
Dora Tan
Head of Sale, Specialist
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Sold for HK$48,450 inc. premium
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Head of Sale, Specialist

International Director

International Specialist

Cataloguer
蒙古 十九世紀 銀及銅鎏銀玉鈕蓋罐
Each of these jars is surmounted by a domed cover executed in latticework with inset coral and turquoise in a technique that was favored in Mongolia between the 18th and 19th centuries. Further decorating the lower portion of the lid and ovoid body is an array of chased, interlocking coins, ruyi-shaped feet, and an openwork base with kirtimukha faces, depicted here as Buddhist lions, which were loosely inspired by textile works dated to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
As indicated by the large, jade finials, rendered here as flaming jewels, these jars were likely placed near a large altar, functioning as containers to diffuse incense smoke during monastic ceremonies.
Despite the unique shape and scale of these jars, clear comparisons can be made with a 19th-century Mongolian stupa with a similar base and lotus petal design located below the jade finial, sold at Sotheby's, New York, 17 September 2014, lot 479, in addition to a pair of censers with similar stands, sold at Sotheby's, New York, 16 September 2017, lot 872.
Provenance:
Purchased from Rose Levine, Pasadena, circa 1995-2000, by repute
Private California Collection