Heavily cast, with a naturalistic high relief of scrolling foliage, five lotus-thrones supporting the now missing Buddhist 'Five Sensory Offerings' consisting of a mirror, lute, perfumed conch shell, fruit and silk cloth, all supported on a ribbon tied shaped base. Height 28 cm. Width 32.5 cm.
Wear. Restored.
Purchased at Bruun Rasmussen, 21 May 2015, lot 1521.
From the Collection of the Danish Telegraph Manager and Art Collector Sophus Marius Black (2/5 1882-22/12 1960). Sophus was employed by the Great Northern Telegraph Company, was stationed in China 1902-31. After service in Shanghai, Yantai (Chefoo) and Tianjin, he came to Beijing in 1907, and from 1919 he served as manager of the company's station there and periodically in Tianjin, Yantai (Chefoo) and Hong Kong.
B. was soon preoccupied with Chinese culture and art. He understood and respected the Chinese mentality, learned the language, lived by the country's customs and soon began to build a vast Collection.
Over the years, his collection became versatile and rich, including Buddhist figures, Paintings and Works of Art. In 1930 the family moved home, and managed to bring the collections.