A very rare sacrificial blue-glazed vase, ganlanping, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a d ouble circle and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$12,000,000 – HK$18,000,000 ($1,600,000 - $2,300,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is well potted with an elegant rounded body tapering towards the slightly spreading foot and towards the waisted neck that rises to a flared rim. The exterior is covered with a rich blue glaze in contrast to the white rim and interior. 16 in. (41 cm.) high, box 

Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23-24 May 1978, lot 199
Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 April 2011, lot 3001 

Notes: Vases of this unusual shape, ganlanping, or olive-shaped, are rare, and appear to be especially rare in monochrome glazes. The form was admired in all three of the great imperial reigns of the Qing dynasty - Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong. During the Kangxi period the shape was more attenuated, with a more slender neck and less flared mouth, unlike the shape of the present vase. Two vases which exemplify the Kangxi shape, each incised with decoration under a pale blue glaze, are illustrated by J. Ayers, The Baur Collection, vol. 3, Geneva, 1972, no. A 326, which has a straight neck and no flare to the foot, and no. A 328, which has a tall slender neck rising to a slightly everted mouth rim.

The somewhat more robust shape seen in the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods has a shorter neck and more widely flared mouth, as well as a slight flare at the foot. This is the elegant shape seen on the current vase and others bearing Yongzheng marks that have been published, all of which are variously decorated. A blue and white example in the Palace Collection, Beijing, illustrated in Qingdai Yuyao ciqi, vol. 1, Beijing 2005, pp. 80-1, no. 29, is the most similar in shape to the present vase, as well as in size (39.9 cm.). Another in the Qing Court Collection, Beijing, decorated in green on a yellow ground, illustrated by Feng and Geng (eds.), Selected Porcelain of the Flourishing Qing Dynasty at the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1994, p. 197, no. 43, is also very similar in shape. Two monochrome-glazed examples, also in the collection of the Palace Museum, are also illustrated in Qingdai Yuyao ciqi, vol. 1, a copper-red-glazed vase, pp. 38-9, no. 9, and one covered with an imitation Guan glaze, pp. 342-3, no. 157. Both of these are somewhat smaller, 30.6 and 29.5 cm., and the neck is shorter. A monochrome white vase of comparable size (43 cm.) is illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 4 (II), London, 2010, pp. 316-7, no. 1779. See, also, the virtually identical blue-glazed vase, also with Yongzheng mark, from the Gordon Collection, sold at Christies New York, 24 March 2011, lot 1157. 

A very good translucency intense emerald green jadeite and diamond pendant necklace. Estimate HK$2,500,000 – HK$3,500,000  ($350,000-480,000 ). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Suspending a carved jadeite pepper of intense emerald green colour and very good translucency, engraved with a bat and ruyi on top, to the brilliant-cut diamond surmount with a marquise-cut diamond spacer, to the length adjustable black cord, mounted in 18k white gold, pepper approximately 54.7 x 18.3 x 10.3 mm, necklace 65.0 cm long

Accompanied by report no. KJ89241 dated 9 February 2015 from Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the pepper is natural jadeite and no polymer is detected

CHRISTIE'S. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

A very rare imperial porcelain simulated-cinnabar-lacquer, Qianlong seal mark and of the period. Estimate HK$ 400,000 - 600,000 (€47,000 - 71,000). Photo Bonhams

The globular body supported on three short bulbous legs, with a pair of upright curling handles at the sides, elaborately moulded all over with various geometric and floral lattice patterns in imitation of cinnabar lacquer, the underside with a chrysanthemum-shaped medallion, carved with a six-character Qianlong zhuanshu mark in a line below the rim, the interior covered with turquoise enamel, with a later Japanese silver cover decorated with bamboo, box. 14.8cm (5 7/8in) wide (3).

Notes: A great lover of the arts, the Qianlong emperor's reign saw an application of creative ingenuity combined with high technical capabilities in porcelain production to playfully recreate objects of other media, like hardstones, bronze, cloisonné enamel, wood and lacquer, as exemplified by this lot. These 'simulated' wares reflect the emperor's penchant for interesting, innovative and luxurious pieces, and the playful pleasure in admiring these unusual artefacts.

Other examples of Qianlong period porcelain imitating cinnabar lacquer are found in museum collections, including a bowl with a similar floral diaper ground from the Qing Court Collection in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in China's Jingdezhen Porcelain Through the Ages, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 1998, no.242. Compare also with a bowl and cover in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Empty Vessels, Replenished Minds: The Culture, Practice, and Art of Tea, Taipei, 2000, p.161, no.139. Another bowl simulating cinnabar lacquer, with a shou medallion on a lozenge diaper ground and a key-fret band below the mouth rim, Qianlong, is in the Nanjing Museum, illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Nanjing, 2003, no.308. See also a porcelain model simulating a cinnabar lacquer sundial, also with diaper grounds on the exterior, Qianlong mark and period, illustrated by J.Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol.2, Geneva, 1999, p.142, no.250; and see a simulated cinnabar lacquer lobed tray, Qianlong, illustrated by Geng Baocheng, Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Beijing, 1993, p.285, fig.492. 

The present lot closely imitates imperial cinnabar lacquer incense burners, Qianlong seal mark and of the period, such as the one from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated as part of a garniture in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2006, no.25; and the one illustrated by Lin Manli,Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors: Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1997, pl.147. 

BONHAM'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A Langyao baluster vase, Kangxi period. Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000 (€24,000 - 35,000). Photo Bonhams.

With a high shouldered body tapering towards a spreading foot, covered all over with a deep luxuriant red glaze thinning to pale red and beige around the shoulders, cylindrical neck, and slightly flaring mouthrim, the base covered with a crackled translucent glaze. 41.6cm (16 3/8in) high

Notes: Copper-red glaze is frequently regarded as one of the most challenging to fire successfully. Applying the right thickness of glaze, regulating the right temperature during and after the firing process and determining the appropriate amount of firing time was paramount to achieving rich red vibrant tones. The revival of copper-red which was successfully produced during the Ming dynasty, is largely attributed to Lang Tingji, director of the Jingdezhen official kilns between 1705-1712. The term 'Langyao' is largely believed to be derived from his name: see N.Wood, Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry, and Recreation, London, 1999, p.181.

BONHAM'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A rare imperial doucai'narcissus' dish, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period. Estimate HK$ 600,000 - 800,000 (€71,000 - 94,000). Photo Bonhams.

Thinly-potted with gently rounded sides, finely decorated on the interior with a central medallion depicting flowering narcissus growing between rockwork, under overhanging nandina berries, and lingzhi fungus, the exterior with three evenly-spaced groups of lingzhi issuing from rockwork, all delicately enamelled with vivid shades of blue, yellow, white, pink and green within the underglaze-blue outlines, the base with a six-character kaishu mark. 20.6cm (8 1/8in) diam.

Provenance: A distinguished European private collection and thence by descent

Notes: Easily identified by its brilliantly-coloured red berries and evergreen bamboo-like leaves, the nandina is also known as the 'heavenly bamboo', tianzhu 天竺, for its resistance to the cold winters and as a welcoming sight of the season. When paired with the narcissus, shuixian 水仙, the fungus, lingzhi 靈芝, and rockworks, shoushi 壽石, they form the pun 'May the immortality of the fungus congratulate you on your birthday and bestow longevity', zhixian zhushou 芝仙祝壽. The fondness of the Yongzheng emperor for this floral and rockwork composition is evident in a painting from the Qing Court Collection in the Palace Museum, Beijing, depicting the emperor sitting in the imperial garden copying a sutra, illustrated in Harmony and Integrity: The Yongzheng Emperor and His Times, Taipei, 2009, no.I-57, p.117.

Compare an example illustrated in A Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Malcolm Macdonald Collection of Chinese Ceramics in the Gulbenkian Museum of Oriental Art and Archaeology, Oxford, 1972, pl.LXXII, no.205. See also a similar doucai dish in the Meiyintang Collection, illustrated by R.Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol.II, p.135, no.765.

A pair of similar dishes was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 2911

BONHAM'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A rare coral-ground and gilt-decorated vase, meiping. Gilt Shendetang mark, Late Qing Dynasty. Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000 (€24,000 - 35,000). Photo Bonhams.

The narrow waisted neck and rounded shoulders tapering to a recessed base, covered with a bright iron-red ground lavishly gilt with eight stylised lotus flowers and formal lotus scrolls alternating in two ranks amid buds and suspendedruyi heads, musical stones and tassels, all between a ruyiborder and lotus motifs at the neck and stylised petal panels, the base with a four-character kaishu mark. 16.2cm (6 3/8in) high

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 15 December 1987, lot 172 (one of a pair)
Georg Weishaupt (1906-2004)
Nagel, the Weishaupt Collection, 21 May 2004, lot 844

Notes: The pair to the present vase, published by R.Krahl and C.Von Spee, Chinese Ceramics from the Gulexuan Collection, Lünen, 2003, no.141, was sold in our London rooms, 6 November 2014, lot 197. 

The Shendetang, or Hall of Prudent Virtue, has been identified as a Hall at the western end of the JiuzhouqingyanPalace, or Palace of Peace in the Nine Regions, within the Yuanmingyuan grounds, and which was completed in 1831: see M.Wilson, Rare Marks on Chinese Ceramics, London, 1998, p.36. Geng Baochang in Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Hong Kong, 1993, pp.385-386, records the mark on 34 different types of Daoguang-period vessels, including a red-glazed and gilt bowl, but on only one Guangxu vessel. 

Amongst the Shendetang group of wares, the present lot is very unusual. The style of the gilding on the bright red ground suggests that it is a rare example from the Guangxu rather than the Daoguang period, and furthermore it has a gilt rather than an iron-red mark: in the late Qing dynasty text Taoya (Refinements of Pottery), vol.II, p.1, such a gilt mark is noted as being 'occasional'. 

Compare a jardinière attributed to the Guangxu period with a related gilt flower design and similar lappet border on a bright red ground illustrated in Chūgoku tōji zenshū (Complete series on Chinese Ceramics), vol.21, Kyoto, 1981, pl.151.

BONHAM'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A very rare lacquered and enamelled Yixing stoneware 'chrysanthemum' teapot and cover, Qianlong period. Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 400,000 (€29,000 - 47,000). Photo Bonhams.

The compressed globular body finely moulded as a chrysanthemum, flanked by a pointed spout and 'C'-shaped handle, the exterior decorated with alternating wan symbols,ruyi-heads, bats and floral sprays, all lacquered red and picked out in gilt outlines above a dark blue ground, the base with a probably later red-lacquered Qianlong four-character kaishu mark. 17.5cm (6 7/8in) wide (2).

Notes: The tradition of Yixing wares commissioned by the Court first began in the Ming dynasty, however it was the subsequent Qing emperors who prized purple clay teapots, building up a collection of stunning Yixing teapots of all variety of form and decoration. The present lot is similar to a gilt-lacquered and enamelled Yixing teapot, gilt-incised Qianlong six-character mark and period, one of a pair, illustrated by Geng Baochang, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Purple Sandy Ware, Shanghai, 2008, pp.34-35, no.27; like most lacquered Yixing wares, the Palace Museum teapot was kept in the Yangxindian or Hall of Mental Cultivation and Qianqinggong or Palace of Heavenly Purity. It is noted that the Palace Museum example was first potted and fired in Yixing, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, and then lacquered, enamelled and gilt within the Palace: See Wang Jianhua, Yixing Zisha Wares in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2007, p.64. Wang also states that these Yixing teapots were produce for imperial use and were made in sets or as pairs.

The chrysanthemum-form (also referred to as melon-form) of both the Palace Museum example and the present lot required high precision in executing the segments to simulate floral or plant shapes, demonstrating the exceptional technical excellence achieved by the potters during the Qianlong period.

BONHAM'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An important 5.02 carats Burma "pigeon's blood red" ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HK$6,000,000 – HK$8,000,000 ($750,000-1,000,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Set with an oval-shaped ruby weighing approximately 5.02 carats, within a similarly-cut diamond surround, mounted in 18k white gold, ring size 5½

Accompanied by report no. 78694 dated 10 March 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the approximately 5.00 carat ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits a special mention and appreciation. The ruby exhibits a beautifully saturated colour combined with a very fine purity. The small inclusions found by microscopic inspection represent the hallmarks of rubies from the classical ruby mines in the Mogok valley in Burma (Myanmar). Its attractive and vivid red colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in this gemstone, characteristic for the finest rubies from Mogok. A natural ruby from Burma of this quality is rare and exceptional

Also accompanied by report no. 0706563 dated 28 June 2007 from the Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the 5.02 carat ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and this colour variety may also be called "pigeon's blood red" in the trade

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

CHRISTIE'S. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

A highly important art deco ruby and diamond necklace, by Cartier. Estimate HK$6,000,000 – HK$8,000,000 ($500,000-750,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The front section designed as a series of old European and single-cut diamond concave plaques, each set to the centre with three cushion, oval or circular-cut rubies, flanked by shield, square and keystone-cut diamonds and baguette-cut diamonds to the sides, the edges further embellished by a line of cabochon rubies, alternating with calibré-cut ruby hoops, linked by baguette-cut diamonds with ruby bead accents, extending to the back section with alternate single-cut diamond bombé panels with cabochon ruby detail, mounted in platinum, 40.3 cm long. Signed Cartier 

Accompanied by report no. 78158 dated 29 January 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the rubies weighing approximately 50.00 carats total, fourteen are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and one is of Siam (Thailand) origin, with indications of heating 

CHRISTIE'S. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

A Burma ruby and diamond bangle. Estimate HK$1,700,000 – HK$2,500,000 ($220,000-320,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The central rectangular arched plaque set with four rows of oval-shaped rubies, framed by baguette-cut diamonds, flanked by brilliant and old European-cut diamond scrolling shoulders with baguette-cut diamond detail, mounted in 18k white gold, inner circumference 17.5 cm, with French assay mark for gold

Accompanied by report no. CS 62708 dated 22 August 2014 from the American Gemological Laboratories stating that based on available gemological information, it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the forty rubies (an excess of 50 tested at random) are natural, the origin of this material would be classified as Burma (Myanmar), heat enhancement: none

CHRISTIE'S. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

A six-strand natural pearl, 23.00 carat Burma ruby and diamond necklace. Estimate HK$950,000 – HK$1,400,000 ($120,000-180,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Composed of six strands of vari-shaped white and cream natural pearls measuring approximately 4.0 - 7.3 mm, joined to the clasp set to the centre with a cabochon ruby weighing 23.27 carats, embellished by circular rose-cut and old European-cut diamonds and pearls, suspending a white button pearl measuring approximately 10.0 x 7.4 mm atop a gold button pearl measuring approximately 13.5 x 10.9 mm, mounted in gold, 40.2 cm long

Accompanied by report no. 78075 dated 28 January 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these four hundred sixty-four saltwater natural pearls; approximately 23.00 carat ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating

Please note that five pearls have not been tested for natural origin 

CHRISTIE'S. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 2 June 2015, Hong Kong

A Qingbai lobed cup and cupstand, Northern  Song dynasty. Estimate 200,000 — 300,000 HKD  (24,001 - 36,002 EUR). Photo Sotheby's.

delicately potted with rounded sides supported on a short splayed foot, rising to a lobed everted rim divided in six foliations, set on an associated circular six-lobed stand moulded on the interior with a central raised ring and resting on a splayed recessed base formed from six lappets, each pierced with a central trefoil motif, both applied with a transparent glaze, slightly tinged to greenish blue for the cup and to pale blue for the stand, the base left unglaze revealing a white biscuit partly burnt orange in the firing - the cup: 11.1 cm., 4 3/8  in., the stand: 15.2 cm., 6 in.

Property from a private East Asian collection

Sotheby's. Chinese Art. Hong Kong, 01 Jun 2015, 03:15 PM 

A rare Qingbai'chrysanthemum' dish, Northern  Song dynasty. Estimate 150,000 — 200,000 HKD  (18,001 - 24,001 EUR). Photo Sotheby's. 

with shallow rounded sides and an gently everted rim, supported on a narrow tapered foot, moulded on the interior and on the underside with overlapping radiating petals resembling a chrysanthemum flower, the recessed centre incised with a lotus, applied overall with a translucent glaze slightly tinged to blue with yellowing undertones, save for the base left in the biscuit revealing a smooth white ware - 17.2 cm., 6 3/4  in.

Property from a private East Asian collection

Sotheby's. Chinese Art. Hong Kong, 01 Jun 2015, 03:15 PM 

A rare Qingbai 'chrysanthemum' dish, Northern  Song dynasty. Estimate 150,000 — 200,000 HKD  (18,001 - 24,001 EUR). Photo Sotheby's. 

with shallow rounded sides and an gently everted rim, supported on a narrow tapered foot, finely moulded on the interior and on the underside with overlapping radiating petals resembling a chrysanthemum flower, the recessed centre incised with a lotus, applied overall with a translucent glaze slightly tinged to blue with yellowing undertones, save for the base left in the biscuit revealing a smooth white ware partly burnt orange in the firing - 17.4 cm., 6 7/8  in.

Property from a private East Asian collection

Sotheby's. Chinese Art. Hong Kong, 01 Jun 2015, 03:15 PM 

An inscribed Qingbai'melon' box and cover, Song dynasty. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 HKD  (1,800 - 2,400 EUR). Photo Sotheby's. 

of compressed globular form resembling a melon with lobed sides and cover moulded with a stem, applied overall with a transparent glaze pooling to a light turquoise blue in the recesses, save for the raised interior rim and base left unglazed revealing a white body, the latter impressed with a four-character inscription, probably reading Zhan jia hezi ji ('made by the Zhan family box store') - 5 cm., 2 in.

Property from a private Japanese collection

Provenance: Mayuyama & Co., Ltd. Tokyo.

Sotheby's. Chinese Art. Hong Kong, 01 Jun 2015, 03:15 PM 

A shallow Qingbai dish. Song dynasty & A miniature Qingbai ewer, warmer, stand and a stem cup. Southern Song dynasty.  Photo courtesy Lempertz 1845

A shallow Qingbai dish with lobed rim, porcelaneous body with carved leafy scrolls, and covered with a creamy crackled glaze except for the base. Diameter 14.6 cm. Estimate €1.000 - €1.500

Provenance: Wolfgang Nolting, Rheinland-Pfalz (acquired from Christian Böhm, London, 28.9.1992)

A miniature Qingbai ewer, warmer, stand and stem cup with porcelaneous body, covered with a bluish glaze. Southern Song dynasty (1127-1379). (4). Height 1.5 - 4 cm. Estimate €800 - €1.000 

Provenance: Wolfgang Nolting, Rheinland-Pfalz (acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, 05.02.1990)
Two paper labels: Irene Dreyfus, one with the no. 138

Lempertz 1845. Asian Art, 06.03.2015, 10:00, Cologne 

A Qingbai bowl. Song Dynasty (907–1279). Estimate €400 - €500. Photo courtesy Lempertz 1845

A Qingbai bowl, decorated to the exterior with two rows of petals, covered with a bluish crackled glaze except for the rim and the base. D 17 cm

Lempertz 1845. Asian Art, 06.03.2015, 10:00, Cologne 

A natural pearl, diamond, onyx and seed pearl necklace. Estimate HK$800,000 – HK$1,200,000 ($100,000-150,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The diamond roundel and seed pearl necklace, set with three oval-shaped brown natural pearls measuring approximately 11.6 x 11.9 to 12.3 x 14.3 mm, flanked by cone shape onyx, to the marquise-cut diamond clasp, mounted in platinum, 42.7 cm long

Accompanied by report no. 79650 dated 30 March 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these three saltwater natural pearls, with no indications of artificial colour modification

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

A pair of natural cream button pearl earrings. Estimate HK$550,000 – HK$800,000 ($70,000-100,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each set with a natural cream button pearl measuring approximately 12.6 x 8.2 and 12.9 x 6.9 mm, mounted in 18k white gold

Accompanied by report no. 67496 dated 8 April 2013 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these two saltwater natural pearls
(2)

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

A two-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace. Estimate HK$480,000 – HK$650,000 ($60,000-80,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Composed of one hundred fifty-seven round white natural pearls measuring approximately 5.8 - 8.6 mm, to the diamond-set clasp, mounted in platinum, 56.0 cm long

Accompanied by report no. 1172072218 dated 16 March 2015 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that one hundred fifty-seven pearls are natural saltwater. The tested pearls show no indication of treatment 

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