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Dear members I want to share 2 extremely rare carved porcelain plaques for view to study. One I believe could be from the Imperial work shop. I’m sorry about the picture quality do to them being in conservation boxes the glaze is lead glass from the 19th century so it’s a little foggy.There are particles from the paint loss on the carving. I believe the plaques are older than the frames. I have found no comparisons but a article on these pieces. The article states that these plaques were produced in the Imperial workshop during the Qainlong period up until the end of the 19th century the article said it took great amounts of time to carve these plaques the process of carving was done in 3 steps after carving than the color was added this was done by added about 8 layers
. It’s mind blowing that the writing is all carved. The article also mentions that very few from the 19th century are in circulation as most are in private collections or museums. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
I have to say I share Birgit's misgivings. I find the blue very odd, it is more of a Seto blue. The breaks in the black lines of the clothes seem unnecessary and I agree the perspective seems strange for allegedly old Chinese pieces.
May I ask how you can tell it is lead glass - I am genuinely interested to know.
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The Chinese, in common with the rest of mankind, have had the experience on which the non-Euclidian definition of parallel lines and the Western method of projection is based, and in their landscapes they represent distant things as smaller than near things. In their drawing of buildings and furniture, however, they make the lines that are parallel or equidistant in the object, parallel or equidistant in the drawing of the object. In a picture of the interior of a room, for instance, the walls are by measurement the same height throughout their length. The lines of tabletops are exactly parallel. But the definition of parallel which we must adopt here is that of Euclidian geometry ; that parallel lines are lines that never meet.
In the West, perspective is achieved by directing the lines of the drawing toward two hypothetical vanishing points, with the result that lines parallel or equidistant in nature are convergent on the picture plane. This type of projection depends upon the non- Euclidian definition of parallel lines as lines that meet at infinity. The projection of a point at infinity in a line is a finite point, so the meeting point of the parallel lines becomes projected as a finite point known as a vanishing point.
Vermeer and the Art of Linear Perspective:
Hey guys thank you for your perspectives. Lol. These plaques are authentic just keep in mind that the entire painting is carved every line and detail. The writing is the size of a rice grain. No one in modern time could carve writing in porcelain this small the one plaque is 900 characters long. Julia I have experience with glass and the lead glass breaking down is visible. I will get you a picture. Glass was also made differently it has a different feel.
Porcelain carving is derived from jade carving and stone carving. It first appeared in the Song Dynasty, and prospered in the late Qing Dynasty. By carving, the sleek surface of porcelain is engraved with different patterns or poem inscriptions or both, instantly becoming three-dimensional, and this, to some extent, injects spirit into the porcelain.
There are three kinds of skills in the carving of porcelain. The first one is chiseling. An artist normally grips a small cuboid wood block with two adjacent fingers as a hammer, and then with it knock the top of the diamond chisel rhythmically. Through different levels of strength used during chiseling, varied shades and patterns can be created.
The second kind of skill is carving. After outlining, the artist starts carving the patterns on the surface of the porcelain with a diamond knife.
The third kind of skill is engraving, mainly used for outlining the patterns. For example, when an artist wants to carve a human figure on the porcelain, he first engraves the outline and clothes before chiseling or carving for further refining.
After the carving process is completed, the artist will fill in the patterns with color. This step might be repeated several times for a natural, clean, and detailed result. Normally, a finished piece might need several layers of coloring.
Different lines are used as the basis to present the appearance and spirit of the pattern to be carved. The carved images are then colored with Chinese ink or colorful pigments. The clear contrast caused by the difference between the smooth glaze and all the harsh carved tracks give the porcelain new values in the eyes of collectors.
Today, not many pieces of carved porcelain from the Qing Dynasty remain. This is mainly due to two reasons. First, this craft requires advanced skills as porcelain is hard and brittle with a slippery surface. Second, porcelain carving combines painting and carving, which means to finish a single piece requires a very long period of time and much effort.
Interesting plaques. The perspective looks axonometric to me (caveat: I teach western art history and I am not an expert in Asian art).
The details are beautiful. I have no idea about the age but they look amazing. I would submit them to Peter for appraisal.
Do you know the subject matter? Are they from the Western Chamber?
@lotusblack Are you sure these are porcelain? Carved ivory plaques with miniature calligraphy is well known in the Republic period, and sure look similar to your plaques.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9903491_634-chinese-ivory-calligraphy-plaque-landscape-with
@lotusblack I may be missing the point, how old do you think these are exactly? Do you think they are possibly Republic or do you think earlier, nineteen twenties, thirties or even later glass could appear wavy by now. What does the backside of the frame look like? Of course, they could be newer or older than the frame. Sharon
My issue with perspective wasn't parallel lines, although nice to be reminded of vanishing points, seems a long time since I have thought of them. Happy memories of children's homework! 😊
I have just noticed however that the picture is distorted by camera angle which actually makes the top wider and bottom narrower, which doesn't help but there were other little things that seemed clumsy that can't be explained by that. Although I accept I may not be giving enough credit to it having been carved. I have to say, now Tim has mentioned it, there is a distinct resemblance to ivory in the shade and construction. I also think it has a Japanese look in the colour and faces - that is just a casual observation, no more.
I shall look forward to hearing more about the glass. I tend to take glass for granted and not give a thought to its components which seems rather a shame given how old the technique is.
Thanks guys for all your interest. Tim When I purchased these I actually thought it was plastic. Lol until the label that was on the sales tag identified them as porcelain. I was not believing this so I pulled out my magnaviewer. Luckily the center of one of the plaques was exposed enough on the boarder to see the edge it is 100 percent porcelain. I haven’t shown the backs yet but I will soon. As for dating I’m thinking 19th century but that is a guess. The carving with the small writing not the 900 character is losing outline paint in the shoulder area so the porcelain is exposed. Julia the picture angles are not the best trying to compensate for debris foggy glass and paint or ink loss. I am not comfortable with remove from boxes just yet.
@lotusblack Well, it would be great news if they are porcelain, not ivory, if you plan to resell.
However, in collecting Chinese art , it is quite rare to find a piece of unique design and materials… impossible I’d say.
How about you shine a bright light on the plaque and take a clear close up, then post?
If ivory, they are still quite remarkable works of art… just more challenging to sell.
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Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. ... Chinese Art (US) General enquiries
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Bonhams are international auctioneers of fine Chinese and Japanese art. We specialise in rare Imperial and Export Chinese ceramics and works of art, as well as Japanese ceramics, fine and decorative works of art from the Neolithic Period to the 20th century. View on map
Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. ... Asian Art Bonhams. Work. 22 Queen St.