A LIU QING ‘KINGFISHER AND LOTUS’ BAMBOO WRISTREST BY XU YAN, CHINA, DATED 1944

Expert’s note:
The highly intricate technique of liu qing demands an exceptional level of skill, leaving absolutely no margin for error as the artist delicately carves away the negative space of the yellow-green skin to unveil the desired scene amongst the darker and more fibrous inner layer. The stunning result creates an effect of traditional Chinese brush and ink painting.

Exquisitely carved on the convex side in the liu qing technique, partially reserving the bamboo skin, to depict a resting kingfisher beside a pond with a large lotus blossom as well as furled leaves, lily pads, and two fish.


Inscriptions
: Left, signed and dated ‘Xu Yan in the Spring of 1944’, and titled ‘Lotus Pond Pleasure’. Two seals of the artist. Lower right, one seal of the artist.


Provenance:
Chicago trade.

Condition:
Good condition with minor old wear, expected age cracks, few tiny losses.

Weight: 193.4 g
Dimensions: Length 32.2 cm


Wristrests have been used for centuries
in Chinese calligraphy and painting, and they continue to be valued by artists who practice these traditional art forms. They serve as practical tools allowing the artist to make delicate brushstrokes or intricate calligraphy, also alleviating fatigue by providing a comfortable position and reducing strain on the muscles and tendons of the hand and wrist.


The pairing of a kingfisher and lotus
has been a popular theme in Chinese art and literature for centuries. The kingfisher, revered for its vibrant and iridescent feathers, is seen as an auspicious symbol of prosperity and believed to possess protective qualities against evil spirits and misfortune. The lotus, with its ability to emerge from murky waters and blossom into a beautiful flower, is seen as a metaphor for resilience and strength in the face of adversity.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 26 May 2013, lot 11
Price: HKD 100,000 or approx.
EUR 15,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A finely carved bamboo 'bird and lotus' wristrest, signed Xu Subai (1909-1975)
Expert remark: Compare the closely related wrist rest form, bird and lotus subject, and liu qing technique. Note the smaller size (27 cm).




竹雕《荷塘清趣》臂擱，許炎款

淺浮雕採用留青技法，部分保留竹皮，刻畫在池塘邊站在荷葉莖上的翠鳥，荷花盛開，荷葉捲曲，水中兩條小魚在戲耍。留青工藝極精，能於薄薄的青筠中區分出多個層次，表現物象的透視關係。雜以淺浮雕，多種技法的配合。


款識：
荷塘清趣，甲申三月許炎刻。


來源：
芝加哥古玩交易。

品相：
狀況良好，有輕微磨損，有老化裂紋與微小缺損。

重量：193.4 克
尺寸：長 32.2 厘米


拍賣結果比較：

形制：非常相近
拍賣：香港邦翰斯，2013年5月26日，lot 11
價格：HKD 100,000（相當於今日
EUR 15,000
）
描述：留青柳葉荷塘情趣臂擱
專家評論：比較非常相近的外形，蓮和鳥紋，以及留青技巧。請注意尺寸較小(27厘米)。