A Fine and Massive Pair of Ivory Carvings, late 19th
From our Chinese Monochrome Collection, a massive and very fine pair of ivory tusk carvings, late 19th - early 20th century. The first carving depicts Guanyin, Goddess of Compassion and Mercy, very crisply detailed with a wonderfully serene and pensive countenance. Her hair sports a tall, well-coiffed chignon, and she stands upon a lotus form base holding a rosary in her left hand, and lotus flowers in her right. The back is mostly plain except for the subtle flow and folds of her robes. The second figure depicts a bearded male immortal gazing intently into an open book, which is supported by his left hand while also holding a suspended basket of peaches. In his right hand, he carries a staff of gnarled wood, and by his feet sits a crane. The back here is mostly plain again with just a skilled but subtle depiction of the flow and fold of his robes. Overall, the workmanship here is especially fine for this genre of ivory carving.
For a comparable pair of ivory carvings very similar in quality, execution style, and size, see Bonhams' upcoming November Sale # 20580, Fine Chinese Art, London, Lot 96, auction estimate 24,000 - 32,000 US dollars.
Size and Condition: 22 1/4 inches tall. Each tusk has substantial heft and weighs approximately 10 pounds apiece. Condition is nearly perfect with only some insignificant shallow age fissures here and there. Each carving has a mellow, cream colored patina slightly darker than the pictures depict.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 7th, 2013: BONHAMS LOT 96 MENTIONED ABOVE (A VERY SIMILAR IVORY PAIR) SOLD THIS MORNING AT AUCTION FOR 37,500 GBP, OR APPROXIMATELY 60,000 US DOLLARS.
