Chinese Qing dynasty rigid tribute fan with ivory and tortoiseshell, Qianlong period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736–1796)
This Chinese rigid tribute fan dates to the Qianlong period (1736–1796) of the Qing dynasty. It features a distinct polylobed shape with a woven bamboo leaf center.
The perimeter is framed in blonde tortoiseshell, which is embellished with carved, stained, and partially painted ivory inserts. These inserts are arranged to depict flowering branches with buds and intricate openwork details shaped like blossoming prunus flowers. The central portion of the fan is decorated with an elaborate polychrome ornamental medallion. The piece includes an ivory handle that is finely engraved with a continuous landscape scene depicting figures, trees, and pavilions set within a naturalistic environment.
The fan measures 47 by 32 cm. It is noted that the object has sustained some wear, including defects, losses, and restorations. This type of decorative tribute fan reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with the imperial workshops of the period, utilizing a combination of organic materials and fine carving techniques.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- bamboo, tortoiseshell, ivory
- Dimensions
- 47 x 32 cm
Design
- Shape
- polylobed
- Handle
- engraved landscape scene with pavilions, trees and figures
- Ornamentation
- flowering branches with prunus blossoms, polychrome ornamental medallion
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.