Sculpture - 20th century
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
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Monumental sculpture of an Imperial Chinese dragon, carved from a single monolithic root, in the Gen-diao tradition, from the XXth century, measuring 220 cm in length, 170 cm in height and 68 cm in depth, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Monumental Imperial Dragon Sculpture – Art "Gen-diao" (Root Carving) – China
Technical Sheet:
Technique: Sculpture on monolithic root (a single piece).
Subject: Traditional Chinese Imperial Dragon.
Provenance: French private collection, imported from China 35 years ago.
Condition: Excellent state of preservation, original patina.
Dimensions: Length 220 cm | Height 170 cm | Depth 68 cm.
Description:
This exceptional work is a masterful demonstration of the traditional Gen-diao art (root sculpture). Unlike classical sculptures, this piece was entirely conceived from a single tree trunk. The artist used the natural and complex ramification of the root system to give life to the dragon’s limbs and volutes, creating a perfect symbiosis between the raw organic structure and the carving work.
Iconographic Details:
The central focus of the sculpture is the dragon’s head, treated with striking realism and remarkable relief depth. It features the classic attributes of Chinese mythology:
- Gaping maw with detailed dentition.
- Fluid whiskers and goatee integrated into the wood fibers.
- Expressive eyes and horns emerging from the upper branches.
The body unfolds into a multitude of sinuous branches, simulating the creature’s movement through the clouds, offering a different visual dynamic depending on the viewing angle.
Presence and Conservation:
With its 2.20 meters in length, this piece constitutes a high-stature decorative object. The wood displays a natural amber patina acquired over decades, highlighting the grains and density of the material. The structure has remained perfectly stable despite its impressive dimensions.
Sale Information:
Note to the seller for Catawiki:
Logistics: Due to the exceptional volume (220 cm x 170 cm), this piece requires a specialist art transporter or buyer pickup on site.
Free pickup in Fontainebleau 77300.
Delivery anywhere in Île-de-France possible.
Monumental Imperial Dragon Sculpture – Art "Gen-diao" (Root Carving) – China
Technical Sheet:
Technique: Sculpture on monolithic root (a single piece).
Subject: Traditional Chinese Imperial Dragon.
Provenance: French private collection, imported from China 35 years ago.
Condition: Excellent state of preservation, original patina.
Dimensions: Length 220 cm | Height 170 cm | Depth 68 cm.
Description:
This exceptional work is a masterful demonstration of the traditional Gen-diao art (root sculpture). Unlike classical sculptures, this piece was entirely conceived from a single tree trunk. The artist used the natural and complex ramification of the root system to give life to the dragon’s limbs and volutes, creating a perfect symbiosis between the raw organic structure and the carving work.
Iconographic Details:
The central focus of the sculpture is the dragon’s head, treated with striking realism and remarkable relief depth. It features the classic attributes of Chinese mythology:
- Gaping maw with detailed dentition.
- Fluid whiskers and goatee integrated into the wood fibers.
- Expressive eyes and horns emerging from the upper branches.
The body unfolds into a multitude of sinuous branches, simulating the creature’s movement through the clouds, offering a different visual dynamic depending on the viewing angle.
Presence and Conservation:
With its 2.20 meters in length, this piece constitutes a high-stature decorative object. The wood displays a natural amber patina acquired over decades, highlighting the grains and density of the material. The structure has remained perfectly stable despite its impressive dimensions.
Sale Information:
Note to the seller for Catawiki:
Logistics: Due to the exceptional volume (220 cm x 170 cm), this piece requires a specialist art transporter or buyer pickup on site.
Free pickup in Fontainebleau 77300.
Delivery anywhere in Île-de-France possible.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
20th century
Number of objects
1
Height
170 cm
Width
220 cm
Title of artwork
Sculpture
Condition
Good condition
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