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THBVery Rare Chinese 'Legend of the White Snake' Automaton
About Seller
549 Warren St
Hudson, NY 12534
United States
With a focus on curated sales of modern and traditional furniture, decorations and fine art, Stair has been selling interesting things from interesting people with a unique, sophisticated twist for over twenty years. We are innovative in our approach to marketing and online services, providing a hig...Read more
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About Auction
LiveOct 27, 2022
STAIR internetrequests@stairgalleries.com
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- Lot Description
Painted wood, papier maché, enamel, silk and metal in three wood and glass casements raised on a later Hongmu wood stand; fitted with moving figures and animals amongst pavilions in landscapes.
4 ft. 6 1/4 in. x 6 ft. 4 in. x 15 in.
Note: Narrative scenes of the legend are contained within the three casements. The central and largest depicting the famous battle between the immortal Bai Suzhen (the white snake) and her enemy Buddhist monk Fahai. Bai Suzhen amasses an army of underwater demons to flood the temple where Fahai has imprisioned her husband Xu Xian. The attack fails as Fahai magically commands the mountain to rise out of harm's way. The temple appears amongst the towering rocky mountains, varying trees, foliage and swirling colorful clouds. The left casement illustrates further scenes from the drama including the rescue of Bai Suzhen from the Leifeng pagoda where Fahai is holding her captive after the birth of her son. The right casement depicts other moments from the legend among them, the disapproving monk Fahai wielding a sword with other figures in landscapes with pagodas.
The tradition of automata originates with clock making which was introduced to China as early at 1601 by Spanish Jesuit missionaries. This impressive example example dates from the Qing Dynasty and represents the demand for clocks by elite members of society which included a palace workshop dedicated to the craft. A small clock in the Palace Museum, Beijing, set within a ‘landscape’ similar in palette and style to the automaton, and accompanied by two blue birds comparable to one in the present example, attributed to the 19th century.
In good restored condition with minor losses, nicks and wear. Replaced elements and original elements recently resecured to to case, some elements lacking overall. The fabric lining to the interior has some staining and tears. Scuffing to the top cases. With later electrical wiring which needs to be repaired for use and is currently not in working order. Impressive in craftmanship and scale.Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Collection from Stair We are open for pickups Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 12pm and again from 1pm to 4:30pm. Please call us at 518-751-1000 to schedule collection. We ask that you collect your items or make collection arrangements within 10 days of your purchase. We suggest requesting a quote for packing and shipping prior to bidding on an item, as you will be responsible for collection or shipping if you are the successful bidder. Below is a list of shippers our clients use on a regular basis, but feel free to use your shipper of choice. For smaller items that can be boxed and shipped: UPS Store #4541 230 Kings Mall Court Kingston, New York 12401 T: 845.336.4877 F: 845.336.3832 E: store4541@theupsstore.com For furniture and other large items: Meticulous Inc. T: 845.256.7047 F: 845.256.7039 E: meticulousmovers@live.com Sure Express 1-800-335-9996 judy@sureexpress.com Worldwide Shipping: James Bourlet, Inc. T: 718.392.9770 F: 718.392.2470 www.bourlet.org Cadogan Tate Fine Art Worldwide Fine Art Logistics T: 718.706.7999 F: 718.707.2847 E: fineartny@cadogantate.com www.cadogantate.com Gander & White Shipping T: 718.784.8444 F: 718.784.9337 www.ganderandwhite.com Plycon Transportation Group T: 631.269.7000 F: 631.269.7088 www.plycongroup.com
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