A CHINESE CANTON ENAMEL ‘SCHOLARS’ TRAY.

Qing Dynasty, 18th Century.

Of rectangular form with cut corners, the central panel delicately painted to depict a group of seven scholars reclining on a rocky outcrop beneath bamboo within a border of dense flowers on a yellow ground, each side punctuated with a panel of birds, butterflies and flowers, the left corner with an inscription that reads, shi jian shi su wu duo lu, zhu li cheng shi jiu shubei (there are no troubles in the world, life is fine beneath the bamboo branches drinking wine and reciting poetry), 31 x 20.5cm.

清十八世紀 廣東銅胎畫琺瑯繪士大夫圖紋長方盤，「世間事俗無多慮，竹裏成詩酒數杯」款

Outdoor gatherings have long been a central part of artistic life for Chinese scholars since the Elegant Gathering in the Western Garden of Mi Fu, Li Gonglin and others. Paintings and antiques were often viewed and the drinking of wine and discussion often inspired the creation of calligraphic and pictorial works in the open air.

Please login or create an account to view/request condition reports