A 18.06 carats Burma oval-shaped sapphire and diamond ring, by Harry Winston. Estimate 3,500,000 – HK$5,500,000 ($440,000-700,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Set with an oval-shaped sapphire weighing 18.06 carats, flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, ring size 6¾, in blue leather Harry Winston case. With maker's mark for Harry Winston 

Accompanied by report no. 1005062 dated 11 May 2010 from the Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the 18.00 carat sapphire is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating

Please note that the certificate is more than 5 years old and might require an update

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

Brûle-parfum de forme quadrangulaire, Chine, période Jiaqing (1796-1820). Estimation : 3 500 € / 4 500 €  © Couteau-Begarie

évoquant les ding archaïques, en porcelaine à décor ajouré et polychrome de dragons entourant un caractère shou sur le couvercle, de dragons archaïsants de type kui sur la panse, sur la base et sur les quatre pieds. Le brûle-parfum en trois parties, la prise du couvercle en forme de lion bouddhique (manque à la queue). La panse restaurée, un fel sur la base. H. : 32 cm. 

COUTAU-BEGARIE, Chasse, Mobilier, Objets d'Art, le 29 Mai 2015 à 11h et 14h. DROUOT RICHELIEU - SALLE 5 ET 6 

Paire de vases pot-pourri en porcelaine de Chine. Monture en bronze ciselé et doré de style Régence, XIXe siècle. Estimation : 3 000 € / 4 000 €  © Couteau-Begarie

de forme cylindrique à décor dans le style de la famille verte de personnages vert, sur fond blanc et éléments de couleur corail. 
Monture en bronze ciselé et doréà pieds cambrés ornés de masques d’homme, reposant sur un socle évidé, couvercle ajouré tel un treillage. Modèle de style Régence exécuté au XIXe siècle. H. : 24 cm. 

Provenance : Collection des barons de X, formée dans la seconde partie du XIXe siècle. 

COUTAU-BEGARIE, Chasse, Mobilier, Objets d'Art, le 29 Mai 2015 à 11h et 14h. DROUOT RICHELIEU - SALLE 5 ET 6 

Compagnie des Indes, important service en porcelaine à bord contournés, Chine vers 1785. Estimation : 20 000 € / 30 000 €  © Couteau-Begarie

a décor blanc et bleu de bouquets de et de guirlandes de fleurs et de noeuds de ruban, à bordures dorées. 
Service composé de 174 pièces : 
66 assiettes plates (D. : 23,5 cm), 
26 assiettes creuses (D. : 24 cm) 
14 assiettes à marli ajouré (23,5 cm) 
2 soupières et leur dormants 
15 pots à crème. 
4 salières 
8 jattes creuses (D. : 25 cm) 
2 jattes rondes à bordure ajourée D. : 25 cm 
4 raviers rectangulaires à pan coupé (23 x 17 cm) 
4 coupelles creuses D. : 16 cm 
1 plat rond (D. : 40 cm) 
2 plats ronds (D. : 34,5 cm) 
2 plats ronds (D. : 34 cm) 
2 plats ronds (D. : 31 cm) 
2 plats ovales (26,5 x 20 cm) 
5 plats ovales (30 x 23,5 cm) 
2 plats ovales (33,5 x 26,5 cm) 
1 plat ovale (37 x 30 cm) 
2 plats ovales (40 x 33,5 cm) 
2 plats ovales avec (40 x33,5 cm) 
Petits accidents, et fêles mais bon état dans l’ensemble.

COUTAU-BEGARIE, Chasse, Mobilier, Objets d'Art, le 29 Mai 2015 à 11h et 14h. DROUOT RICHELIEU - SALLE 5 ET 6 

Compagnie des Indes. Bassin ovale à deux anses, Chine, période Transition, XVIIe siècle. Estimation : 800 € / 1 000 €  © Couteau-Begarie

ornées d’émaux de la famille verte polychrome et or à décor de fleur et de phénix. 

Bibliographie : un bassin similaire, Beurdeley, « Porcelaine de la compagnie des Indes », p. Paris, 1982, 163, cat.49b. 

COUTAU-BEGARIE, Chasse, Mobilier, Objets d'Art, le 29 Mai 2015 à 11h et 14h. DROUOT RICHELIEU - SALLE 5 ET 6 

Cabinet en laque européen à l’imitation du laque de Chine, Travail anglais du début du XIXe siècle. Estimation : 1 500 € / 2 000 €  © Couteau-Begarie

fond noir à décor de paysages animé et de volatiles, il ouvre à deux portes découvrant 10 tiroirs. Ornementation de laiton ciselé, tel que poignées, cornières, plaque de serrure (une cornière manquante, éclats et soulèvements). Piétement en bois noirci et doréà quatre pieds galbé réunis par une entretoise à motif de coquille. Cabinet H. : 50 cm, L. : 59 cm, P. : 37 cm. Piètement H. : 82 cm, L. : 67 cm, P. : 45 cm 

COUTAU-BEGARIE, Chasse, Mobilier, Objets d'Art, le 29 Mai 2015 à 11h et 14h. DROUOT RICHELIEU - SALLE 5 ET 6 

A pair of 8.04 and 7.98 carats Colombian emerald and diamond pendent earrings. Estimate HK$ 4.3 million - 5 million (€510,000 - 590,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Each cushion-shaped emerald, weighing 8.04 and 7.98 carats, surmounted by a shield-shaped diamond, diamonds approximately 1.15 carats total, length 3.6cm

Accompanied by two SSEF reports stating that the natural emeralds have no indication of clarity enhancement and originate from Colombia. Report numbers 75961 and 75960, both dated 20 August 2014.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A fine 9.18 carats Burma 'Pigeon's Blood' ruby and diamond dress ring. Estimate HK$ 3.2 million - 3.8 million (€380,000 - 450,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The antique cushion-shaped ruby, weighing 9.18 carats, within a two-tiered brilliant-cut diamond surround extending to the hoop, diamonds approximately 3.60 carats total, ring size 7

Accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the natural ruby has no indication of heat treatment and originates from Burma (Myanmar). Report number 76428, dated 24 September 2014.

Accompanied by a GRS report stating that the natural ruby has no indication of heat treatment, vivid red colour, GRS type 'pigeon's blood' and originates from Burma (Myanmar). Report number GRS2015-048160, dated 9 April 2015.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A Fine Diamond Bracelet, by Van Cleef and Arpels, circa 1945. Estimate HK$ 1.4 million - 1.8 million (€170,000 - 210,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The articulated bracelet set with five step-cut diamonds graduating towards the centre, to baguette and brilliant-cut diamond borders, between bows of similarly-cut diamond, all on a polished openwork strap highlighted by old brilliant-cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 25.00 carats total, signed Van Cleef and Arpels, numbered, length 17.6cm, cased

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An impressive 34.25 carats Ceylon sapphire and diamond dress ring, by Van Cleef and Arpels, 1946. Estimate HK$ 1.2 million - 1.5 million (€140,000 - 180,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The oval-cut sapphire, between arched shoulders set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, within a polished surround accented by similarly cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 2.00 carats total, sapphire approximately 34.25 carats, signed Van Cleef and Arpels, numbered, ring size 6½

Accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the natural sapphire has no indication of heat treatment and originates from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Report number 79041, dated 10 March 2015.

Accompanied by a copy of the original Van Cleef and Arpels sketch.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A translucent intense emerald green jadeite and diamond ring. Estimate HK$ 2.5 million - 3 million (€300,000 - 360,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The highly translucent jadeite of intense emerald green colour, measuring approximately 22.5 x 18.8 x 7.4mm, within a pear and brilliant-cut diamond surround, to brilliant-cut diamond set bifurcated shoulders, diamonds approximately 4.50 carats total, ring size 7¼

Accompanied by a Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report stating that the natural colour fei cui (jadeite jade) has no resin detected. Report number KJ 89633, dated 19 March 2015.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An Art Deco jadeite, diamond and onyx brooch, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$70,000 - 90,000 (€8,200 - 11,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The carved 'Double Happiness' jadeite plaque of bright green colour, measuring approximately 18.7 x 12.9 x 1.8mm, accented by rose-cut diamonds and calibré-cut onyx, signed Cartier Paris, numbered, maker's mark, French assay mark, length 5.0cm 

Accompanied by a Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report stating that the selected natural colour fei cui (jadeite jade) has no resin detected. Report number SJ 112707, dated 20 March 2015.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A fine Colombian emerald and diamond bracelet, by Cartier, circa 1960. Estimate HK$800,000 - 1.2 million (€94,000 - 140,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The articulated bracelet set with eight graduated step-cut emeralds, each between courses of brilliant-cut diamonds,diamonds approximately 11.50 carats total, signed Cartier Paris, numbered, length 16.0cm

Accompanied by an AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) report stating that the natural emeralds have minor clarity enhancement and originate from Colombia. Report number CS 84606, dated 16 March 2015.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A fine art deco emerald and diamond cuff, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$1 million - 1.5 million (€120,000 - 180,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The old brilliant-cut diamond cuff set with a row of five emerald cabochons, set between baguette-cut diamond borders and accents, completed by a brick-link bracelet strap with a single and baguette-cut diamond clasp, diamonds approximately 21.00 carats total, signed Cartier, numbered, inner diameter 5.0 x 4.3cm

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A pair of Colombian emerald and diamond pendent earrings. Estimate HK$700,000 - 900,000 (€120,000 - 180,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The hexagonal step-cut emeralds, each weighing 4.97 and 4.07 carats, within pavé-set old brilliant-cut diamond surrounds, to similarly set diamond surmounts, between cushion-shaped diamonds, each weighing 1.02 and 1.00 carats, accented by princess-cut diamonds, remaining diamonds approximately 1.10 carats total, length 4.0cm 

Accompanied by two Gubelin reports stating that the 4.97 and 4.07 carat natural emeralds have insignificant and minor clarity enhancement respectively, and both originate from Colombia. Report numbers 12015086 and 12015084, both dated 23 January 2012.

Accompanied by two GIA reports stating that the diamonds are both G colour and VS1 clarity. Report numbers 7161667504 and 5166037680, dated 6 January 2014 and 25 October 2013. 

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY 

An impressive pair of translucent emerald green jadeite cabochon and diamond earrings. Estimate HK$6.5 million - 8.5 million (€760,000 - 1 million). Photo: Bonhams.

Each highly translucent jadeite cabochon of rich intense emerald green colour, measuring 26.4 x 19.8 x 5.9mm and 26.4 x 19.8 x 5.4mm, within a marquise-cut diamond surround, diamonds approximately 8.00 carats total, length 3.4cm

Accompanied by two Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory reports stating that the natural colour fei cui (jadeite jade) have no resindetected. Report numbers KJ 89631 and KJ 89632, both dated 19 March 2015. 

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY & JADEITE, 3 Jun 2015 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY 

A fine and rare celadon-glazed moulded 'rope twist' globular vase, Yongzheng six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$3,000,000 – HK$5,000,000 ($390,000 - $650,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is finely moulded to the exterior of the globular body with a band of interlocking knotted ropes forming a repeated diamond pattern. Further modelled with a moulded rope-form loop handle to the top of the band on each side of the shoulder. It is applied with a subtle glaze of pale greenish-blue tone, thinning to white at the raised decoration and mouth rim. 6 3/4 in. (17 cm.) high, box 

Provenance: Hermann Dobrikow (d. Beijing 1928), sold in 1930 by
Gallery Lepke, Berlin, to a German collector
Acquired by the present owner in 1996 

Notes: The unusual design of the present vase is based on earlier archaic bronze wine jars dating to as early as the Warring States period (475- 221 BC). The raised rope twist pattern seen on the archaic examples was originally intended to imitate the use of rope to carry vessels traditionally used by Chinas northern nomadic people. The two loop handles represented on the current lot as well as the globular form may elude to a traditional fishing basket.(fig. 1).

 fig. 1

An example of a bronze hu-form wine vessel with raised rope-twist pattern, excavated from a Warring States period tomb at Mujiazhuang in Pingshan, Hebei province is illustrated in Warring States Treasures: Cultural Relics form the State of Zhongshan, Hebei Province, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 144-145, no. 56. Compare also to another bronze hu with similar decoration dated to the Han dynasty, illustrated in Xiqing gujian, juan 21. An almost identical vase to the present lot is in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Qingdai Yongzheng - Xuantong guanyao ciqi, Shanghai bowuguan cangpin yanjiu daxi, Shanghai, 2014, fig. 5-22; and another was sold at Sothebys Hong Kong, 26 October 2003, lot 53. The design continued in the proceeding reign period as indicated by a Qianlong-marked example, in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Monochrome Porcelain, the Complete Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, vol. 37, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 155, no. 140. 

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall

A fine and very rare teadust-glazed cylindrical vase, Yongzheng incised four-character seal mark and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$2,400,000 – HK$3,500,000 ($310,000 - $450,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is potted with a tall columnar body rising to angular shoulders and a cylindrical neck below a flared mouth rim, all supported on a ribbed splayed foot. It is covered in a rich lightly speckled olive-green glaze, thinning to brown at the rim. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm.) high, box 

Provenance: Sold at Christie's New York, 3 June 1993, lot 243

Notes: Teadust glazes have their origins in the Tang dynasty at kilns making black wares, but reached their peak of popularity on imperial porcelain of the 18th century. Their unique appearance is due to slight under firing of a glaze with significant iron and magnesium oxide content, which results in the development of fine pyroxene crystals during cooling. These give the glaze an attractive brown, greenish microcrystalline appearance, which was so prized at the Qing court. The perfection of this glaze on porcelain seems to have been achieved in the Yongzheng reign. The Yongzheng Emperor seems to have admired the 'antique' quality that teadust glazes imparted to the porcelain on which they were used. These glazes are sometimes called Changguan you, 'Imperial Factory glazes', and they are mentioned in Tang Yings famous Taocheng jishi bei ji, Commemorative Stele on Ceramic Production, of 1735.

The cylindrical form of the current lot is very rare among Imperial teadust-glazed pieces. Compare to a related pale celadon-glazed cylindrical vase of similar size and shape with a Yongzheng six-character mark, in the Palace Museum, Beijing and illustrated in Qing Dai Yuyao Qici, The Palace Museum Collection of Chinese Ceramics in the Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2005, p. 243, no. 107. (fig. 1)

fig. 1: A pale celadon-glazed cylindrical vase, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period. Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing

For an illustration of the identical shape in ceramics of the Yongzheng period, see the line drawings in Geng Baochang, Ming Qing Ciqi Jianding, Study of Ming and Qing Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1993, p. 235, fig. 401, no. 5. 

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall

A rare large Guan-type hu-form vase, Yongzheng six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$5,000,000 – HK$8,000,000 ($650,000 - $1,000,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The pear-shaped body is of rectangular section and raised on a pedestal foot pierced with a rectangular aperture on each of the narrow sides, with a double bow-string band encircling the upper body and another below the tubular rectangular handles. The vase is covered overall with an even glaze of widely crackled greyish-blue tone, with the exception of the unglazed foot rim which is covered with a brown dressing. 14 in. (35.5 cm.) high, wood stand, box 

Provenance: An English private collection, acquired in Asia in the 1980s 

Notes: This very rare vase reflects the Yongzheng Emperor's deep interest in archaism. The crackled celadon glaze is the outcome of the attempt to reproduce the lustrous glaze found on Guan wares made for the Southern Song (AD 1127-1279) court, while its shape is modelled after that of bronze and gilt-bronze vessels of the Zhou (1046V256 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) dynasties.

A larger vase of very similar glaze colour and shape, also bearing a Yongzheng seal mark, is in the National Palace Museum Collection, illustrated in The Enchanting Splendor of Vases and Planters: A Special Exhibition of Flower Vessels from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Taipei, 2014, pl. II-16 (fig .1)..

fig. 1:  A large Guan-type hu-form vase, Yongzheng six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period. Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Another similar Yongzheng-marked guan-type vase, formerly in the collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, was sold at Christie's New York, 17 March 2015, lot 54. Compare also to a Yongzheng-marked Ru-type vase, of similar but more rounded form, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26 April 2004, lot 946; and another one sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 29 April 1997, lot 577. A related Yongzheng vase of this form but covered in a Ge-type glaze is illustrated in The Special Exhibition of K'ang-hsi, Yung-cheng and Ch'ien-lung Porcelain Ware from the Ch'ing Dynasty in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1986, no. 63.

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall

A fine and rare 'eel-skin' glazed cylindrical 'rib bed' vase, Yongzheng four-character incised seal mark and of the period (1727-1735). Estimate HK$2,400,000 – HK$3,000,000 ($310,000 - $390,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is potted of cylindrical form of Song period prototype, the sides gently tapering to the low flat foot. The body is moulded with evenly spaced horizontal raised bands from the shoulder to the foot, the short waisted neck with a lipped rim and wide mouth. Applied overall with a eel-skin glaze and a brown wash around the base foot. The underside base is incised with the reign mark in seal script. 7 1/8 in. (18 cm.) high 

Notes: A small group of Yongzheng-marked 'ribbed' vases are recorded, such as two Ge-type glazed vases of the same size, one from the Greenwald Collection, sold at Christies Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2823, the other from the Carl Kempe Collection, sold at Sothebys Paris, 12 June 2008, lot 102. A vase with a Longquan-type glaze was sold at Christies Hong Kong, 26 November 2014, lot 3266. A slightly larger vase of Guan-type glaze (26.2 cm. high) is illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, Geneva, 1999, no. p. 163, no. 269 (A335). 

Compare also the Song prototypes from which the Qing examples derive, illustrated in Kuan Ware of the Sung Dynasty, Porcelain of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, CAFA, 1963, pls. 12 and 13; the present vase is of the same height as the two Song examples. 

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall