258
PAIR OF RARE BONSAI IN GILT AND ENAMELLED SILVER, China, Qianlong period (1735-1796)
h. 28.5 cm
Meticulously crafted in gilt and enamelled silver, two trees are depicted with various fruits such as pomegranates, peaches and Buddha's hands among beautiful leaves. At the base and on the branches are small animals in silver filigree.
Catalogue notes:
Similar examples can be found in the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing, see on this subject 'The Complete Collection of Treasure of the Palace Museum, Treasures of the Imperial Court', vol. 19, Hong Kong, 2004, pp. 34-52.
清乾隆 清宫银花丝盆景
清代宫廷陈设所用盆景大多是以金玉珠宝制作的像生盆景，以衬托宫廷生活环境的堂皇富丽。在四季寒暑分明的北方，这些像生盆景中的花果草木却永远鲜艳欲滴，绚烂夺目，且往往带有明显的吉祥寓意，如石榴、桃子和佛手配在一起表示“三多”，即多福、多寿、多子。在底部和树枝上有银丝小动物。两棵树以银镀金做枝干，在树枝间点缀着蜜蜡佛手和仙桃等。
北京故宫博物院藏有类似盆景，见《故宫博物院珍宝全集·宫廷珍宝》，卷二。 19, 香港, 2004, p. 34-52。