The Expert Conclusion

Desktop ornament in the form of two phoenixes, ivory, carving; on square wooden carved supports on legs; China, the middle – second half of XX-th century: height without supports of 257 mm and 260 mm; the basis of 73 mm ? 63 mm and 75 mm ? 65 mm.

Two pair symmetric sculptures represent a composition from two Chinese fantastic birds – phoenixes, with the long plumose tails combined by wings, cops and long feathers on a head and a neck. Birds are cut out standing on a rock, heads are turned at one bird – to the right, at another – to the left so they look against each other; long tails are lowered, one foot at each bird is raised, leans against a rock. At the basis of each rock grows on a bush of a blossoming treelike peony.
Carving volume, through, relief with careful completion of surfaces, with coloring by ink on some fragments. Each bird is cut out from an integral tusk, the plasticity of birds is transferred, the sculpture is ornated by a carved ornament with realistic study of feathers and details.
At the bottom of sculptures brands are cut out from four hieroglyphs – the stylized mark of Qianlong Emperor (the motto of years of board of the Chinese emperor correcting in 1736-1795), but products concern second half of XX-th century.
Phoenixes in China are considered as the main things in the world of the feathery. They usually are a symbol of the empress and a season – summer, elements of fire; there, where there are phoenixes – there comes prosperity.
The pair decorative images of phoenixes executed from expensive ivory could be a gift on wedding and serve as an interior ornament.

Expert of Russian Ministry of Culture,
Marya L.Menshikova
The Certificate ? 0174



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Item is in good condition