
Juliette Hammer
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Sold for £4,096 inc. premium
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Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Head of Chinese and Asian Art, London
十八世紀 竹雕石榴擺件
The splitting pomegranate is a beloved motif in Chinese art, carrying the symbolic pun liukai baizi (榴開百子), which conveys a wish for the birth of many children, particularly sons. Bamboo carvings of this form are rare; however, a similar double pomegranate design in white jade can be found in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade 9, Beijing, 2011, no.162. This piece offers a comparable representation, highlighting the enduring significance of the pomegranate in Chinese symbolism.
See a related bamboo carved 'double pomegranate' group, 18th century, which was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 29 May 2018, lot 6. See also a related bamboo pomegranate group, 18h century, from the collection of Mr and Mrs Gerard Hawthorn, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 3 December 2008, lot 2310.