Buddhist carved jade and lapis lazuli altar, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912)

A two-part palace altar made from pieces of different types of carved jade and lapis lazuli. The four-character Qianlong 乾隆年制 seal is carved on a square piece of jade and surrounded by lapis lazuli, located on both sides.

The main part consists of a large piece of carved green jade with the front surface decorated with treasures and clouds drawn in gilding. On the back is a landscape complete with a lake, houses, trees, pagodas, boats and a garden with characters, also drawn in gilding.

It is notable for its pumpkin-shaped profile and nine niches on the front. The niches have the same gourd shape, with a decorative border made of lapis lazuli, and are polychromed in gilding on the inside. Their function is to house small Buddhas. Finally, the crest is made of carved lapis lazuli pieces in the shape of bats. 

The base is made of jade pieces, carved and joined together. The lower piece is made of green jade and is conical in shape, with a cut-out skirt and carved motifs. Lotus scrolls are depicted on the skirt and a lotus border at the top. The next piece supports the altar at the base and is made of spinach-coloured jade. In the centre is a geometric border with decorative white jade pieces. Finally, there is a white jade balustrade with Buddhist auspicious symbols carved on the front of each horizontal piece, whereas the vertical pieces are plain and rectangular. 

State of preservation: wear and tear, some cracks and small breaks. Good state of preservation.

Size: 40 x 4.70 x 26.20 cm; Weight: 7474 g

Base size: 11.50 x 12 x 12 x 29.30 cm; Weight: 4280 g

Provenance: 

Private collection of a German diplomat, later inherited by the family. He worked as a diplomat in China and lived in Beijing between 1890 and 1900. The attached photographs were taken during his stay. Currently in a European collection.