Lot 093 A RARE PAIR OF CANTON ENAMEL TWO-TIERED HEXAGONAL BOXES AND COVERS 19TH / 20TH CENTURY, QIANLONG MARKS

Description

A RARE PAIR OF CANTON ENAMEL TWO-TIERED HEXAGONAL BOXES AND COVERS
19TH / 20TH CENTURY, QIANLONG MARKS
十九至二十世纪 铜胎画珐琅人物故事纹双层六角盖盒一对
《乾隆年制》蓝料双方框篆书款
尺寸 / MEASUREMENTS
H. 5.2 cm, 2 in.
W. 9.1 cm, 3.6 in. (Diagonal)
估价 / ESTIMATE
USD 2,000 — 3,000
(HKD 15,600 — 23,400)
拍品详述 / DESCRIPTION
The pair of boxes is of an unusual and elegant hexagonal form, each meticulously constructed in two tiers and supported by three ruyi-shaped feet. Crafted from a high-quality copper alloy (red copper), the covers are brilliantly painted in a vibrant palette of Canton enamels, depicting an intimate domestic scene of a seated lady admiring herself in a bronze mirror, with a young child nestled affectionately by her side.
The central vignette is framed by a sophisticated arrangement of scrolling floral and foliate motifs that continue around the faceted sides of the tiers. The base of each box is finished with a pale turquoise-blue enamel and inscribed with a four-character seal mark of Qianlong in blue enamel within a double square. The two vessels are nearly identical in scale, standing 5.2 cm in height, demonstrating the exceptional skill required to maintain consistency in multi-tiered enamel production.
此对盒造型独特，呈六边形，分为双层嵌套结构，下承三枚如意形足，胎骨为红铜质。盖面以精湛的画珐琅技法绘就一幅温馨的仕女婴戏图：一位温婉的女子正对镜贴花，身旁一名稚童亲昵依偎，神态生动自然。盒身各面辅以繁密的折枝花叶纹，构图舒朗有致。器底施淡松石蓝釉，中心钤蓝料双方框“乾隆年制”篆书款。这对盖盒高度均为5.2厘米，器形扁平规整，成对呈现，展现了广珐琅工艺在小巧器形上的极高艺术表现力。
专家评注 / CATALOGUE NOTE
This pair of tiered boxes belongs to the esteemed tradition of “Canton Enamel” (Yangci), a medium highly favored for its rich, painting-like textures and Western-influenced color palette. The two-tiered hexagonal structure is technically demanding; maintaining a perfect fit through multiple kiln firings while preventing warping of the copper body is a hallmark of superior craftsmanship. Such boxes were traditionally used as luxurious containers for precious cosmetics, incense, or jewelry on a lady’s dressing table.
The “woman looking in a mirror” (duijing tiehua) motif is a quintessential symbol of feminine refinement, while the accompanying child represents the auspicious wish for “abundant progeny.” The hexagonal form, elevated by ruyi feet, reflects the late Qing fascination with complex geometric shapes. A similar tiered enamel box was sold at Christie’s London (Sale 7623, Lot 348), highlighting the rarity and collectability of this specific form. As a pair, these boxes offer a symmetrical harmony and historical narrative that is highly coveted by connoisseurs of Chinese enamels.
此双层盒属于典型的“广珐琅”（画珐琅）器物。其多层结构对烧制工艺要求极高，需确保层与层之间扣合严密，此类盖盒在清代多为名门闺秀用于盛放胭脂、香粉或名贵首饰。
“对镜贴花”展现了古代女性的雅致生活，而旁侧的孩童则寓意“多子多福”。如意足的设计打破了六角形的硬度，增添了吉祥韵味。参考**佳士得（Christie’s）**售出的同款器物，可见此类器型在画珐琅收藏门类中具有极高的市场认可度。成对存世的广珐琅器物不仅在陈设上更具视觉冲击力，更因其“好事成双”的文化内涵而倍受青睐。
状况报告 / CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Both boxes are in overall very good condition. The enamel remains vibrant with expected minor surface wear and stable pinpricks consistent with age. Slight natural oxidation to the exposed copper at the rims. The tiers on both boxes fit together securely.
• 状况： 成对品相非常良好。珐琅彩发色鲜艳，见少量自然磨损或微小针眼。口沿露胎处见轻微自然氧化。各层嵌套严丝合缝，结构稳固，具有极佳的收藏品相。