Lot 087 A RARE MINIATURE CARVED TURQUOISE FIGURE OF A SEATED ARHATQING DYNASTY

Description

A RARE MINIATURE CARVED TURQUOISE FIGURE OF A SEATED ARHAT
QING DYNASTY
清 绿松石圆雕罗汉坐像摆件
MEASUREMENTS
H. 3.8 cm, 1.5 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 200 — 300
(HKD 1,500 — 2,300)
The miniature figurine is masterfully carved from a single block of natural turquoise, depicting an Arhat in a contemplative squatting posture with hands clasped around his knees. The artist has utilized the technique of round carving (yuandiao) to achieve a remarkably full and balanced silhouette. Despite its diminutive scale of 3.8 cm, the figure exhibits extraordinary detail: the serene facial expression, the rhythmic folds of the monastic robes, and the naturalistic tension of the limbs are all rendered with lifelike precision. The stone displays a delicate pale blue-green hue, crisscrossed by a network of dark “iron lines” and natural matrix veins that lend a sense of ancient, stony character to the venerable figure.
此尊罗汉像由天然绿松石精雕而成，呈静穆蹲坐之姿，双手环抱双膝，体态饱满圆润。匠人运用精湛的圆雕工艺，在仅3.8厘米的方寸之间，刻画出极为生动的人物神韵。罗汉面相端严，神情超脱，衣褶纹路随肢体起伏自然垂落，刀法流畅且极具力度。绿松石发色浅淡幽雅，蓝绿相间，其表面天然分布的铁线纹理与深邃的色泽交织，犹如古木盘根，赋予了造像一种历经岁月的深沉感与宗教艺术的静谧美。
In the context of Qing dynasty scholar’s objects (wenfang xiao-pin), turquoise was highly prized for its vibrant color and its spiritual associations with Buddhist guardianship. Miniature Arhat figures like the present lot were designed as intimate “hand-pieces” or “desk companions,” intended to be handled and contemplated by the literati. The integration of the stone’s natural imperfections—such as the characteristic iron lines—was seen as a harmonious dialogue between nature and the artisan. This small yet potent sculpture embodies the Zen aesthetic of simplicity and inner strength, making it a sophisticated addition to a collection of Qing dynasty lapidary arts.
在清代文房清供体系中，绿松石因其色泽独特且富有宗教色彩，常被制成小巧精致的佛道人物。此件罗汉小像形神兼备，是典型的文人案头雅玩，既可置于掌中摩挲，亦可摆放于博古架上观瞻。古人尊崇“天工人工，各半其美”，绿松石天然的铁线与冰裂纹被巧妙转化为造像的一部分，增添了禅宗“大巧若拙”的意趣。此类圆雕小品不仅展现了清代玉雕工艺的写实水平，更体现了当时上层社会对宁静、高洁精神境界的追求。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall good condition. The turquoise exhibits a soft, aged patina. Natural iron lines and minor drying cracks inherent to the material are visible but stable. No signs of restoration.
• 状况： 整体品相良好。绿松石包浆温润，光泽柔和。表面可见宝石特有的天然铁线及轻微缩水纹（笑纹），均处于稳定状态，符合材质天然特征。经检测无任何修复。