A LARGE ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURINE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE ON A HARDWOOD STAND, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

拍品描述

A LARGE ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURINE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE ON A HARDWOOD STAND, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911) The figure is carved from rock crystal as a recumbent horse, shown at rest with its legs tucked beneath the body and the head turned gently to one side. The animal is set upon a fitted hardwood stand of elongated oval form, the dark, polished wood providing a strong visual contrast to the pale translucency of the crystal. The carving displays careful attention to the horse’s anatomy and surface detail, with the mane, ears, facial features and folded legs defined by incised and polished passages. The material itself is a prominent feature of the work: the crystal is clear to smoky in tone, with natural internal veining, clouding and inclusions visible throughout, lending depth and movement to the figure when viewed from different angles. As a subject, the horse held enduring significance in Chinese art, associated with strength, endurance, status and auspicious advancement. In the Qing period, carved hardstone animals were prized as scholar’s objects, display pieces and luxury furnishings, combining technical virtuosity with symbolic refinement. The recumbent pose gives this example a composed and contemplative character, in keeping with the taste for elegant natural forms rendered in precious materials. The hardwood stand, carved with a low, naturalistic outline, frames the figure as an object for display and emphasises its sculptural presence. Together, the crystal and stand present a balanced composition, the cool clarity of the stone offset by the warmth and weight of the wood. A substantial Qing-dynasty hardstone carving, the figure is distinguished by its large scale, luminous material and restrained yet expressive modelling, presenting the horse as both an auspicious emblem and a refined decorative object. Length of Horse: 22.5cm Height on Stand: 16cm

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