Deux paons - Période république - Stone - China

Two peacocks among the peonies and the foliage
China, Republic Period (1912–1949)
Sculpted soapstone pierre
Dimensions: H. 20.5 × 13 × 6 cm
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal

Remarkable polychrome stone sculpture depicting two peacocks moving among a profusion of blooming peonies, flower buds and lush foliage, resting on a richly pierced naturalistic base. This work, attributable to the Chinese Republic period (1912–1949), testifies to the enduring decorative and symbolic traditions inherited from the imperial dynasties, while illustrating the taste for complex naturalistic compositions and ornamental sculptures intended for scholars’ cabinets and refined interiors.

The composition develops vertically according to a particularly elaborate organization, combining solid stone volumes with numerous openings between branches, flowers and birds. The main group presents two elegant silhouettes of peacocks, arranged at different levels within dense vegetation. The larger one, placed in the central part, is distinguished by its gracefully curved long neck, raised head and meticulously worked plumage. Its folded wings are adorned with fine parallel incisions, while the body feathers are rendered by a regular network of small engraved scales. Its long tail, composed of layered and hanging plumes, stretches along the side of the composition. The tips of some plumes are embellished with small color punctuations evoking the eye-spots characteristic of peacock plumage.

A second peacock, of more modest dimensions, appears in the lower part, slightly set back from the first. Its rounded body, delicately incised wings and tranquil demeanor introduce a subtle balance between the two figures. The pairing of the two birds evokes traditional representations of couples, frequently used in Chinese art to express marital harmony, fidelity and family happiness.

The upper part of the sculpture is dominated by two large peony flowers, depicted at different stages of bloom. Their voluminous corollas, made of deeply cut and delicately striated petals, surround carefully modeled floral hearts. Several buds still closed emerge from a network of sinuous stems, accompanied by broad leaves with finely engraved veins. The artist exploited the natural variations of the stone, ranging from honey yellow to orange-yellow, with some greenish and grayish tints, in order to differentiate the vegetal elements and enhance the depth of the composition.

The handling of the foliage reveals remarkable decorative research. The leaves, arranged on several planes, feature cut outlines and veins incised with precision. Some are almost entirely detached from the main mass, while others overlay branches and flowers, creating a complex play of depths and transparencies. Small color punctuations, visible on several elements of plumage and foliage, further enrich the polychrome effect of the whole.

The sculpture rests on an imposing brown-red base, worked to imitate a trunk or a jagged rock mass. Its surface, animated by numerous cavities and perforations, is adorned with small five-petaled flowers and delicately modeled leaves in yellow tones contrasting with the mottled brown background. The base’s contorted reliefs visually extend the organic character of the upper composition, creating a continuity between the vegetal world, the birds and their support.

Condition: the work shows some cracks, fissures, chips and losses.