A SUPERB PAINTED ENAMEL AND GILT-COPPER HANDWARMER AND COVER Qianlong
A SUPERB PAINTED ENAMEL AND GILT-COPPER HANDWARMER AND COVER
Qianlong
Of oval section suspended from a gilt metal loop handle and surmounted by a fitted lid reticulated with a chilong amidst a floral reserve, the exterior of the handwarmer intricately painted with landscapes containing European riverscapes with European buildings, all within shaped panels framed by floral sprays and reserved on a lavender ground with further floral scrolls, metal liner. 16.2cm (6 3/8in) wide. (3).
清乾隆 銅胎畫琺瑯開光西洋風景圖手爐
Provenance: Damon & Delente collection, est.1887, France
Alliaume collection, France
來源： Damon及Delente舊藏，始於1887，法國
Alliaume舊藏，法國
The exquisite decoration and craftsmanship of the present lot would imply that it was perhaps made in Guangzhou for tribute to the Imperial Court in Beijing where there was a fascination for European styles. During the Qianlong period, painted enamel decorated handwarmers emerged as exquisite examples of cultural exchange between China and Europe. The present handwarmers, adorned with intricate painted enamel designs, depicting European landscapes, showcasing scenes of pastoral beauty and architectural landmarks encapsulates this era of increasing contact between China and Europe, facilitated by trade and diplomatic exchanges.
Chinese artisans, particularly in Guangzhou, close to the European trading factories, demonstrated remarkable technical skills in adapting foreign Rococo styles, resulting in stunning pieces that served as tangible symbols of intercultural dialogue and artistic innovation. These handwarmers stand as testament to the dynamic exchange of ideas and aesthetics between East and West during the Qianlong period. Indeed, the Qianlong Emperor and the Court were fascinated by European styles, as can be seen in the architecture of the Yuanming yuan palace, complete with European style maze and rococo architectural flourishes, which was designed with the help of European Jesuits. See a painted enamel vase with European figures, mid Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels, 5, Beijing, 2011, no.234.
See a related painted enamel handwarmer, Qianlong, illustrated in Chinese Painted Enamels of the 18th Century, The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, 1993, no.23. Another painted enamel handwarmer, Qianlong, is illustrated in Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Hong Kong, 1987, no.47, where the author notes that such painted enamel hand warmers were listed as tributes to the Imperial Court in Beijing: 'Tribute File, book 166; On the 3rd day of the 12th month of the 14th year of Jiaqing, Bai Ling, Viceroy of Guangdong presented ten enamel handwarmers.' See also five related painted enamel handwarmers, mid Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels, 5, Beijing, 2011, nos.243-247.
Bid on this lot
A SUPERB PAINTED ENAMEL AND GILT-COPPER HANDWARMER AND COVER
Qianlong
Of oval section suspended from a gilt metal loop handle and surmounted by a fitted lid reticulated with a chilong amidst a floral reserve, the exterior of the handwarmer intricately painted with landscapes containing European riverscapes with European buildings, all within shaped panels framed by floral sprays and reserved on a lavender ground with further floral scrolls, metal liner. 16.2cm (6 3/8in) wide. (3).
清乾隆 銅胎畫琺瑯開光西洋風景圖手爐
Provenance: Damon & Delente collection, est.1887, France
Alliaume collection, France
來源： Damon及Delente舊藏，始於1887，法國
Alliaume舊藏，法國
The exquisite decoration and craftsmanship of the present lot would imply that it was perhaps made in Guangzhou for tribute to the Imperial Court in Beijing where there was a fascination for European styles. During the Qianlong period, painted enamel decorated handwarmers emerged as exquisite examples of cultural exchange between China and Europe. The present handwarmers, adorned with intricate painted enamel designs, depicting European landscapes, showcasing scenes of pastoral beauty and architectural landmarks encapsulates this era of increasing contact between China and Europe, facilitated by trade and diplomatic exchanges.
Chinese artisans, particularly in Guangzhou, close to the European trading factories, demonstrated remarkable technical skills in adapting foreign Rococo styles, resulting in stunning pieces that served as tangible symbols of intercultural dialogue and artistic innovation. These handwarmers stand as testament to the dynamic exchange of ideas and aesthetics between East and West during the Qianlong period. Indeed, the Qianlong Emperor and the Court were fascinated by European styles, as can be seen in the architecture of the Yuanming yuan palace, complete with European style maze and rococo architectural flourishes, which was designed with the help of European Jesuits. See a painted enamel vase with European figures, mid Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels, 5, Beijing, 2011, no.234.
See a related painted enamel handwarmer, Qianlong, illustrated in Chinese Painted Enamels of the 18th Century, The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, 1993, no.23. Another painted enamel handwarmer, Qianlong, is illustrated in Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Hong Kong, 1987, no.47, where the author notes that such painted enamel hand warmers were listed as tributes to the Imperial Court in Beijing: 'Tribute File, book 166; On the 3rd day of the 12th month of the 14th year of Jiaqing, Bai Ling, Viceroy of Guangdong presented ten enamel handwarmers.' See also five related painted enamel handwarmers, mid Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels, 5, Beijing, 2011, nos.243-247.
