533
A rare pair of stag’s head wall trophies
Estimate
10.000 - 15.000
Session 2
28 May 2024
Hammer Price
Register to access this information.Description
Chinese export porcelain
Coloured in light brown tones and with incised decoration realistically simulating fur
Each head mounted on an oval wooden plaque
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
(one chipped)
43,5x28x25,5 cm
Category
Porcelain
Additional Information
In Chinese culture, the deer is an emblematic symbol of longevity, not only because it is believed to live for many years but also because it accompanies Shou Lao, the God of Long Life. According to Chinese tradition, the deer is the only animal able to locate the lingzhi fungus, and is often depicted alongside this mushroom endowed with mythical properties linked to longevity, immortality, and health. The rise in popularity of Taoist ideas towards the end of the Ming Dynasty encouraged the production of deer models, reflecting their symbolic and spiritual significance.
The rare pair of stag’s head wall trophies that we now present at auction serves as a fascinating example of the amalgamation of Chinese beliefs and the European tradition of hunting trophies.
Similar pieces have been sold by Christie's auction house:
23 January 2001, Lot 57
25 January 2000, Lot 106
18 June 1998, from the Thomas Mellon Evans Collection.
Closed Auction
