A SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE-INLAID GOLD BAT-SHAPED BOX AND COVER

Qing Dynasty

Footnotes

清 金百寶嵌蝙蝠形胭脂盒

The present lot exquisitely modelled in a bat-form with outstretched wings. The Chinese character for 'bat' (fu) pronounced the same as 'blessing' (fu), symbolizing the arrival of good fortune. The cover and body are connected by a finely crafted gold hinge, allowing for smooth opening and closing, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship. The bat design utilizes the inlay techniques, with carefully cut gemstones then precisely set into specially designed grooves in the gold base. The craftsman meticulously polishes the surface to a mirror-like finish and a soft touch.

The use of colour adheres strictly to the aesthetic principle of 'colorful yet measured'. The bat's wings are intricately inlaid with precious gemstones such as lapis lazuli and agate, creating a lifelike texture through the inlay techniques. The eyes are meticulously embellished with lapis lazuli, creating a vibrant and vivid sense. Patterns of good fortune and longevity are engraved around the box, adding both auspiciousness and elegance. A treasured item in the boudoir of ancient China, this cosmetic box perfectly blends graceful curves with noble gold and jade, embodying a woman's grace and noble elegance. Its exquisite design fully reflects the aristocratic women of the Ming and Qing dynasties' ultimate pursuit of a refined lifestyle. This bat-shaped, gold-inlaid box, a masterpiece of craftsmanship characterized by its 'gold as its core, precious stones as its soul, and aspirations as its essence', embodies the pinnacle of Ming and Qing dynasty craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of beauty among ancient women. Within this compact form, it embodies both the grandeur of imperial and the ingenuity of the craftsman, making it a truly rare and precious gem.

此胭脂盒以純金為胎，整體造型呈蝙蝠展翅之態，取「蝠」與「福」之諧音，寓意「福至」。盒蓋與盒身以精工金鉸鏈相連，開合自如，盡顯工藝之精妙。蝙蝠造型採用傳統凸嵌技法，將精選寶石經精細切割後，精准嵌入金胎特製凹槽，經匠人精心打磨，表面光潔如鏡，觸感溫潤。

在色彩運用上，嚴格遵循「五彩紛呈而章法有度」的美學原則：蝠翼部分巧妙鑲嵌青金石、瑪瑙等名貴寶石，通過精湛鑲嵌技藝勾勒出栩栩如生的翎毛紋理；眼部則以青金石精心點綴，神韻靈動，呼之欲出。盒身四周鏨刻傳統福壽紋樣，既顯祥瑞，又添雅致。作為古代閨閣珍物，本胭脂盒在設計上完美融合柔美曲線與尊貴金玉材質，彰顯出女性溫婉氣質，高貴典雅的特質。其精妙設計充分展現了明清時期貴族女性對精緻生活的極致追求。此金質百寶嵌蝙蝠形胭脂盒，可謂「以金為骨、以寶為魂、以福為意」的工藝傑作，既是明清時期頂級工藝水準的典型代表，亦承載著古代女性對美的不懈追求。方寸之間，既見皇家富貴氣象，又蘊匠人萬千巧思，實為不可多得的工藝瑰寶。