Adam's FINE ASIAN ART November 18 2024

235 213 *AN EXCEPTIONAL MINH MẠNG IMPERIAL CEREMONIAL SWORD INLAID WITH RUBIES AND MOUNTED WITH GOLD VIETNAM, NGUYỄNDYNASTY, 21ST YEAR OF MINHMẠNG’S REIGN, 1840. This sword features an elongated S-shape with a spiral-carved ivory grip mimicking a woven rattan handle. The opposite end is connected to a gold repoussé sword guard with two sinuous dragons amidst cloud scrolls, crafted with extreme precision and re- finement. The pommel, locket, and chape share similar decoration, while the suspen- sion mount and throat are adorned with blossoms on leafy, scrolling stems. The scab- bard is lacquered in red over a 明命贰拾一年奉刻八五黄金共重八(兩）七(寸）七分’ wooden core. On the octagonal guard’s side there is an engraving in Chinese characters ‘ (possibly translated to ‘Engraved in the 21st year of Minh Mạng, using 85% pure gold, with a total weight of 8 taels, 7 maces, and 7 candareens’.) On both sides of the scabbard, specifically in the area close to the guard there 内造臣杜 造 ”are two carved inscriptions: “ ” (imperially made, your subject, Đỗ Tân made); “ 二號 ” (number two).Each stroke of a Chinese character is completed by individual dots. The sword with a steel blade slightly curved with hollow sides and a flat back. Engraved with a trophy of arms and floral decorations. Signed by the manufacturer at the base with “S&K”. S&K (Schnitzer & Kirchbaum) was a blade manufacturer based in Solingen, Germany, ac- tive from 1811 to 1864. Renowned for its high-quality and luxury range, particularly for of- ficers, Schnitzer & Kirchbaum exported blades to armies worldwide. This specific blade Overall Length: 96.5cm Blade Length: 74 cm Approximate weight of gold: 350 g € 100,000 - 150,000 Provenance: Private French collection of Colonel P. Le Lann, acquired about 20 years ago CITESN°FR2407100031-K PLEASE NOTE NO INTERNET BIDDING IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS LOT. PLEASE REGISTER FOR A TELEPHONE BID ONLY. A DEPOSIT WILL BE REQUIRED.