A Journey into Azure Elegance: The Qing Dynasty Lapis Lazuli Landscape Ornament
探尋青金雅韻：清代青金石山水人物山子賞析
Prologue: The Allure of Antique Collectibles
序言：古玩收藏的魅力
In the realm of antique collection, each treasure resembles a weighty tome, carrying within it the vicissitudes of time and the accumulation of culture. Today, we invite you to join us in exploring this exquisite Qing Dynasty lapis lazuli “Shanzi” ornament depicting a landscape with figures—a marvelous journey into historical culture and artistic charm.
在古玩收藏的天地中，每一件藏品都宛如一本厚重的典籍，承載著歲月的滄桑與文化的積澱。今天，我們將一同走進這件清代老青金石山水人物山子擺件，開啟一場探尋歷史文化與藝術魅力的奇妙之旅。
I. Material Excellence: The Azure Treasure
一、材質卓越：青金瑰寶
Crafted from antique lapis lazuli, this ornament stands at a stately 11.5cm in height, with dimensions of 9.1cm in length and 6.0cm in width, weighing 977.6 grams. The stone exhibits a warm, smooth texture with rich, deep coloration—its blue matrix interwoven with natural veining that seems to conceal endless mysteries. Professional analysis confirms stable mineral composition and exceptional hardness, showcasing the unique material charm that made lapis lazuli so prized by Qing craftsmen.
這件擺件為老青金石材質，青金淨高11.5公分，長9.1公分，寬6.0公分，淨重977.6克。從材質特性來看，老青金石質地溫潤，色澤濃郁醇厚，藍色的石體中分布著自然的紋理，彷彿蘊藏著無盡的奧秘。經專業檢測，其內部礦物成分穩定，質地堅硬，展現出青金石獨特的材質魅力。
Geological Note: Lapis lazuli was primarily sourced from the Badakhshan region (modern Afghanistan) during the Qing period, reaching China via the Silk Road. The deep “ultramarine” blue symbolized heaven and spiritual purity in Chinese culture.
地質註解：清代青金石主要產自巴達赫尚地區（今阿富汗），通過絲綢之路傳入中國。其深邃的「群青藍」在中國文化中象徵天界與精神純潔。
II. Artistic Mastery: Where Nature Meets Human Ingenuity
二、藝術成就：自然與匠心的交融
This piece exemplifies the ultimate in Qing craftsmanship, carved from a single block of lapis lazuli using the suixing (隨形) technique—adapting the carving to the stone’s natural form. The scene depicts scholars gathering beneath pine trees, with pavilions and towers hidden within mountain forests, all arranged with exquisite composition and meticulous detail. The artisan skillfully utilized the stone’s natural morphology and color variations to integrate landscape, figures, and architecture into a harmonious whole, demonstrating both technical mastery and profound aesthetic sensibility.
工藝細節方面，此擺件採用整料精雕細琢，隨形雕琢的工藝。雕刻出文人雅士松下閒聚、樓閣亭台隱於山林間的場景，布局精妙，雕工精湛。工匠巧妙地利用青金石的天然形態和色澤變化，將山水、人物、建築等元素有機地融合在一起，展現出高超的雕刻技藝和獨特的藝術審美。
Technical Insight: The carving demonstrates gongdiao (工雕) precision for architectural elements and xiudiao (修雕) finishing for natural features, creating a sophisticated interplay between geometric precision and organic forms.
技術洞察：雕刻同時展現了處理建築元素的「工雕」精度和處理自然景觀的「修雕」技法，創造了幾何精確與有機形態的巧妙互動。
III. Historical Context: The Qing Cultural Renaissance
三、歷史背景：清代文化復興
The Qing Dynasty represented a golden age for Chinese cultural and artistic development, characterized by political stability, economic prosperity, and extraordinary cultural flowering. Within this environment, scholarly appreciation for natural landscapes and pursuit of leisurely living became dominant cultural themes. This lapis lazuli ornament perfectly reflects the aesthetic tastes and artistic aspirations of Qing literati, while simultaneously showcasing the extraordinary development of lapis lazuli carving techniques during this period.
清代是中國文化藝術發展的一個鼎盛時期，政治穩定，經濟繁榮，文化藝術領域呈現出百花齊放的局面。在這樣的時代背景下，文人雅士對自然山水的崇尚和對閒適生活的追求，成為了社會文化的主流。這件老青金石山水人物山子擺件的造型和工藝，反映了當時文人雅士的審美情趣和藝術追求，以及青金石雕刻工藝的高超水平。
Cultural Context: The “shanzi” (山子) format emerged during the late Ming and early Qing periods, representing the literati ideal of yinshan (隱山)—retiring from official life to commune with nature.
文化背景：「山子」形制出現於明末清初，體現了文人「隱山」的理想——遠離官場，歸隱自然。
IV. Aesthetic Appreciation: The Literati Spirit in Stone
四、美學鑑賞：石中的文人精神
From an artistic perspective, this piece embodies refined elegance and poetic charm. The vivid composition creates an immersive experience, transporting the viewer into its miniature world. Culturally, it embodies the Qing scholars’ profound love for natural landscapes and their yearning for a life of leisurely refinement, possessing exceptional artistic value.
從藝術審美角度剖析，這件擺件藝術風格高逸風雅，畫面生動形象，給人一種身臨其境的感覺。其文化內涵豐富，蘊含著清代文人對自然山水的熱愛，以及對閒適、高雅生活的嚮往，具有極高的藝術價值。
Symbolic Elements:
- Pine trees: Longevity and resilience
- Scholars: Pursuit of knowledge
- Pavilions: Spiritual contemplation
- Mountains: Cosmic stability
象徵元素： - 松樹：長壽與韌性
- 文人：追求知識
- 亭台：精神沉思
- 山巒：宇宙穩定
V. Market Analysis: Investment Potential
五、市場分析：投資潛力
Antique lapis lazuli ornaments have consistently attracted significant attention in the collection market. According to auction records:
- China Guardian Autumn 2015: Qing lapis lazuli mountain ornament sold for ¥2.8 million
- Xiling Seal Society Spring 2017: Antique Qing lapis lazuli piece realized ¥2.2 million
These figures indicate substantial market value and strong collection potential for this exceptional landscape ornament.
老青金石擺件在收藏市場一直備受關注。根據相關拍賣數據：
- 2015年中國嘉德秋拍：清代青金石山子擺件以280萬元成交
- 2017年西泠印社春拍：清代老青金石擺件以220萬元成交
由此可見，這件清代老青金石山水人物山子擺件具有較高的市場價值和收藏潛力。
Investment Insight: Lapis lazuli prices have appreciated approximately 15-20% annually over the past decade, outperforming many traditional investment vehicles.
投資洞察：過去十年間，青金石價格年均增值約15-20%，表現優於許多傳統投資工具。
VI. Cultural Significance: Beyond Aesthetics
六、文化意義：超越美學的價值
This Qing Dynasty lapis lazuli landscape ornament transcends mere decorative function to become a historical witness. It carries within it the cultural heritage of the Qing era and the aesthetic pursuits of its scholars, radiating captivating brilliance even after centuries. For lapis lazuli collectors and antique enthusiasts, it represents an exceptionally rare acquisition; for cultural historians, it provides invaluable physical documentation for studying Qing culture and art. We are confident that in the years to come, this piece will continue to write its legendary story, shining ever more brightly in both the collection market and the cultural sphere.
這件清代老青金石山水人物山子擺件，不僅是一件精美的藝術品，更是一段歷史的見證者。它承載著清代的文化傳承和文人雅士的審美追求，在數百年後的今天依然散發著迷人的光彩。對於青金石收藏愛好者和古玩收藏愛好者來說，它是不可多得的收藏佳品；對於歷史文化研究者來說，它是研究清代文化和藝術的重要實物資料。相信在未來的歲月裡，這件擺件將繼續書寫它的傳奇故事，在收藏市場和文化領域中綻放出更加耀眼的光芒。
Provenance Note: Objects labeled “旧藏” (jiucang) typically indicate respectable collection history, often from old Chinese collections, adding historical value.
來源註解：標註「舊藏」的器物通常具有可靠的收藏傳承，多源自中國傳統藏家，附加歷史價值。
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