Chinese Carved Ivory Ornament
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
Datelate 19th-early 20th Century
Object NameCarving
Mediumivory
ClassificationsApplied Art
Dimensions21.5 x 4 x 1cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS089851
About MeThis Chinese ivory object is shaped into two entwined rods, at the top of which is a small spray of lotus flowers and buds. The lotus flower is associated with Buddhism and is a symbol of feminine beauty as well as purity because it rises unsullied from the mud. In Chinese, one word for lotus is a homophone (a word that sounds the same) for the word for ‘harmony’.
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (early 19th Century)
James Cromar Watt
Meiji Period, 1868 - 1912
1850 - 1899
Edo Period, possibly late 18th century
