A small rhinceros horn ritual vessel, ding, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The diminuitive vessel raised on three plain flared feet supporting a low set body carved with a band of gui-dragons separated by raised six vertical flanges under a key fret decorated rim and u-shaped handles, the delicate wood cover carved with ascending rows of key fret bands under a knob finial. 2 1/2in (6.4cm) high vessel only. Sold for US$ 12,500 (€9,179)

Property from the Collection of Wayne D. Cannon, Scarborough, New York.

Provenance: acquired in China between 1958-1962

Item has been in the United States since 1958.

FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART, San Francisco, 24 Jun 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/

A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The honey-colored horn designed as a mallow flower, its exterior carved in high relief with branches of leafy magnolias, with a split-tailed chilong under the pouring mouth-rim opposing another undercut chilong with wind-blown mane serving as the handle. 5in (12.7cm) long. Sold for US$ 11,875 (€8,720)

Item has been in the United States since 1963.

FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART, San Francisco, 24 Jun 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/

An elegantly carved rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

Of flaring rounded conical profile, carved as a section of a pine tree, the exterior walls realistically detailed with knots and whorls of bark rendered with irregular roundels, the rim slightly canted and decorated with openwork branches, the undercut handle formed by sturdy branches extending across the exterior of the vessel, the horn of a warm honey tone graduating to a darker shade; with a matching reticulated wood stand. 6 1/4in (15.8cm) wide. Sold for US$ 47,500 (€34,880)

Provenance: acquired in China in the early 1950s by a Baltimore art collector, and thence by a family member in California since 1970

Item has been in the United States since 1950.

FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART, San Francisco, 24 Jun 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/

A carved rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The dark brown body elegantly carved as an opened blossom, the exterior with delicate branches of flowering camellias, and prunus, the stems twisting to form a small handle and foot, with a hard wood stand. 5 1/2in (14cm) long. Sold for US$ 40,000 (€29,372)

Item has been in the United States since 1972.

FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART, San Francisco, 24 Jun 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/

A Longquan celadon dish, Ming dynasty. Photo Bonhams

Potted with tall concave edges encircling a notably convex central well all raised upon a thickly molded foot ring, the interior cavetto incised in freely rendered scrolling patterns surrounding portions of the center of the dish impressed in vine and lotus scrollwork; all surfaces covered in a thick glaze pooling in varied shades of olive, except for a burnt cinnamon colored ring within the recessed base and isolated patches along the mouth and foot rims of similar hue where the glaze failed to cover while firing (kiln flaws, wear to glaze). 13 1/2in (34cm) diameter. Estimate US$ 2,500 - 4,000 (€1,800 - 2,900)

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Warrior's Sword ear cuffs in silver and gold with diamonds.

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Shielded Treasure Spin ring in gold and silver, with rubies and diamonds.

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Blood Horn earrings in silver and gold with rubies and diamonds.

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Dark Palace hoop earrings in silver and gold with rubies and diamonds.

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Dagger earrings in silver and gold with rubies and diamonds.

Amrapali Royal Dark Maharaja pendant in silver and gold with rubies.

Amrapali Dark Maharaja Vajra Open cuff in silver and gold with rubies and diamonds.

A miniature peach bloom glazed vase, Kangxi mark. Photo Bonhams

Of traditional liuyeping or 'willow-leaf' form consisting of a wide mouth rim atop a thin attenuated neck atop shoulders tapering to a thin base formed by a tall unglazed foot, the remaining exterior sides covered in a glaze of mottled and patchy hues of red and gray, the deeply recessed clear-glazed base bearing the six-character mark in underglaze blue. 7 1/4in (18.4cm) high. Estimate US$ 2,800 - 3,500 (€2,100 - 2,600)

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

A blue glazed and gilt enameled wine ewer, Kangxi period. Photo Bonhams

The vertical mouth rim surmounting a waisted neck attached to a curving spout and handle all supported by an ovoid body, the sides adorned in gilt phoenix roundels, wanzi patterns and shou characters (restoration, lid lost, wear to gilt). 6 3/4in (17cm) high. Estimate US$ 800 - 1,200 (€590 - 880)

Property from the collection of Joseph Klein (1899 - 1987), New York.

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

A copper red glazed stick neck vase, Qing dynasty. Photo Bonhams

The tall cylindrical neck surmounting a thin ovoid body supported by a vertical foot rim, the visible exterior surfaces covered in a thick glaze of uniformly dark crimson hue; now mounted as a lamp within a gilt softwood base, the tall lighting fixture surmounted by a large carnelian elephant finial and adorned by beaded pull tabs of a similar hue. 13in (33cm) approx height of visible porcelain. Estimate US$ 1,000 - 1,500 (€730 - 1,100)

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

Two blue-glazed cong form vases, Guangxu marks and of the period. Photo Bonhams

The near pair potted in traditional form comprised of tapered cylindrical mouth and foot rims separated by long rectangular bodies supporting molded elephant head and ring form handles below the shoulders, one displaying a glaze of slightly deeper mottled cobalt hue than the other, the recessed bases both centered by dark blue underglaze six-character marks in standard script (one vase drilled). 11 1/2in (29.3cm) high. Estimate US$ 2,500 - 3,500 (€1,800 - 2,600)

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

A group of three glass snuff bottles. Photo Bonhams

Of compressed globular, rounded rectangular and pear form in transparent red, blue and green hues; the green bottle with a wheel cut four-character Daoguang mark on the underside. 2 1/2in (6cm) height of tallest. Sold for US$ 4,750 (€3,488)

Property from the Norman Stiller Collection, San Francisco.

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

A white glass snuff bottle simulating jade, 1850-1950. Photo Bonhams

Of compressed spherical form with waisted neck, flat lip, straight oval foot ring, the milky white glass suffused with a few pin-point bubbles. 2 3/8in (6.1cm) high. Sold for US$ 3,125 (€2,295)

Provenance: S. Bernstein & Co., San Francisco label

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE WORKS OF ARTS, San Francisco, 25 Jun 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com

Candida Höfer (b. 1944), Villa Borghese Roma IV 2012. Lightjet print, 180 x 227 cm; (70 7/8 x 89 3/8 in.). Edition of 6

LONDON.- Ben Brown Fine Arts presents Candida Höfer’s Villa Borghese series on 25 June. Höfer’s Libraries was the inaugural exhibition at Ben Brown Fine Arts’ Cork Street space in 2004. Now celebrating its 10th year, her return for Villa Borghese holds special significance for the gallery. 

Commissioned by the Galleria Borghese in 2012 for their Committenze Contemporanee project, Höfer's series captures the institution's architectural splendour and history. The statues raised on blue plinths in each image form part of the Galleria's rich narrative. First owned by the Galleria, sold to French collectors, and then loaned back to the museum by the Louvre, they are here poignantly depicted in their original environment.

Produced using only natural light with a long exposure and untouched by digital alteration, Höfer's photographs couple a rare intimacy with monumentality of scale. Customarily devoid of human presence, yet resonating with the academic spirit of the institution's founder, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the Villa Borgheseseries encapsulates Höfer's sensitivity to place.

These images will be complemented by a selection of iconic images from Ben Brown Fine Arts' 2004 exhibition, marking the longstanding representation of the artist and her ongoing fascination with institutional spaces.

A member of the Düsseldorf School (Kunstakademie Düsseldorf), Höfer was a noted pupil of Bernd and Hilla Becher. Whilst retaining the Bechers’ documentary style in her methodical processes, Höfer’s large-scale colour prints display a heightened sympathy with her subjects’ culture and history. 

Born in 1944 in Eberswalde, Candida Höfer lives and works in Cologne. After completing her training at the Schmölz-Huth Studio, she began studying with the influential photography duo Bernd and Hilla Becher in 1976, the teachers of other noted Düsseldorf School photographers including Andreas Gursky, Thomas Struth, Axel Hütte and Thomas Ruff. Höfer’s internationally recognised work has been shown at the Kunsthalle in Basel and Berne, the Louvre in Paris, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. Höfer has represented Germany at the 2003 Venice Biennale, participated in documenta 11 in 2002, and her photographs are part of major museum and private collections across the globe. 

Candida Höfer (b. 1944), Villa Borghese Roma XIII 2012.Lightjet print,180 x 200 cm; (70 7/8 x 78 3/4 in.).Edition of 6.

Pair of Large Huanghuali Cabinets, China, 17th century. Photo AUCTIONATA

Elegant, classic design and form. Fine grain and patina. Dimensions: 143.7 x 90.5 x 42.5 cm.Visually good condition. Estimation : 19 200 € / 24 000 €

Provenance: Private estate, Germany

Pair of important cabinets featuring the classic design of the time.
This pair of Ming style cabinets dates to 17th century China and was crafted from the rare and valuable huanghuali wood. Each cabinet is of rectangular tapering form, with a protruding top above two panel doors opening to a shelf and two small drawers.
The bodies are raised on a curved and finely carved apron above short square legs.
The plain latches and pulls set subtle highlights.
The fine grain and patina of the huanghuali wood make these pieces of furniture particularly appealing. Cabinets of this kind first and foremost had a practical value and were used to store clothes and linen as well as paintings and books.

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com

Large Huanghuali Compound Cabinet, China, 17th century. Photo AUCTIONATA

Of sober rectangular form. Relief decoration with dragons and ruyi. Dimensions: 245 x 125 x 53.5 cm. Visually good condition. Estimation : 16 000 € / 20 000 €

Provenance : Brought to Europe by a diplomatic family around 1900; private collection, Germany

Literature: Sarah Handler, Ming Furniture in the light of Chinese Architecture, page 192

This cabinet dates to the 17th century and is made of the precious wood Huanghuali.
The two-part cabinet is of rectangular form, with two pairs of hinged doors opening to an empty compartment.
The lower apron is carved with dragons and ruyi elements in relief.
The simplistic rectangular shape is otherwise without frills and only adorned with plain metal fittings in order to let the noble wood, which features a fine grain and beautiful patina, stand out. Cabinets of this kind first and foremost had a practical value and were used to store clothes and linen as well as paintings and books. Since furniture of this size was usually an eye-catching element of a room, this type of cabinet was also a testimony of the owner’s taste and social status.

The cabinet is in good, restored condition with minor signs of wear. Some wood sections may be replacements. Here and there the restoration is more noticeable.
The fittings are partially re-attached with nails.
The cabinet measures 245 cm in height, 125 cm in width and 53.5 cm in depth.

Huang-hua-li
Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) is a rare rosewood type, which was used in China for traditional medicine and to make precious furniture. Originally known as huali or hualu, the specification ‘huang’ (yellowish-brown) was added in the 20th century to differentiate between aged Huanghuali with a yellowish brown patina and newer, so-called xinhuali. Huanghuali literally means ‘yellowish blooming pear wood’. Very good Huanghuali wood has a shimmering, near translucent surface with a beautiful, abstract grain.
The color varies from reddish brown to golden yellow. Huanghuali probably originally came from the island Hainan, but similar kinds also grow in northern Vietnam, Guangxi and Indochina

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com

Large Pair of Spinach Jade Bowls, China, Qianlong Mark and Period (1736-1795). Photo AUCTIONATA

Hand-carved, spinach green jade. Each base shows the incised and gilded four character seal mark of the Qianlong period. Extremely finely carved and polished, very light and thin - worked like glass, transparent. Of flared form on a short elegantly cut foot rim. Translucent stone with variegated ‘moss and snow’ pattern. With tones of green varying from dark spinach flecks to translucent white. Diameter, each: 23.5 cm. Height: 9.5 cm. Excellent condition. Estimation : 16 000 € / 20 000 €

Provenance: Private collection Spain

Extremely fine jade bowls of the Qianlong period, each with a wafer-thin transparent wall
This graceful pair of spinach green jade bowls comes from the Chinese Qianlong period (1736-1795).
The large bowls rise on a short elegantly cut foot and show a bulbous form with a flared mouth rim. Each wall has a polished surface and is extremely finely carved.
The vessels represent the translucent stone with variegated ‘moss and snow’ pattern.
The play of colors range from tones of green varying from dark spinach flecks to even translucent white. Each base shows the neatly incised and gilded four character mark of the Qianlong period (1736 – 1795).

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com

Pair of Huanghuali‘Official's Hat’ Armchairs, China (South), 18th century. Photo AUCTIONATA

Huanghuali. Elegant Nanguanmaoyi, so-called Official’s Hat, shape.Back panel with relief carving. Dimensions: 99 x 58.5 x 47 cm; 98.5 x 59 x 46 cm. Visually good condition. Estimation : 14 400 € / 18 000 €

Provenance: Private collection, Germany

Very rare pair of large Nanguanmaoyi armchairs, carved from one of the most expensive woods in the world.
These armchairs date to the 18th century and are carved from huanghuali, one of the most precious woods in the world.
These so-called ‘Official´s Hat‘ chairs, or nanguanmaoyi, display one of the most popular forms of Chinese furniture, which has evolved over centuries.
The first known representation of a nanguanmaoyi chair is a cave painting and was found in Dunhuang in northwestern China.
The rectilinear frames of the present chairs feature an elegant shape.
The slightly curved splats are adorned with finely carved ornaments. Curvate round bars form the armrests.
The square seats with fine meshwork rest upon square legs.
The aprons on the front are adorned with a pierced decorative carving. Subtle features such as this as well as the combination of round and angular elements make these pieces of furniture especially rare and highly coveted amongst collectors of Chinese furniture.

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com

Imperial Silk Embroidery with magnificent details, China, early 19th century. Photo AUCTIONATA

Embroidered silk, gold thread, coral and glass. Assembled from several garments called Mangao traditionally worn over the shoulders by court musicians. Exquisitely embroidered in gold thread and sequins, colored silk thread, coral and moonstones. Depicting ferocious dragons chasing ‘flaming pearls’ amongst clouds, bats and peonies.Most likely to have been for Imperial use. Appealing, restored condition. Circumference: approx. 487 cm. Estimation : 6 400 € / 8 000 €

Literature: Gary Dickinson & Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Ten Speed Press 2000, pp. 165 and 186

Provenance: Private collection, India

Altogether a most fascinating and unusual piece.
The embroidered silk, which constitutes this canopy, was initially made for another use, possibly for Chinese costumes called Mangao.
These robes were embroidered with large coiling dragons that laid across the shoulders similar to the design of the musicians’ robes worn at the Imperial Court or the women’s robes from the Han tribe. If the textile was finally made into an umbrella it would have been held victorious above the heads of royalty or a visiting lama. However there is no evidence of a structure, thus the final use of this lovely textile remains unclear.

The dragons are embroidered with gold thread and tiny pearls decorate the whiskers. Tiny beads of coral have also been used in the water and wave pattern.
The bats and lotus flowers are embroidered in Peking knot stitch.
The rest of the silk is adorned in satin stitch embroidery. It is lined in yellow cotton.

Furthermore there are phoenixes embroidered on the silk, symbolizing the empress. As the use of yellow was restricted only for the emperor and his first wife to wear, the present lot could have been a cape made for a royal courtier, probably in this case an empress.
The use of pearls and coral beads also suggest imperial use.
The five-clawed dragons are another symbol of royalty.

Literature: Gary Dickinson & Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Ten Speed Press 2000, pp. 165 and 186.

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com

Clair de Lune Glazed Vase with Encircling Archaic Décor, China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Photo AUCTIONATA

Glazed porcelain. Base with impressed seal mark of the Qianlong period. Of canted square section. Tapering slightly from the splayed shoulders to the stepped foot. Finely molded with an archaistic band of mythical creatures amidst strapwork. Further bands of lappets, ruyi and further chilong amongst strapwork. Applied overall with a beautiful pale gray blue claire de lune glaze of even tone. Height: 34 cm. Very good condition. Estimation : 4 000 € / 5 000 €

Provenance: Private collection Germany

Delightfully glazed porcelain vase with a fine encircling decoration
This porcelain vase has a fine Clair de Lune glaze that originated in China during the Kangxi Period.
The vase on offer here dates back to the Qing dynasty (1644-1912).
The vase rises on a stepped foot and has a square body, which tapered slightly downwards from the splayed shoulders. Canted edges, which extend up to the mouth edge underscore the sides as well.
The wall is finely molded with an archaistic band of mythical creatures amidst strapwork and bands of lappets, ruyi and further chilong amongst strapwork are visible.
The vase shows overall the beautiful pale gray blue claire de lune glaze of even tone and the base is provided with an impressed seal mark of the Qianlong period.