Asian Art Auction

June 13, 2016

LOT 293

Lot 293

Ivory ‘Zhai Jie’ Plaque, 19th Century

Ivory ‘Zhai Jie’ Plaque, 19th Century
Lot 293 Details
Ivory ‘Zhai Jie’ Plaque, 19th Century

清19世紀 象牙齋戒牌

Carved to each side of the plaque with a rectangular cartouche enclosing characters Zhai jie on one side and Manchu script on the other, all surrounded by archaistic dragon scrolls, with a pierced hole at each end
height 2.4" — 6.2 cm.

Estimate $800-$1,000

Realised: $840
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Ivory ‘Zhai Jie’ Plaque, 19th Century
  • Ivory ‘Zhai Jie’ Plaque, 19th Century
Note:

Small ‘abstinence’ plaques, inscribed with the characters zhai jie in Mandarin on one side and in Manchu on the other, were a physical representation of the ceremonial requirement for abstinence before worship of ancestors, the Heavens or other deities. The required abstinence usually lasted for three days, and involved refraining from eating meat and fragrant herbs such as onions, chives and garlic, consuming alcohol, and from any intimate acts. The plaque functioned as a private aide-memoire to its bearer, and although a devotional object, it became itself an admired object that enhanced one’s status.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 293
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.