Description
Small stands of this size are frequently referred to as “incense tables” (香几), although the phrase “scholars tables” (文盘) is sometimes used as well. The smaller size and greater height of this stand is more suggestive of an incense table.
The top surface of this stand depicts a lively scene fashioned from shaped and incised fragments of Chinese mother of pearl, inset within a rich black cracked lacquer base. Two playful children are seen tussling next to a bamboo cage housing a weasel-like animal. A wisp lies on the ground. An attendant holding a fan accompanies them nearby. On the opposite side is a pine tree hemmed inside a stone and tile balustrade. Clouds and other bits of foliage are also depicted in the background.
The outer edges of the tray are inlaid with delicate repeating cell pattern against a deep brown background. On the outside and below, runs a shaped apron decorated with a woven bamboo pattern. In the center of the apron and framed within shaped cartouches are figural scenes, suggestive of scholars meeting in a grove; an common scene found on Ming dynasty (1368-1644) inlay work (see Muwentang tray attached here). The cabriole legs are inlaid with fruiting sprays and terminate on a raised footed stretcher, decorated with blooming flowers, small moons and lucky coins. The underside, in a washed brown lacquer applied to a very thin fabric, over top a soft-wood core.
The entire stand then rests of a separate tray-like base, with rounded corners and a slight beaded edge. A lush black lacquer covers the surface with scattered crackles on both sides. The outer edges in a repeating cell patterns. Inset in the center of the base and also inlaid in delicate mother of pearl, is a diamond shaped pattern of extremely fine intricacy, consisting of alternating scrolling flowers, repeating cells and other patterns. The workmanship on this surface is particularly fine. Inset in the underside of the base in the center, in a mother of pearl medallion, is a makers mark inscribed in oracle bone script.
A particularly curious and unique attribute of this stand, is the unusual pairing of techniques normally attributed to two opposing periods in history. At first glance, the overall core elements are characteristic of the middle of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), from the gently sloping cabriole legs to the inlays of woven bamboo and repeating cell motifs over a leather brown lacquer. In contrast however, the deep crackled black on the top surface on the tray, along with the inlay scene, as well as the exceptionally fine inlay work on the detached lower base tray, “feels” more typical of items attributed to 17 or 18th centuries; perhaps in the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Its only upon close careful inspection, that one recognizes that for reasons unknown, these elements were added as later modifications. Perhaps at some later period in history, a craftsman endeavored to further enhance the piece in homage, or possibly this was the result of necessary surface repairs to areas which may have been worn from use.
An intricate diamond shaped pattern, strikingly similar to the one seen on the surface of the detachable tray, can be found on the top surface of a Ryukyu Kingdom chest in the collection of the LACMA. This chest is dated to approximately 1650-1750.
It seems likely that the additions to this incense stand occurred around the same time as the one in the LACMA collection. So this piece traveled from China (having been made in the 16th century) to the Ryukyu Islands where it was enhanced (in the 17th century) and eventually to Japan (when?) where is was finally collected (in the 21st century).
Although we may never know the exact reasons for these unusual and unique enhancements, this piece remains as an attractive and rare symbiosis of two disparate periods and techniques along with a fascinating journey.
𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
The box itself is custom to the piece and of a patina typically only found on boxes of several hundred or more years old.
Box size: 41.5 x 17.5 x 26
Small losses to mother of pearl on apron.
𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
- Long tray with mother of pearl inlay depicting figures by the riverbank, Dated to approx. 16th century Ming Dynasty, The Muwentang Collection Series, Vol. 13
- Chest with Figures,Flowers, and Birds, Ryukyu Islands, about 1650-1750, LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum)
- A RYUKYUAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID BLACK LACQUER SHAPED-SQUARE TRAY 18th/19th century – Bonhams
18th/19th century – Bonhams