A CHINESE BLACK AND GOLD LACQUERED CABINET WITH FINELY MADE INTERIOR WITH A POEM BY LI BAI (701-762)

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China/Canton, late 18th/early 19th century

Behind the two doors an architectural interior with various drawers, of which one in the form of a stair-case, columns, latticework panels and painted scrolls with a poem in Kaishu script reading:

“If one is only concerned with a great reputation and a gilded house, alas, who will paint Qilin?”

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H. 57.5 x W. 57.5 x D. 32.5 cm

Provenance:
Historic property of the Hill-Trevor family, the Lords Dungannon and Trevor

 

Most probably purchased by The Hon. Charlotte Fitzroy, Viscountess Dungannon (1767-1828), for Brynkinalt Hall, Denbighshire, during the extensive remodelling of the house, she undertook in 1808.

Note:

Qilin is a scenic place and town in the province Yunnan, South China, described by Li Bai. Li Bai (701-762), also known as Li Bo or Li Tabai, was one of the great poets during the Tang Dynasty, the golden age of Chinese poetry.