; a lady seated in a pavilion among pine tree and blossoming cherry trees, holding a brush and writing calligraphy on a scroll; a man and his attendant walking on a path looking back at deer among hills. Sealed on the lower left corner.

Materials/Techniques: Ink and pigments on paper, brocade and lacquered wood frame.

Condition: Excellent, with some light staining and restorations

Each screen similarly decorated with gold and silver fans painted with flowers, fruits and other plants, floating over stylized waves bordered by a curving bank lined with reeds bent by the breeze.

Materials/Techniques: Ink, colored pigments, silver and gold on paper, black lacquer wood frame.

Condition: Excellent

An elm wood writing desk of Chinese design with Western influence, composed of two side pedestals and center part, which can be dismantled. Each pedestal has two drawers and a bottom grill, and the center part has an additional two drawers. Between the two pedestals is a removable footrest which resembles the same grill design.

Wood: Northern Elm (Yumu)

Condition: Excellent condition with some wear, consistent with the age of this desk.

A partially lacquered elm wood rectangular table of classical form resting on four straight legs supported in the corners by round braces. The table has a small hidden drawer in the center.

Wood: Northern Elm (Yumu)

Condition: These tables were more commonly used for painting, but make excellent side tables.

An elm wood rectangular table of classical form with humpback stretchers resting on four straight legs with canted feet. These tables were more commonly used for painting, but make excellent side tables. We have another very similar table listed which would work perfectly as a pair (1167898).

Wood: Northern Elm (Yumu)

Condition: In excellent condition with some wear, consistent with the age of the table.

An elm wood rectangular table of classical form with humpback stretchers resting on four straight legs with canted feet. These tables were more commonly used for painting, but make excellent side tables. We have another very similar table listed which would work perfectly as a pair (1167901).

Wood: Northern Elm (Yumu)

Condition: In excellent condition with some wear, consistent with the age of the table.

A table-like chest also know in China as coffer table were often used as altars. This particular one is fitted with two deep drawers and a sloping apron.

Wood: Northern Elm (Yumu)

Condition: Excellent condition with some wear, consistent with the age of this table.