
Juliette Hammer
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Sold for £14,080 inc. premium
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Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Head of Chinese and Asian Art, London
十八世紀 紫檀柿形筆掭
The present lot may possibly be an ink palette (bitian 筆掭), traditionally used to adjust ink and moisten the brush before writing or painting, ensuring an even distribution of ink and preventing tonal inconsistencies in a single stroke. However, given the exceptional quality of the carving and the use of precious wood, it is likely that this piece was intended more for decorative purposes than practical use. The persimmon (shi 柿) is a highly auspicious symbol, associated with good fortune, happiness, and success. Its significance stems from its pronunciation, which is a homophone for shi (事), meaning 'affairs' or 'matters.' As such, the persimmon is often seen as a symbol of the wish that all matters will go smoothly (shishi ruyi 事事如意), bringing prosperity and good luck.
See a related ivory ink palette of similar design and shape, mid-Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2010, p.217.
See a related zitan tray, Qing dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams New York, 12 September 2016, lot 8084.