λ A fine Chinese Imperial carved ivory brush washer Qianlong 1736-95

λ A fine Chinese Imperial carved ivory brush washer Qianlong 1736-95, formed as a large magnolia flower bud, issuing from a knotty branch from which smaller flowers blossom, a small insect and a butterfly rest upon the petals, traces of cold painted pigments, 19.5cm.

Provenance: William Cleverley Alexander (1840-1916).

Cf. The Complete Collection of Treasures of The Palace Museum, Small Refined Articles of the Study, p.128, No.99, for a related ivory brush washer carved as a melon. And also Selected Ivory Carvings from the Sir Victor Sassoon Chinese Ivories Trust, p36, nos.18 and 19.

清乾隆  象牙雕瓜瓞綿綿笔掭