Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
April 2015 Hong Kong Auction - Sess. A-C 30 Mar-1 Apr 2015
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CHINA. Fuzhou (Foochow). Imperial Gold Award Medal for the Establishment of the Foochow Arsenal, ND (ca. 1874).
51.81 mm; 90.07 gms. Li-pg. 60-61. Two dragons arranged vertically on a stippled background flanking a column of four characters, the sun above flanked by characters at right and left, all within geometric border; Reverse: Inscription arranged in similar format to obverse; however, clouds are in place of dragons, all on stippled background within geometric border. A series of institutional reforms were issued during the late Qing dynasty, known as the self-strengthening movement. Following a series of military defeats by foreign powers, namely the Opium Wars, China went to great lengths to strengthen and modernize its military powers. The goal of the self-strengthening movement was to build China's military as an industry, by constructing a series of arsenals as well as the construction of the shipyards and a naval academy at Mawei Foochow. The petition to build the Foochow Arsenal shipyard was presented to the Qing court in 1866 by Tso Tsung-t'ang, who was then governor of Fukien and Chekiang. Construction of the Foochow Arsenal began in 1867 under the guidance of French Naval officer Prosper Marie Giquel. From 1867 to 1874 Prosper Marie Giquel and his colleague Paul d'Aiguebelle were in charge of the project and overseeing its completion. The two Frenchmen set about assembling a team of European engineers, mechanics and craftsman capable of performing of such a task. Once plans were in motion a "guarantee agreement" or contract was made, stating that the foreigners would have the shipyard and academy completed within a five year period. As per the agreement foreign craftsmen should ensure the Chinese co-workers were taught the appropriate skills to build ships, cast tools, operate forges, and essentially operate the facilities independently. By the end of 1873 Prosper Giquel had fulfilled his obligation and the five year agreement was about to expire. In 1874 Shen Pao-chen petitioned the Qing court, recommending the foreign advisors for special recognition by granting an order. In response, the Qing court ordered the Imperial Palace Construction Section to manufacture award medals in the name of the Qing government. Produced in high relief with sharp and refined details. The protected areas, particularly the stippled fields and geometric border, are toned with age while the less protected regions are more vibrant lustrous gold. Of a slightly smaller size than the silver example of this medal which was brought to auction last August but it is certainly no less impressive. The first example of the gold version of this EXTREMELY RARE historically important Qing medals we have had the honor of handling. Highly attractive. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.
Estimate: $80000.00- $100000.00
51.81 mm; 90.07 gms. Li-pg. 60-61. Two dragons arranged vertically on a stippled background flanking a column of four characters, the sun above flanked by characters at right and left, all within geometric border; Reverse: Inscription arranged in similar format to obverse; however, clouds are in place of dragons, all on stippled background within geometric border. A series of institutional reforms were issued during the late Qing dynasty, known as the self-strengthening movement. Following a series of military defeats by foreign powers, namely the Opium Wars, China went to great lengths to strengthen and modernize its military powers. The goal of the self-strengthening movement was to build China's military as an industry, by constructing a series of arsenals as well as the construction of the shipyards and a naval academy at Mawei Foochow. The petition to build the Foochow Arsenal shipyard was presented to the Qing court in 1866 by Tso Tsung-t'ang, who was then governor of Fukien and Chekiang. Construction of the Foochow Arsenal began in 1867 under the guidance of French Naval officer Prosper Marie Giquel. From 1867 to 1874 Prosper Marie Giquel and his colleague Paul d'Aiguebelle were in charge of the project and overseeing its completion. The two Frenchmen set about assembling a team of European engineers, mechanics and craftsman capable of performing of such a task. Once plans were in motion a "guarantee agreement" or contract was made, stating that the foreigners would have the shipyard and academy completed within a five year period. As per the agreement foreign craftsmen should ensure the Chinese co-workers were taught the appropriate skills to build ships, cast tools, operate forges, and essentially operate the facilities independently. By the end of 1873 Prosper Giquel had fulfilled his obligation and the five year agreement was about to expire. In 1874 Shen Pao-chen petitioned the Qing court, recommending the foreign advisors for special recognition by granting an order. In response, the Qing court ordered the Imperial Palace Construction Section to manufacture award medals in the name of the Qing government. Produced in high relief with sharp and refined details. The protected areas, particularly the stippled fields and geometric border, are toned with age while the less protected regions are more vibrant lustrous gold. Of a slightly smaller size than the silver example of this medal which was brought to auction last August but it is certainly no less impressive. The first example of the gold version of this EXTREMELY RARE historically important Qing medals we have had the honor of handling. Highly attractive. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.
Estimate: $80000.00- $100000.00