A PAIR OF LARGE CLOISONNE ENAMEL MAGPIES
A PAIR OF LARGE CLOISONNE ENAMEL MAGPIES

QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Details
A PAIR OF LARGE CLOISONNE ENAMEL MAGPIES
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Each magpie is finely modelled with its head turned inquisitively to one side and its beak held open to reveal its tongue. The wings are held closely to the body, enamelled in bright blue, turquoise, red and yellow enamels and the characteristic long tail extends elegantly from the black body, the individual feather intricately rendered with gilt cloisons.
13 1/2 in. (34.2 cm.) wide

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Ruben Lien
Ruben Lien

Lot Essay

The magpie is a symbol of good luck and happiness, and is considered to be a carrier of good news. It is also associated with success in the civil service examinations. Due to its significance in the legend of the founding of the Manchu dynasty, the magpie was frequently represented in painting and decorative arts throughout the Qing period.

Compare the current lot to a pair of cloisonné enamel magpies with similarly-wired and enamelled feather details illustrated in Die Ware aus dem Teufelsland: Chinesische und Japanische Cloionné- und Champlevé-Arbeiten von 1400 bis 1900, Hannover, 1981, p. 179, no. 100.

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