A Fine and Massive Pair of Ivory Carvings, late 19th
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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. OUR PAIR IS OFFERED AT SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT TO THAT PRICE.
