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Chinese Qing Crystal and Paktong Eyeglasses and Case browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese:Scholar Art: Pre 1900: item # 568110 Please refer to our stock # 9A-4142 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $650 for Glasses & Case |
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This very rare pair of Chinese spectacles with shagreen case is one of the more unusual examples of an item for the scholar’s desk. Early 19th century. Worn for centuries by the literati class of Chinese scholars, such spectacles were actually an affectation inasmuch as their powers of magnification were slight and imprecise because the “lenses” were made of natural rock crystal instead of glass. The metal frames were crafted from paktong (“baitong”) or white brass, a metal somewhat similar to German silver. The paktong rivets attaching the nose bridge and earpieces were formed in the auspicious shape of tiny “lingzhi” fungus or “ruyi” clouds, a symbol of longevity to the Chinese. The paktong arms are doubly hinged -- at the usual place next to the lens and then again in the area just in front of the ears – and the rounded terminals of each arm end with reticulated symbols within a circle (one a swastika-type shape, the other a diamond-like shape). The glasses were stored in the white shagreen eyeglass case which accompanies them. Shagreen, also known as sharkskin or stingray, is one of the most durable leathers in the world and is regarded for its unique touch. It was first used in China in the 8th century as an embellishment on weapons. The alloy paktong has a fascinating history. Centuries before nickel was isolated in the west, the Chinese had produced an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel which had the lustrous sheen and color tone of silver, was appreciably harder than silver, and did not tarnish in use. Paktong was often found as mountings, hinges and handles on the finest Ming and Ching Dynasty furniture and boxes, and many items for the scholar’s desk were crafted of this metal. For additional information about paktong, see our article in ARTS OF ASIA, Nov/Dec. 1992. In the Ming and Ching dynasties, civic officials were known not as bureaucrats but as literati, and these gentlemen-scholars were among the elite of traditional Chinese society. These eyeglasses are the perfect accoutrement for someone recreating a Chinese scholar’s studio in 18th or 19th century style and are quite rare. Condition of the glasses is excellent. The paktong frame has an aged pewter-like patina; the superficial scratching on the lenses is consistent with age and usage. The shagreen case is in good used condition, with signs of wear primarily along the edges. Dimensions: Each lense of the eyeglasses measures 1 7/8” (4.7cm) in diameter; the face extends 5 ˝” (13.7cm) to the outer edges of each of the protruding hinges; the arms are each 5 ˝” long (13.7cm). Shagreen case is 6” (15.3 cm) long, 2 ˝” (6.5 cm) wide, 1” (2.5 cm) deep. |
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