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San Francisco, CA 94534 , United States
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A RARE CRYSTAL-INLAID RED AND BLACK LACQUERED RITUAL SPOON,BI.
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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.
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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.
