Bidspirit auction | Ceremonial Reception of Keju Graduates

Ceremonial Reception of Keju Graduates at the Imperial Palace, South China, Guangdong. Renowned Chaozhou carving school. Late Qing dynasty, 1880–1900. Important and Monumental Chinese Work of Art. Highest level of complexity: more than fifty individualised figures carved on five levels of depth (five to six spatial planes). Solid dense wood (camphor or elm, in the tradition of large Guangdong panels). Deep high relief with elements of multi-layered openwork carving; gilding over red lacquer; natural cinnabar; gold leaf; original mineral pigments based on azurite and malachite. Reverse: openwork geometric wan-zi lattice (symbol of endless prosperity). Visible traces of hand tools (adze) and an original layer of cinnabar lacquer are clear markers of a late 19th-century date. Dimensions: 119.5 × 189 × 10 cm — an exceptional museum-scale format. Condition: very good, close to excellent; a high degree of original polychromy preserved; despite its monumental size the panel remains structurally sound, confirming the use of timber of the highest quality. The emperor and his high officials receive a delegation of jinshi degree-holders. Each of the more than fifty faces is individually characterised, indicating master-level hand carving. The lower register shows horsemen, attendants with gongs and drums, and boats (sampans) at the palace landings, visualising the path from provincial candidate to statesman. Multi-tiered pavilions, arched bridges and “scholars’ rocks” create the effect of theatrical scenery for the Forbidden City.