Description:

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a wonderful pair of carved wooden corbels featuring immortal figures known as Luohan seated under trees with auspicious symbolism of wealth and longevity. The first is a Luohan sitting under a pear tree with several large fruits and intricate twisting branches and leaves. He strokes his beard as if in deep contemplation and is dressed in scholarly robes and headdress. The other corbel has a similar twisting tree with foliage and rounded peach fruit- and another Luohan - in his hand is a boat shaped ingot known as a sycee or yuanbao, a precious silver or gold currency piece used in imperial China. To his side is a fu bat with its wings outstretched over cash coins with square holes. Both corbels are large and sturdy, with a lustrous patina throughout. Size: 8" L x 13" W x 27" H (20.3 cm x 33 cm x 68.6 cm)

The fu bat is an auspicious symbol of fertility, the peach symbolizes longevity, and pear trees are also a symbol of fortune and immortality. Immortals, also known as Arhats or Luohan, were the disciples of the Buddha, with supernatural powers and great wisdom. Depictions of Luohans and wealth in art and especially architecture encourage prosperity to enter the buildings.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168902

  • Condition: Repairs to the pear tree corbel, with adhesive infill to stabilize a crack. Repairs are nearly indiscernible. Loss to the ingot by man's foot on other corbel. Old inactive insect bore holes, and stable pressure fissures throughout both. Nicks and chips to high pointed areas, but overall excellent preservation and lustrous patina.

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April 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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