Qing Dynasty. Xianfeng (Wen Zong) Yunnan Sanchuo Paifangding ("Three-Stamp Tablet") Sycee of 10 Taels Year 4 (1854) AU (Deposits), cf. Cribb-Class LXIX (different arrangement of stamps), Tai, Sycee Online, Ybr/3, 5, and 9 (same type, different stamps), Tang-254 (different stamps). 46x50mm. 411.17gm. Stamped in three primary sections, the top, horizontal row reading (from right to left): "Xian Feng Si Nian" (Year 4 of Xiangfeng), the right column reading: "Wang Zhao Jin" (the silversmith), and the left reading: "Bai Jing Ke" (Baijing [salt] wells), with a semi-legible assay stamp in the center. An extremely rare ingot type, produced for payment of the Salt Tax, the second most prominent excise of Imperial China after the Land Tax, and one of the main sources of governmental income since at least the days of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Yunnan played a particularly prominent role in China's salt production since ancient times, with Baijing being one of the most important salt-producing districts in central Yunnan during the Qing Dynasty. While three examples of the type are documented on Stephen Tai's website, the issue--as seen with the arrangement of stamps here--appears to be undocumented in Joe Cribb's catalog of the sycee in the British Museum, and was also absent from the Goodman and Opitz Collections, the latter of which contained a notable number of Liangchuo Paifangding (two-stamp tablet ingots). Despite some minor rub over the surfaces and mild deposits, both common features of the type, the stamps themselves show a bright luster, the characters are carefully executed in a delicate and thin calligraphy, and the whole of the piece is marked by a clear originality. This lot can be submitted to Gong Bo Grading for certification after the auction at the buyer's request. If you would like to exploit this option, please contact HK@HA.com.

HID09801242017

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