An Ivory ´Hu´ Court Tablet
Klubbat för:
15000 SEK
Utropspris
10 000-15 000 SEK
Beskrivning
An Ivory ´Hu´ Court Tablet, the hu is of gently curving and plain tapering form, the ivory is of a pale honey tone, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), length c. 47.5 cm, wear, cracks, minor damages
PROVENANCE:
Purchased in China by a Swedish collector during early 20th century
NOTE:
During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), ivory hu were used by court officials from the first to fifth rank. These plain tablets were carried by officials while actually in the imperial presence. They denoted the category of the official concerned and were kept by the court doorkeeper as their possession gave access to restricted areas. The tablet also served as a "notebook"-using water-based ink and a brush, the official could record the emperor´s words on the ivory surface. They were no longer used at court during Qing dynasty (1644-1912).
Compare with a similar tablet sold at Bonhams, London, 8 November 2012, lot 296
Auktionsnummer:
3010
Datum:
2016-06-09