Chinese Qing DA JI DOUBLE-GOURD-FORM PLAQUES 3D model

A VERY RARE AND MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF IMPERIAL EMBELLISHED LAPIS LAZULI ‘DA JI’ DOUBLE-GOURD-FORM PLAQUESQIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)Each lapis lazuli plaque is intricately carved in the form of a large double gourd, with two roundels attached to the front and small gourds on leafy tendrils depicted to the back. Each plaque is tied around the mid-section with a long gilt-bronze ribbon adorned with bright turquoise kingfisher feathers. The two roundels to the front display the characters da ji (great fortune) rendered in jade, each set against a background embellished with kingfisher feathers in a geometric pattern with wan symbols and surrounded by a floral scroll with red rubies. The plaques are encircled by gilt-metal attachments decorated with various coloured stones to simulate leafy vines and smaller gourds, with bats in flight depicted in coral, all supported on stained ivory depicting further leafy vines and small gourds. The zitan stands are inset with jade, gilt-bronze and stained ivory.19 in. (48.2 cm.) high overall including zitan stands