Lot 9 A pair of square-corner red, polychrome and gilt lacquer display cabinets, Lianggegui

A pair of square-corner red, polychrome and gilt lacquer display cabinets, Lianggegui

First half 19th century

EUR 10,000

€10,000 - €20,000

Each 204x95x42 cm

One of the two cabinets displays a slightly different shade of red, apparently the result of an earlier cleaning, not affecting the overall appearance. Both cabinets show scattered dents and abrasions throughout, exposing the underlying gesso beneath the lacquer. Some pigments have faded slightly. Otherwise in good overall condition, with no breaks or losses. The pair presents well.

Both of rectangular form with an open display shelf and arch-shaped aprons, above a pair of hinged doors, opening to reveal a shelved interior, all supported on legs of square section joined by aprons and spandrels.
The form of this cabinet is known as a lianggegui, which typically refers to a cabinet with an open display shelf above two doors.
This pair of cabinets is decorated with a rich combination of three important themes from Chinese art and tradition. The upper panels show two five-clawed dragons chasing the flaming pearl, a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and harmony in the universe. The powerful dragons facing each other represent strength, balance, and good fortune.
Below this scene is a continuous garden landscape with the Hundred Boys (Baizi Tu), a popular motif expressing wishes for fertility, family prosperity, and the continuation of the family line. These lively scenes, found in Chinese art from the Song to the Qing Dynasty, symbolize abundance, longevity, and happiness within the household.
The front panels depict the Eighteen Lohans (Shíbā Luóhàn, 十八羅漢), revered Buddhist disciples known for their wisdom, spiritual discipline, and protection of the Buddhist teachings. Originally based on the Indian tradition of sixteen arhats, the Chinese Buddhist tradition expanded the group to eighteen, reflecting local beliefs and devotional practices.
以下内容由AI翻译：
【名称】
十九世纪上半叶红漆描金方形角柜一对
【年代】
十九世纪上半叶
【描述】
均为矩形形式，上方有一个开放式展示架和拱形围板，下方是一对铰链门，打开后可见内部隔层，整体由方形截面的腿支撑，并配有围板和斜撑。
这种柜子的形式被称为两格柜，通常指一个带有开放式展示架和两个门的柜子。
这对柜子装饰了中国艺术和传统中的三个重要主题。上部面板展示了两条五爪龙追逐火焰珠，象征智慧、繁荣和宇宙和谐。相对而立的强龙代表力量、平衡和好运。
下面的场景是一个连续的花园景观，描绘了百子图（百子图），这是一个流行的图案，表达对生育、家庭繁荣和家族延续的美好祝愿。这些生动的场景在中国从宋到清的艺术中都有出现，象征着家庭内的丰饶、长寿和幸福。
前部面板描绘了十八罗汉（十八羅漢），他们是受尊敬的佛教弟子，以其智慧、精神纪律和保护佛教教义而闻名。最初基于印度传统的十六阿罗汉，中国佛教传统将其扩展到十八位，反映了当地的信仰和虔诚实践。
【品相】
其中一件柜子的颜色略显不同，显然是由于早期清洁所致，但不影响整体外观。两件柜子均有多处凹痕和磨损，露出底层的石膏。部分颜料略有褪色。总体状况良好，无断裂或缺失。这对柜子展示效果良好。