CHINE, époque Kangxi (1661-1722) Lot n° 25

WRITING China, Kangxi Period for the turquoise blue enamelled porcelain and rock crystal France, 18th century for the gilt bronze frame H. 16.5 cm, W. 25.5cm, D. 15 cm Provenance - Collection Philippe de Rothschild (1902-1988) This writing case is composed of a rectangular quadripod tray supporting two guardian lions (shishi) serving as a penholder and a rock crystal inkwell carved with qilong (hornless dragons) and lingzhi (immortality mushrooms). The chiseled and gilded bronze frame consists of a frieze of water leaves serving as a gallery for the tray and a budding shrub reminiscent of prunus, one of the "three friends of winter" in China and a symbol of renewal. The writing case presented here embodies the 18th century taste for Chinese porcelain mounted in goldsmith's ware by merchant thankers. This contrast between gold and turquoise was particularly appreciated by the aristocracy. One of the perfume fountains that once belonged to Queen Marie-Antoinette and is now kept in the Louvre is a testimony to this.