"Lotus Flower Elegance: Pair Of Ivory Court Figures, 19th Century China"
This remarkable pair of carved ivory statuettes exquisitely illustrates the refined taste of late Qing dynasty (19th century) China. Each figure depicts a court lady, seated gracefully on a garden stool of a different shape: one rectangular, the other circular and decorated with a shou (longevity) motif. The precision of the workmanship is evident in the meticulous details: the intricate hairstyles are highlighted with black pigments, while the drapery of the robes falls with a natural fluidity. One holds a lotus stem, a symbol of purity, while the other carries a bouquet of peonies, evoking nobility and prosperity. The subtly veined, creamy patina testifies to the age and quality of the material.