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| Ivory boat |
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| White Jade rabbit shaped box & Carved Ivory boat |
These little boats date back to the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911A.D). They were made for the emperor Ch'ien-lung of China as additions to his collection of curios (strange and interesting objects that evoke curiosity).
What is so fascinating about these artifacts is the amount of detail executed on them. Both boats are only 5.6cm x 8.8 cm for the first one and 2.9cm x 5.2cm for the second one.
The first box can be divided in three portions and contains miniature human figures of a boy attendant and a scholar reading at a table, four wind bells attached to moveable rings, and a cabin with door and window; all decorated with carved engravings.
The second is even more detailed. The piece is finely carved with oars, corridors, arches, and railings. There are nine figures on the boat, some chanting, relaxing or just making tea. Amazingly, even their tea utensils are visible and all doors and windows can be opened.
It is presumed that this was a way in which the emperor learned about his people outside the palace, since they depicted the traditional way of life during the Ch'ing dynasty.
Bibliography: Masterpieces of Chinese miniature craft in the national palace museum, Chiang Fu-tsung
Photographs by author (found in the same book )
Andrea Chiney
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