Lot 99. A pair of tall red lacquered incense stands, xiangji, Late Ming-Early Qing, 17th century; 36 1/4 x 18 1/4 x 18 1/4in (92 x 46.3 x 46.3cm) (2). Sold for US$28,050 (Estimate: US$10,000 - 15,000). © Bonhams 2001-2023
Each constructed with a delicately shaped beaded top of square shape with a small single panel set into a flush frame under chamfered corners over a double cut-out waist and hipped shoulder bisected by curved beaded rails set into a double cushion molded square framed base.
The Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection.
Provenance: Elliott Bay Antiques, 11 July 2003
Note: Incense stands are often part of wealthy household and has been illustrated in early paintings. For instance, the Southern Tang (937-975) painting Washing the Moon (National Palace Museum, Taipei) depicts a red lacquered square incense stands with gilt decoration. Red-ground lacquer incense stands are also illustrated in Zhongguo Zhu Mu Ya Jiao Qi Quanji 5: Jiaju [The Complete Collection of Chinese Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Volume 5: Furniture]. (Bejing, 2009), nos. 108 and 109.
For an example of this type in tianqi and qiangjin lacquer with a commensurate date, see Sotheby's, 20 March 2019, lot 714. For a rare and elegant example in huanghuali, see Christie's New York, The Dr. S.Y. Yip collection of fine and Important Classical Chinese Furniture, Friday Sept 20, 2002, lot 19.
Bonhams. THE MARY AND CHENEY COWLES COLLECTION OF ICAL CHINESE FURNITURE, 20 March 2023, New York
