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Antique, Rare & Historically Significant Late Qing Copper w Silver Inlay Ink Box, Inscription by Linshui County Magistrate Yuan Jiadun
Antique, Rare & Historically Significant Late Qing Copper w Silver Inlay Ink Box, Inscription by Linshui County Magistrate Yuan Jiadun
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This turn of the century “blackened copper chased with silver” (乌铜走银) inkwell or inkbox by famed maker Yue Heng 岳恒is a spectacularly rare piece. With a historically significant inscription as well as unusual scholarly motifs, this is one of the most collectible inkboxes we have seen in a while.
This art form is a craft only found in Yunnan province, and was first invented by Yue Fu during the reign of Yongzheng (1678 – 1735). Family tradition has it that this technique was first discovered when a gold ring accidentally fell into a copper vat, creating an unusual blackened copper alloy with a subtle dappled gold patina. This technique was passed down as a family secret. As such, pieces by the early family branches, such as Yue Heng who was a third-generation descendant, are highly sought after.
Yuan Jiadun, a social elite of the time, entered government service in 1902 and oversaw the crucially important salt tax. In 1909 he became magistrate of Linshui County. While nominally the lowest branch of municipal government, in reality he oversaw the life and death of 150,000 people or more, and “had unlimited powers to control the people” (Kung-chuan Hsiao). He would have been among the elite of local society, similar to Australian state governors.
Originally from Yunnan province himself, Magistrate Yuan composed the inscription on this piece and gifted it to a contemporary. In line with the magistrate’s scholarly background, motifs of various scholar’s objects can be seen inscribed around the box, including scrolls, flowering branches, vases, censers and more.
A historically significant, valuable and above all beautiful collector’s piece.
Price marked at AUD$1880.
Measurements: 7.5 by 5.7cm base measurements, approx 3cm high.
Condition Some wear to silver rims as pictured, as well as some superficial hairline scratches, wear commensurate with age. Overall good antique condition.
This art form is a craft only found in Yunnan province, and was first invented by Yue Fu during the reign of Yongzheng (1678 – 1735). Family tradition has it that this technique was first discovered when a gold ring accidentally fell into a copper vat, creating an unusual blackened copper alloy with a subtle dappled gold patina. This technique was passed down as a family secret. As such, pieces by the early family branches, such as Yue Heng who was a third-generation descendant, are highly sought after.
Yuan Jiadun, a social elite of the time, entered government service in 1902 and oversaw the crucially important salt tax. In 1909 he became magistrate of Linshui County. While nominally the lowest branch of municipal government, in reality he oversaw the life and death of 150,000 people or more, and “had unlimited powers to control the people” (Kung-chuan Hsiao). He would have been among the elite of local society, similar to Australian state governors.
Originally from Yunnan province himself, Magistrate Yuan composed the inscription on this piece and gifted it to a contemporary. In line with the magistrate’s scholarly background, motifs of various scholar’s objects can be seen inscribed around the box, including scrolls, flowering branches, vases, censers and more.
A historically significant, valuable and above all beautiful collector’s piece.
Price marked at AUD$1880.
Measurements: 7.5 by 5.7cm base measurements, approx 3cm high.
Condition Some wear to silver rims as pictured, as well as some superficial hairline scratches, wear commensurate with age. Overall good antique condition.
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