Lot 90. A ruby-red ground famille rose buddhist stupa, 18th-19th century. Estimate GBP 80,000 - GBP 120,000 (USD 103,360 - USD 155,040) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The impressive shrine is finely decorated and gilt with scrolling lotus below monster masks linked by pendant beaded chains. The shrine supports a series of graduated sections, each gilt-separated tier is decorated with a narrow floral band. The tapering column is surmounted by a beribboned Treasure Vase, one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, atop a moulded skirted cap. The stupa supported on a square base decorated with bands of lappets and floral scrolls on a vivid yellow ground. 17 in. (43 cm.) high 

Provenance: Formerly from a private Japanese collection

Note: Stupas are a symbol of Nirvana, and they represent the past and the present. They were originally memorial monuments built over the mortal remains of the Sakyamuni, and other important figures. Regarding the architectural form of the present piece, the square Mt. Sumeru base is Tibetan in style, while the rounded dome has its roots in India. The spire of thirteen layers is symbolic of the thirteen stages of enlightenment. This type of object had a ritual function at the Qing Court frequented by Tibetan monks. An example of a red-ground shrine and yellow-ground pedestal like the current lot is in the Qing Court Collection which is illustrated in Dihuang Yu Gongting Ciqi, vol. 2, Beijing, 2010, p. 359, pl. 25-14. 

A very similar ruby-ground stupa with a green-ground stand dating to the Qianlong period was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 April 2002, lot 536.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics And Works of Art, 9 May 2017, London, King Street