
Edward Luper
Specialist, Chinese Works of Art
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Sold for £4,080 inc. premium
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Specialist, Chinese Works of Art
清乾隆 銅胎掐絲琺瑯磬式燈飾一對
The musical stone or chime was one of the 'Eight Precious Things' or babao, including the pearl, lozenge, conch shell, coin, mirror, artemisia leaf and books/scrolls. The musical stone symbolised harmony, and thus perfection and justice.
See a wood and lacquer lantern in the form of a similarly-shaped musical chime, mid Qing dynasty, at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire (acc.no.NT 107453). See also a related cloisonné enamel lantern, Qianlong, but in the form of a ruyi-head, which was sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2006, lot 100.