Qing Dynasty Hetian Jade Quail Incense Box

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Qing Dynasty Hetian Jade Quail Incense Box

"Quail" (鵪鶉) is a homophone for "peaceful dwelling" (安居), symbolizing living and working in peace and contentment, and national prosperity and peace. Quail-shaped covered boxes were classic artifacts of the Qing imperial palace, deeply favored by the royalty due to their ingenious design. During the Song Dynasty, due to frequent foreign invasions, the Southern Song Dynasty sought peace in a corner, and the people longed for stable lives. Consequently, the quail ascended to the realm of art. Li Anzhong, a famous court painter during both the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, is a representative figure for paintings on this subject.

Catalogue No.: 350

H 7.5cm, L 8cm, W 4.5cm

Starting Bid: RMB 6,000

Estimate: RMB 30,000~40,000

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The quail, pronounced "an ju" in Chinese, signifies peaceful living and work, and national prosperity. The quail-shaped lidded box is a classic Qing imperial artifact, highly favored by the royal family for its ingenious design. During the Song dynasty, due to repeated invasions by foreign tribes, the Southern Song dynasty was confined to a corner, and the common people yearned for a stable life. Consequently, the quail entered the realm of art. Li Anzhong, a famous court painter during the two Song dynasties, is a representative figure for this subject.
This box is shaped like a resting quail, carved entirely from a single piece to form a lidded box. The quail's left cheek shows a slight russet tone. Its body is decorated with short incised lines to represent feathers. It can be used to store jewelry or spices.
References: Shanghai Museum White Jade Quail Box
Capital Museum White Jade Quail Box

Keywords:

荣艺庭芳中国近现代艺术品专场

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