Lot 091 A CARVED AGATE ‘LOTUS LEAF’ CUP 20TH CENTURY

Description

A CARVED AGATE ‘LOTUS LEAF’ CUP
20TH CENTURY
二十世纪 玛瑙雕荷叶式杯
MEASUREMENTS
L. 14.4 cm, 5.6 in.
W. 9.7 cm, 3.8 in.
H. 5.2 cm, 2.0 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 1.000 — 1.500
The cup is masterfully carved from a translucent agate of a warm, golden-red hue, ingeniously shaped in a biomimetic form to resemble a curled lotus leaf. The artist has expertly utilized the natural contours and tonal variations of the stone to mimic the delicate textures of the foliage. A slender, gnarled stem extends from the base, cleverly coiling around the body of the cup to form a functional and aesthetic handle. The carving is fluid and naturalistic, showcasing the inherent beauty and crystalline depth of the semi-transparent material.
此杯选用天然玛瑙雕琢而成，质地细腻，呈明亮温润的金红色，半透明的质感赋予其如脂玉般的视觉美感。匠人以仿生学为灵感，将整块玛瑙设计为舒卷自如的荷叶形状，叶脉纹理清晰自然。荷梗由底部生发，巧妙环绕杯身并延伸成为把手，构思精绝。整器雕工流畅生动，长达14.4厘米，比例舒展，充分展现了材质色彩与人工雕琢技艺的和谐统一。
In Chinese iconography, the lotus is a multifaceted symbol representing purity, while the leaf symbolizes “harmony and continuous growth” (hemu xingfu). The seeds within a lotus pod often represent the wish for “prosperous descendants” (zishi fanyan). This agate cup, with its warm palette and organic form, serves as a sophisticated vessel for wine or tea, embodying the timeless literati appreciation for nature-inspired design and the auspicious connotations of prosperity, unity, and lineage.
在传统文化中，荷叶象征“和合、和睦”，寓意生活美满。其连绵生长的特质亦带有“百子连绵、子孙繁衍”的吉祥期许。此玛瑙杯以金红暖色调示人，色彩富贵而不失雅致。其仿生设计不仅具有实用功能，更是一件承载文人雅趣的陈设精品，通过“荷”与“和”的谐音，表达了对家族兴旺与生活和谐的美好祈愿。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The agate exhibits a naturally lustrous polish and vibrant clarity. No visible chips, cracks, or restorations. Characteristic natural inclusions and banding consistent with the stone’s organic origin.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。玛瑙抛光圆润，光泽内敛且色泽明快。经检测无任何崩口、裂纹或修复。见玛瑙特有的自然肌理与矿物包裹体，符合其天然特性。