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A RARE CRYSTAL-INLAID RED AND BLACK LACQUERED RITUAL SPOON,BI.

Creator: Chinese School
Offered by: H&S Fine Art and Antiques

Description
A Rare Crystal-Inlaid Red and Black Lacquered Ritual Spoon, BI. Western Han Dynasty (206-BC-AD 9). The spoon has a long slender handle and a flat ovoid bowl centered with a faceted rock crystal insert. It is decorated on the bowl with red scrollwork painted on a dark brownish-black lacquer ground. 10 ¼ in. long, composite stand, plexiglass case. Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1995. J.J. Lally & Co., New York, no. 2120. Chinese Art from J.J. Lally & Co., Christie's auction 23 March, 2023. Lot Essay: A similarly decorated lacquer ritual spoon of closely related form but without a rock crystal insert was discovered at the Qin State cemetery in Shuihudi, Yunmeng, Hubei province, and is illustrated in Yunmeng Shuihudi Qin mu ( Qin Tombs in, Shuihudi Yunmeng County), Beijing, 1981, pl. 17,no. 2 and in a line drawing on p. 33, pl.34. Archaeologists and scholars today refer to this form of long-handled spoon as bi. According to the Eastern Han dynasty historian Zheng Xuan (AD 127-200) in his commentary on ancient rituals, the bi was used to handle and divide food during ceremonies.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	A rare Crystal-Inlaid Red and Black Lacquered ritual spoon.
Condition:	Fair. some loss to the end of handle,and a few of other minor losses. Expected age cracks, warping and shrinkage due to age.
Creation Date:	Western Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 9)
Styles / Movements:	Religious, Asian, Ancient Art
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade, Traditional
Book References:	( Qin Tombs in Shuihudi, Yunmeng County), Beijing, 1981,pl17, no.2 and in a line drawing on p. 33,pl. 34.
Incollect Reference #:	793588

Dimensions

W.	10.25 in;
W.	26.04 cm;

Message from Seller:

H&S Fine Art and Antiques is a distinguished gallery based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in American folk art, decorative and modern art, as well as Oriental antiquities. With a keen eye for craftsmanship, historical richness, and aesthetics, we offer a carefully curated collection for collectors and enthusiasts alike. By appointment only. Contact us at h.s.fineartandantiques@gmail.com for inquiries.