A pair of zitan-framed jade and hardstone inset lacquer panels


Qing dynastyThe sturdy zitan framing members intricately carved with intermittent fronds of archaistic scrolls against a ground of dense repeating geometric patterns, enclosing the tall rectangular russet lacquer displaying an attractive craquelure and inset with numerous multi-hued jade and hardstone carvings depicting the books, flower-filled vessels, and other accouterments of an elegant scholar's studio, most depicted mounted on elaborate wood stands, all below the large characters hong and xi in carnelian or similar semi-precious stone of reddish whorl; both panels suspended from an attractive metal alloy hook cast in shou medallion and lion-dog subject matter.46 1/2in (118cm) high (2).
|清 褐漆嵌百寶「鴻禧」博古圖帶紫檀框掛屏一對The archaistic motifs of the dense framing members and the 'One Hundred Antiques' decorative subject matter of the plaques bespeaks of a very typically High Qing scholarly sensibility, one that would see no contradiction between the restrained appreciation of classical vessels and scholar's objects on the bodies of the plaques and the celebration of abundance and joy as augured by the phrase Hongxi above them (loosely translated as 'magnificent jubilation').