Auction Information

Description

Eighteen Arhats Qinan sculptures Qinan is the pinnacle of agarwood. For thousands of years, the wild and ancient Qinan agarwood has been a natural treasure in Hainan, China. In ancient times, it was known as "QiongZhi" (琼脂). The older it is, the higher its resin content and the better its quality, making it increasingly precious. Treasured by collectors, it is rarely released, and each piece becomes scarcer by the day. The rarest of all Buddhist sculptures are the "Qinan Agarwood Carvings." This exceptional Qinan agarwood is extremely scarce and precious in its raw form, requiring an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship with no room for error. Its level of preciousness is beyond words. This set of Eighteen Arhats sculptures is carved from an exceptionally rare Qinan agarwood, showcasing the lustrous texture and abundant resins accumulated over the years, making it particularly captivating. Carving masters of the Qing Imperial court used knives instead of brushes to create meticulous and varied compositions on the block of Qinan agarwood. The carving lines interlace seamlessly, and whether depicting figures or animals, the attention to detail is impeccable. The artistry in these sculptures is extraordinary, with lifelike characters that seem to come to life on the Qinan agarwood. As a treasure of Imperial court art, the Eighteen Arhats sculptures are simple yet vivid, with precise expressions and unique artistic charm that leaves onlookers in awe. This Qinan agarwood sculpture is one of its kind in the world, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, and a rare and unique aroma. It is well-preserved and is an unparalleled gem of ancient Chinese woodcarving art. It is a rare find in the world of Buddhist sculpture art and holds significant value for collectors.