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HOME :
Chinese Art :
Qing Dynasty (Ching) : A Rose Quartz Ceremonial Incense Burner
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A Rose Quartz Ceremonial Incense Burner - JL.006
Circa: 1644
AD
to 1922
AD
Dimensions:
10" (25.4cm) high
x 10" (25.4cm) wide
x 6" (15.2cm) depth
Collection: Chinese Art
Style: Qing Dynasty / Ching
Medium: Rose Quartz
Condition: Very Fine
£9,000.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
Hardstone carving is one of the
oldest arts in China. The earliest
known evidence recovered
through archaeology is agate
earrings of the prehistoric
Majiabang culture that date to the
fifth millennium B.C. It was not
until the Qing dynasty (1644 –
1911) that the combination of an
abundant supply of raw material,
extraordinary craftsmanship, and
keen imperial patronage spurred
an efflorescence.
While carving tools improved over
the ages, the techniques first
developed in Neolithic times
remained little changed. The
fundamental working principle
was the gradual wearing away of
the unwanted parts of the stone,
whether it was to separate the
gem from the stony crust, to cut it
into a rough shape, to work it into
the final form, or to polish it to a
lustrous finish.
During the early part of the Qing
dynasty steady economic growth
led to widespread prosperity while
successful military campaigns not
only brought political stability but
also secured key trade routes in
the west of the country. As a
result large quantities of
gemstones were brought to China
over the Silk Road or by maritime
routes from as far as Europe.
Workshops in cities like Suzhou
and Yangzhou flourished as the
imperial patronage of the Qing
court contributed significantly to
the carving art. During the reigns
of emperors Yongzheng and
Qianlong, workshops were
established in the palace that
employed large numbers of
master carvers. Inventory records
of the Qing imperial jade
workshops alone document
monthly acquisitions of numerous
semi-precious stones. Meanwhile,
the lapidary craft, which for more
than a millennia had suffered
frequent interruptions due to
regime changes and devastating
wars, was revived. According to
the records of the imperial jade
workshops, the emperors not only
set exacting standards of quality
but also gave detailed instructions
on subject matter and style.
This incense burner seems a fine
example of the skilled
workmanship of Qing dynasty
craftsmen. Carved from rose
quartz the piece can be read as
endemic to the profusion of hard-
stone carving which defines the
prolific Qing production period.
Notably this piece prominently
features three dragons - which are
generally understood as
symbolising the emperor - and
thus suggesting an owner. The
two dragons on the lower half of
the piece are robustly carved with
etched detailing and no major
deformities. This piece is
particularly notable for the
elaborate knob which surmounts
the cover - This skilfully carved
curled dragon is perceptibly
similar to the azure dragon which
was eventually adopted in the late
19th century as the official flag of
the Qing dynasty.
- (JL.006)
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