East Asia, China, late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A beautiful and massive stone basin with symbolic zoomorphic forms carved in low relief across the faces. The interior is hollowed out, leaving thick walls that rise upward around the rectangular basin. Each face is carved in low relief with Chinese and Buddhist creatures and symbols that represent prosperity and good luck. The longest side features two phoenixes flanking a yin-yang sun symbol, all above a deer holding a lotus flower. In the upper corners off the border are two etched bats, symbols of good luck. The deer is a symbol from a story of the Buddha, and the phoenix is a sacred mythical creature that represents prosperity and peace. The next face presents a leafy tree with two monkeys, one in the branches eating fruit, and one on the ground. The other longest face is carved with two mythological qilins, a creature with horse-like bodies and dragon heads. The last features a vermilion bird, a celestial symbol of constellations. Flanking the bird are two columns of characters. The corners of each face are carved with scrolling clouds motifs in a vertical column. This monumental piece could have been a memorial or monument of rebirth and life, and prosperity, and is beautifully preserved! Size: 33.5" L x 20" W x 19.5" H (85.1 cm x 50.8 cm x 49.5 cm)
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000
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#164904
Condition
Softening of details and light mineral deposits. Stable fissure that encircles the entire diameter, on the lower part near base. Age and elemental weathering and chips. Traces of white pigments. Nice preservation of details.