A large Longquan celadon-glazed 'dragon and phoenix 'dish, 15th century. Estimate £2,500 - 4,000 (€3,500 - 5,600). Photo Bonhams.

Heavily potted with flaring, rounded sides, moulded to the centre with two phoenixes flying amidst scrolling clouds, the wide sides with two striding dragons pursuing a flaming pearl amid vaporous clouds, all covered under a lustrous celadon glaze stopping short of the foot. 47.3cm (18 5/8in) diam.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

Patek Philippe. Reference 5016A-010, 5016A-010, Case material: Stainless steel. Interchangeable full back and sapphire-crystal case back. Case is humidity and dust protected only (not water resistant). 36.8 mm. Diameter. Calibre: Caliber R TO 27 PS QR. Manual winding. Minute repeater. Tourbillon. Perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand. Estimate CHF700 000 - 900 000. Sold for CHF7 300 000  ($7.3 million, 6.7 million euros).

GENEVA (AFP).- A unique Patek Philippe stainless steel watch fetched a record $7.3 million when it went under the hammer in Geneva Saturday, with the proceeds going to charity, the auction house said.  

The watch, which had been listed with an asking price of only 700,000-900,000 Swiss francs had sold for 7.3 million Swiss francs ($7.3 million, 6.7 million euros) after nine minutes of intense bidding by two anonymous telephone bidders, the Phillips auction house said. 

That is "the highest price ever paid for a wristwatch at auction," it said in a statement, adding that once the hammer fell the sale had been greeted by a standing ovation in the room at the luxury La Reserve Hotel in Geneva.  

The Patek Philippe piece, with its manual winding, minute repeater and perpetual calendar with moon-phase display, was one of 44 unique timepieces created for the "Only Watch" auction by luxury watchmakers and jewellers, including Blancpin, Harry Winston, Piaget and Chanel. 

In total, the auction raked in $11.2 million (10.3 million euros), Phillips said. 

All the proceeds of the charity auction goes towards research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a tragic muscle-wasting disease that occurs in roughly one in 3,500 males. 

"This fantastic result will allow us to strengthen our efforts in targeting a cure for this severe disease," said Luc Pettavino, head of the Monaco-based AMM association dedicated to finding a cure for the disease and founder of the "Only Watch" auction. 

The auction is held every two years under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. © 1994-2015 Agence France-Presse

The Koh-i-Noor diamond.

LONDON (AFP).- A group including an Indian businessman and a Bollywood actress are attempting to mount a legal bid to force Britain to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the crown jewels to India, reports said Monday. 

The group have instructed lawyers to attempt to begin proceedings in England's High Court, British newspapers said, in a move timed to coincide with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Britain this week. 

Modi heads to Britain on Thursday and will have lunch with Queen Elizabeth II during his trip, as well as hold talks with his British counterpart David Cameron. 

Satish Jakhu, of the Rubric Lois King law firm, was quoted as saying they would claim under the common law doctrine of "trespass to goods", arguing that Britain had stolen the stone, one of the world's biggest diamonds. 

They are also seeking to take the case to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, he added. 

Rubric Lois King did not respond to requests to comment when contacted by AFP. 

The stone is "one of the many artefacts taken from India under dubious circumstances", David de Souza, from the Indian leisure group Tito's, was quoted as saying by The Independent newspaper. He is partly funding the action. 

Bollywood actress Bhumicka Singh said the stone was "part of our history and culture and should undoubtedly be returned". 

- 'Mountain of Light' -The diamond was presented to queen Victoria in 1850 after the Anglo-Sikh wars in which Britain gained control of the Sikh empire of the Punjab, which is now split between Pakistan and India. 

Newspapers said the precious stone was worth £100 million ($150 million, 140 million euros). Historically it had been in Mughal and Afghan hands. 

The 105-carat diamond is set in the crown made for the queen Elizabeth, the wife of Queen Elizabeth II's father king George VI, for their 1937 coronation. 

Its name translates as "Mountain of Light". Traditionally the diamond is only worn by a queen and it is said to bring bad luck to any man who wears it. 

The crown jewels are held by Queen Elizabeth II as the sovereign head of state rather than in a personal capacity. 

This means that if ever negotiations were to take place over the diamond, Queen Elizabeth II would only ever act on the advice of her government. 

Cameron is against returning the diamond. 

"If you say yes to one you suddenly find the British Museum would be empty," he told NDTV television in 2010. 

"It is going to have to stay put." 

And on a 2013 visit to India he said: "I certainly don't believe in 'returnism'." 

In 1976, prime minister Jim Callaghan refused a request to concede it, citing the terms of the Anglo-Sikh peace treaty and concluding: "I could not advise Her Majesty the Queen that it should be surrendered." 

Historian Andrew Roberts told The Mail on Sunday newspaper that the prospective lawsuit was "ludicrous", saying Britain had a "watertight" case for keeping the stone, based on a legally-binding treaty. 

When contacted by AFP, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on what would or would not be discussed at Friday's lunch between Queen Elizabeth and Modi. 

By: Robin Millard © 1994-2015 Agence France-Presse

The Crown Of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1937) Made Of Platinum And Containing The Famous Koh-i-noor Diamond Along With Other Gems. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)

The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's priceless crown, containing the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, rests on her coffin on a Gun Carriage pulled by the Royal Horse Artillery to Westminster Hall.

Queen Elizabeth II at the state opening of Parliament, London, in 1995, wearing the crown containing the Koh-i-Noor diamond. (Credit: Rex)

Executive Director of Jewels de Paragon (JDP) Pavana Kishore shows the 'Koh-I-Noor' diamond on display with other famous diamonds at an exhibition intitled '100 World Famous Diamonds' in Bangalore 19 May 2002. The Koh-I-Noor diamond, which once belonged to Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, weighs 105.60 Carats and is part of the British crown jewels, stored in the tower of London. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

An Indian model shows the replica of the famous Indian diamond 'Koh-i-noor' during a press meeting in Calcutta, 29 January 2002. Replicas of hundred worlds most famous diamonds are on public display in occasion of a show organised by a diamond-jewellery merchant. AFP PHOTO/Deshakalyan Chowdhury (Photo credit should read DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/Getty Images)

Cubic zirconia replicas of the original and a modern Koh-i-Noor diamond are on display at the Natural History Museum's new permanent gallery ''The Vault'' in London, U.K., on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007. New York diamond dealer Alan Bronstein, whose gems go on show at London's Natural History Museum tomorrow, doesn't recommend colored diamonds as an investment. (Photo by Suzanne Plunkett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Circa 1860: The Koh-i-Noor and Regent or Pitt diamonds seen from different angles. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Queen Mary's crown, made for the Coronation of King George V. The crown was made by Garrard & Co and contains 2,200 diamonds. It contained the Koh-i-Noor diamond as well as Cullinan III and Cullinan IV.

In this file photo taken on November 14, 2014, Britain's Prime minister David Cameron (L) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibitions Centre (BCEC) in Brisbane. Narendra Modi will begin his first visit to Britain as Indian prime minister on November 12, 2015, seeking to boost investment in his booming country and win the backing of a large and influential diaspora community. AFP PHOTO / FILES / LUKAS COCH / POOL. 

A rare and finely carved white jade marriage bowl and a carved zitan stand, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £100,000 - £150,000 ($150,800 - $226,200). Price Realized £782,500 ($1,180,010). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The marriage bowl is superbly hollowed with tall, thick walls supported on four flared ruyi-form feet. The centre of the interior is exquisitely carved in high relief to depict a large open chrysanthemum flower, surrounded by six smaller chrysanthemum blooms with leafy branches. The pair of handles to the sides are finely modelled as stylised, archaistic, winged dragons with loose rings. The centre of the base is detailed with a further flower, enclosed within a network of interlocking ropes terminating in eight kui-dragon heads. The foliate zitan stand is finely carved and reticulated with archaistic scrolls, supported on six short ruyi-shaped feet. The top is covered with what appears to be imperial yellow silk. 11 in. (28 cm.) wide across the handles; the stand 9 ¼ in. (23.5 cm.) wide

Provenance: Acquired in the 1930s in China, and thence by descent within the family.

Notes: Marriage bowls were often presented to couples as wedding gifts, symbolising the joyful union of husband and wife. The finely carved decoration on this marriage bowl incorporates a multitude of auspicious meanings. The archaistic winged dragons convey a sense of strength and power, while the chrysanthemum blooms symbolise health and longevity. As a popular motif in Chinese art, it is believed that drinking wine or tea made with chrysanthemums can extend one's life. The Eastern Jin poet Tao Yuanming (372-427) is famous for eulogising the beauty of chrysanthemums in his poetry. 
Apart from its magnificent decoration, the present bowl is also impressive for the sheer size and quality of its natural stone. The interior and exterior of the walls were deliberately left uncarved, skilfully highlighting the beauty of the jade. 

A similar large white jade marriage bowl with winged dragon handles and ruyi-form feet was sold in Christies Hong Kong, 30 May 2012, lot 3959.
Also see another similar marriage bowl in, Li Jiufang (Palace Museum),  Zhongguo Yuqi Quanji-6 Qing, Hebei, 1991, p. 215, no. 314.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street

A large and impressive pale celadon jade 'magnolia' vase, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £100,000 - £200,000($150,800 - $301,600). Price Realized £398,500 ($600,938). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is of cylindrical form with a lipped rim rising from a rockwork base. The elaborately carved and pierced rocks are finely detailed and have numerous blossoming magnolia, chrysanthemum and lingzhi growing amongst them. There is an incised four-character mark to one of the rocks, reading yi si wan nian. The stone is of an even and pale tone. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) high

Provenance: From the collection of a distinguished private European collector, acquired in London in the 1960s.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street

A superbly carved pale celadon jade boulder, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £40,000 - £60,000($60,320 - $90,480). Price Realized £182,500 ($275,210). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The front is deeply carved and pierced with a scene depicting five sages on a tiered mountain scene. One figure is crossing a small bridge beside a flowing river, all beneath a small pavilion and pine trees. The reverse is carved with jagged rocks and further overhanging pine trees. The stone is of a pale tone with some russet inclusions. 5 ½ in. (14 cm.) high

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 26 May 1964, lot 22.
From a private English collection, amassed in the 1960s. 

Literature: S.C. Nott, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, London, 1936, pl. CXXXVI.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street

A small white jade table screen, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £15,000 - £30,000 ($22,620 - $45,240). Price Realized £146,500 ($220,922). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The screen is of rectangular shape and is carved in high and low relief with a scholar and his attendant crossing a bridge beside a pavilion and a pine tree. The reverse has long poetic inscription. The stone is of an even pale tone. 4 1/8 in. (12.3 cm.) high, wood stand

Notes: The long poetic inscription is read as yu ti song he xie qin tu/gao ge kai chuang fu bi feng/you ren mo zuo xing pian nong/jian bian tong zi bao qin zhi/dong cao ying cheng feng ru song. It describes the scene in which the attendant carries the qin along the river below tall pine trees, while a window in a pavilion opens to reveal the lush green peaks.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street

A small white jade cylindrical 'pine and crane' brush pot, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £15,000 - £25,000 ($22,620 - $37,700). Price Realized £103,300 ($155,776). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The skilfully hollowed vessel is intricately carved with a continuous rocky landscape scene, depicting a crane standing on one leg, with its head turned towards another crane in flight. The irregular gaps between the rocks reveal a tall pine tree, a natural spring, and a flowing stream. The semi-translucent stone is of an even pale tone. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm.) high, wood stand, fitted box.

Provenance: With Bluett & Sons, London, 1952, no. 107.
From a private English collection.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street

A rhinoceros horn 'prunus' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Estimate £40,000 - 60,000 (€56,000 - 85,000). Photo Bonhams.

The horn of an attractive reddish-brown tone, carved in relief around the exterior with prunus buds and flowers beside a folding leaf, all issued on branches extended from two stalks forming the handle of the cup and the openwork foot, the interior detailed with a fold of the leaf. 16cm (6 1/4in) long

Notes: One of the 'Three Friends of Winter', together with the pine and bamboo, the prunus symbolises strength and endurance. 

Compare a similar cup in the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl.214. 

A related libation cup was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th October 2013, lot 3238; and another by Christie's London, 12 May 2009, lot 28.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

A rhinoceros horn 'magnolia' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Estimate £25,000 - 30,000 (€35,000 - 42,000). Photo Bonhams.

The deeply-hollowed cup formed as an open magnolia flower and carved in high relief on the exterior with smaller blossoms all issuing from a delicate leafy branch encircling the cup to form the base. 8cm (3 1/8in) high 

Note: The magnolia is a symbol of feminine beauty and charm, and is a popular subject for rhinoceros horn as its trumpet-shaped flowers lend themselves to the restrictions of the natural shape of the horn. A related cup from the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated in J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp.166-167. Compare a similar rhinoceros horn libation cup, sold in these rooms on 10 November 2011, lot 439.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

A rhinoceros horn 'magnolia, lingzhi and bamboo' libation cup, 17th century. Estimate £6,000 - 8,000 (€8,500 - 11,000). Photo Bonhams.

The exterior of the amber-toned horn smoothly carved in relief with a delicate cluster of lingzhi springing forth from a central stem, a single sprig of bamboo and an open magnolia flower and smaller blossoms all issuing from a delicate leafy branch forming part of the openwork handle extending to the foot, the interior plain except for a ridge imitating a leaf vein. 16.2cm (6 3/8in) long

Provenance: an English private collection

Notes: Compare a related larger rhinoceros horn 'magnolia' libation cup, early Ming dynasty, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Beijing, 2001, pl.110. 

A related rhinoceros horn libation cup sold in these rooms on 7 November 2013, lot 90.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

Anouk Aimée, 1965, Vogue. Photo Bert Stern

Walter Chiari and Monique Chevalier, Vogue, April 15 1962. Photo Bert Stern

Jennifer O’Neill in two-piece dress by Givenchy, Vogue, Nov 1964. Photo Bert Stern

Bert Stern, 1961. Photo Irving Penn

Claudia Cardinale, Vogue, March 15, 1962. Photo Bert Stern

Caspar David Friedrich, The Stages of Life, c. 1834. Oil on canvas© bpk | Museum der bildenden Künste, Leipzig | Bertram Kober (Punctum Leipzig)

VIENNA.- Romanticism, a sentiment expressed in fine art, literature, and music, has lost nothing of its original fascination. And in Vienna, one of this artistic movement’s birthplaces, the Albertina is cooperating with the Academy of Fine Arts’ Graphic Collection to put on an exhibition of around 170 works by the movement’s most important representatives. These are joined by important loan works from international collections in order to repeatedly take the European context into account via works by artists ranging from Caspar David Friedrich to Francisco de Goya. 

Nachfolge von Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, El Coloso, 1818–1825. Oil on canvas © Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

Two thematic emphases stand front and centre: the starkly contrasting spirituality, narrative forms, motifs, and pictorial languages of romanticism’s Nordic/Protestant and Catholic manifestations, made clear by frequently pointed juxtapositions, and the contribution made by Vienna and by Austria at large. At Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts, students’ increasingly vehement rejection of the institution’s academic teaching ultimately led to the formation of the Catholic-romantic Brotherhood of St. Luke, whose members soon moved to Rome and made waves there as the Nazarenes.  

Carl Blechen, Building the Devil’s Bridge, c. 1830. Oil on canvas© bpk | Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, München

The romantic era also saw artists’ discovery of the landscapes in and around Vienna, in Salzburg, and in the Salzkammergut region as motivic material, and the influence of this development on Austria’s artistic output was to last throughout the entire 19th century. Together, the two featured Viennese collections contain the most outstanding treasures from this broad field of romantic landscape art. One of the roles played by landscape was that of an existential metaphor: for Caspar David Friedrich, nature held deep human riddles, and ravines, horizons, and storms at sea along with shipwrecks became dark metaphors of personal and civilisational alienation. Such brooding works by Friedrich are juxtaposed with the sometimes lyrical, sometimes dramatic narrative interpretation of the same motifs in Viennese romanticism, with eloquent examples by Führich, Schnorr, and Schwind. Important key works make clear the highly varied meanings of light with all of its nuances from morning to evening, from dawn fog to night. The cosmic and existential twilight of the North is thus confronted by the clear, down-to-earth daylight of the Nazarenes.  

Johann Evangelist Scheffer von Leonhartshoff, Self-Portrait, c. 1809. Pencil, charcoal© Albertina, Vienna.

Further sections of the exhibition are devoted to the glorification of the past with a special focus on the Catholic-romantic invention of the Habsburg myth, to the romantic Freundschaftsbild [friendship portrait], and also to the dark side of romanticism with Füssli and Goya as inscrutable forerunners of a persistent quest for the transcendental in man and nature. And finally, important works will demonstrate the romantic manifesto that entailed the renewal of art’s Nordic and Southern conceptions, both of which had previously been viewed as consummate in the outputs of Dürer and Raphael. 

Curators: Dr Christof Metzger, Albertina, Vienna and Dr Cornelia Reiter (†), Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.

Peter Birmann, The Devil’s Bridge. Pen in gray, brush in brown© Albertina, Vienna.

Julius Veit Hans Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Henriette Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1817. Pencil, pen in brown, washed © Albertina, Vienna

Julius Veit Hans Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Friedrich Overbeck, 1821. Pen and brush in brown© Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, Kupferstichkabinett

Caspar David Friedrich, View of Arkona with Rising Moon, c. 1805-06. Brush in brown© Albertina, Vienna

Caspar David Friedrich, Landscape with Graves, c. 1835–1837. Brush in brown, washed © Albertina, Vienna

Johann Heinrich Füssli d. J., "The Shepherd's Dream", 1786. Chalk, brush in gray and brown, red chalk © Albertina, Vienna

Leopold Kupelwieser, Male Nude, c. 1824. Pen in brownish black, pencil© Albertina, Vienna

Johann Evangelist Scheffer von Leonhartshoff, Study on the dead Saint Cecilia, 1820. Pencil© Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, Kupferstichkabinett

Friedrich Olivier, Withered Leaf, 1817. Pen in grayish brown© Albertina, Vienna

Friedrich Overbeck, Madonna of the Rose Bower, 1820. Pencil© Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, Kupferstichkabinett

Moritz von Schwind, Emperor Maximilian I in the Martinswand, 1839. Watercolor © Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, Kupferstichkabinett

Retro Diamond Bracelet, Boucheron, circa 1940 (Lot 1519) Est. HK$480,000 – 650,000 / US$60,000 – 80,000. Photo Sotheby's

HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Jewels and Jadeite Sale will take place on 2 December at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery. Beautiful vintage pieces will be offered alongside desirable gemstones, diamonds and jadeite and branded jewellery. The sale will also include an Asian private collection, as well as a charity session to benefit Playright Children’s Play Association# – Hospital Play Service to help children and their families cope with their fear, illness and medical treatments in hospitals through a variety of therapeutic play services. 

QUEK Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman, Asia and Chairman, International Jewellery, Asia, says, “We are delighted to offer in the upcoming sale of Fine Jewels and Jadeite a wonderful selection of properties comprising charming signed pieces from celebrated jewellers, coloured gemstones, diamonds and jadeite jewellery. With the festive season fast approaching, Sotheby’s again is honoured to feature a charity session in the sale to benefit Playright Children’s Play Association. I would like to thank the generous donors for their contribution, and I invite jewellery lovers and collectors to join us in bringing happiness to children coping with medical conditions, while celebrating the holiday season with beautiful jewellery.” 

Highlights of the sale: 

VINTAGE JEWELLERY 

Retro Diamond Bracelet, Boucheron, circa 1940 (Lot 1519) Est. HK$480,000 – 650,000 / US$60,000 – 80,000. Photo Sotheby's

Of architectural design, the centre highlighted by three brilliant-cut diamonds, flanked on each side by two tiers of emerald-cut diamonds, to the diamond-set lugs and clasp, integrated with an articulated bracelet enhanced by diamond-set borders,  the diamonds together weighing approximately 14.50 carats, mounted in platinum, signed Boucheron Paris, length adjustable, approximately 155 to 165mm.

The House of Boucheron, founded by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858, was the first jeweller to settle in Place Vendôme in Paris. The maison was also the only French buyer at the French crown jewels auction in 1887, from which Frédéric Boucheron purchased the infamous Mazarin diamond that he later set into a ring for his beloved wife. Known as an expert in precious stones, a masterful technician and a creator of beautiful jewellery, Boucheron’s creation is marked by its audacity and innovative spirit, such is evident in its signature ‘point d’interrogation’ necklace and for creating the first wristwatch for men. Much adored by royalties and celebrities, as well as members of the high society in Europe and America, Boucheron has accrued a respectable list of patrons, including Grand Duke Alexander, Empress Alexandra, Viscountess Harcourt, Maharajah of Patiala, Mrs Madeleine Astor, just to name a few.

Boucheron’s work spanned multiple design eras, and this retro diamond bracelet captures the spirit of the time with the elaborate use of large diamonds, voluminous curves and carefully thought-out clasp detail – a true expression of Boucheron’s savoir-faire and extravagance.

Yellow Diamond and Diamond 'Ribbon Bow' Brooch, Circa 1900 (Lot 1427) Est. HK$160,000 – 240,000 / US$20,000 – 30,000. Photo Sotheby's

Of ribbon bow design set with old-cut diamonds and intense orangy yellow diamonds, completed by pear-shaped diamond terminals, the old-cut diamonds and orangy yellow diamonds together weighing approximately 10.00 and 3.75 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum.

FINE COLOURED GEMSTONES AND JADEITE

Pair of Burmese ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby and Diamond Earrings, rubies totalling 6.62 carats (Lot 1422) Est. HK$1,800,000 – 2,200,000 / US$230,000 – 280,000. Photo Sotheby's

Each centring on an oval ruby altogether weighing approximately 6.62 carats, to a pear-shaped diamond cluster surround enhanced by circular-cut diamond frames, the diamonds altogether weighing approximately 6.20 carats, mounted in platinum.

Accompanied by GIA and SSEF reports numbered 7152589638 and 82270, dated 13 June 2014 and 25 September 2015 respectively, stating that the rubies are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating. GIA stated that the colour appearance of these stones is described in the trade as "Pigeon’s Blood".

3.49-carat Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring (Lot 1420) Est. HK$2,000,000 – 2,400,000 / US$250,000 – 300,000. Photo Sotheby's

Centring on a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing approximately 3.49 carats, to the circular-cut diamond foliate surround and shoulders, mounted in 18 karat white and yellow gold. Ring size: 5 

Accompanied by Gübelin and SSEF reports numbered 15067378 and 79849, dated 30 June 2015 and 17 April 2015 respectively, stating that the sapphire is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indication of heating.

A TRUE COLLECTOR GEM FROM KASHMIR 

A remote valley in the Padar region of Kashmir, amidst the Himalayan Mountains between Pakistan and China, is home to one of the greatest gemstones in the world: Kashmir sapphires. The finest specimens from Kashmir are known for their soft and velvety, yet rich and lustrous blue colour, often described as 'cornflower blue'. However, the legendary mine was short-lived and depleted near the end of the 19th century, such wonders of nature are exceedingly rare in the market nowadays. This Kashmir sapphire, weighing 3.49 carats and free from heat treatment, is a true treasure for gemstone connoisseurs and a true collector gem.

Pair of Jadeite ‘Peapod’ and Diamond Pendent Earrings (Lot 1508) Est. HK$1,200,000 – 1,500,000 / US$150,000 – 190,000. Photo Sotheby's

Each suspending a highly translucent jadeite of emerald green colour, carved as a peapod surrounded by circular-cut diamonds, to a surmount set with circular-cut, pear-and marquise-shaped diamonds, the diamonds altogether weighing approximately 2.35 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold.
Peapods approximately 33.39 x 10.59 x 3.95mm and 33.17 x 10.50 x 3.73mm respectively.

Accompanied by two Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificates numbered KJ 91371 and KJ 91372, both dated 23 September 2015, stating that the jadeites are natural, known in the trade as “A Jade”. 

FLAWLESS DIAMONDS

5.04-carat Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring (Lot 1402) Est. HK$1,800,000 – 2,200,000 / US$230,000 – 280,000.  Photo Sotheby's

Centring on an oval fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 5.04 carats, surrounded by marquise-shaped diamonds together weighing approximately 1.80 carats, to the circular-cut diamond shoulders, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 4½

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2155995769, dated 27 March 2014, stating that the 5.04 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Vivid Yellow colour, Internally Flawless clarity.

4.06-carat Internally Flawless Light Pink Diamond, Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring (Lot 1465) Est. HK$1,800,000 – 2,200,000 / US$230,000 – 280,000. Photo Sotheby's

Centring on a cut-cornered rectangular mixed-cut light pink diamond weighing 4.06 carats, flanked on each side by a tapered baguette fancy greyish blue diamond and fancy blue diamond weighing 0.16 carat and 0.14 carat respectively, to the circular-cut diamond borders, mounted in platinum. Ring size: 5¾

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 1176071977, dated 31 March 2015, stating that the 4.06 carat diamond is natural, Light Pink colour, Internally Flawless clarity. Also accompanied by two GIA reports numbered 5172173998 and 1176173995, both dated 21 May 2015, stating that the 0.16 and 0.14 carat diamonds are natural, Fancy Greyish Blue and Fancy Blue colour respectively.

Pair of D-colour Internally Flawless Diamond Earrings, 2.02 carats each (Lot 1463) Est. HK$900,000 – 1,200,000 / US$115,000 – 155,000. Photo Sotheby's

Each centring on a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 2.02 carats, to a surround set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold, with detachable diamond-set jackets.

Accompanied by two GIA reports numbered 2145091619 and 2135891435, dated 14 November 2011 and 22 September 2011 respectively, stating that both 2.02 carat diamonds are D colour, Internally Flawless clarity. 

BRANDED JEWELLERY 

Sapphire and Diamond Necklace and Matching Earclips, Bulgari (Lot 1539). From an Asian Private Collection. Est. HK$150,000 – 200,000 / US$19,000 – 25,000. Photo Sotheby's

The necklace suspending to the front with five cabochon sapphires fringes weighing approximately 23.00 carats, decorated by circular-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 13.80 carats, length approximately 365mm; and the matching pair of earclips, each centring on a cabochon sapphire altogether weighing approximately 7.00 carats, decorated by circular-cut diamonds, signed Bulgari; both mounted in 18 karat yellow gold. (2)

Sapphire and Diamond ‘Flower’ Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels (Lot 1351) Est. HK$590,000 – 690,000 / US$75,000 – 90,000. Photo Sotheby's 

Designed as a flower, the petals mystery-set with calibré-cut sapphires, to circular-cut diamond stamen and leaves with baguette diamond stem, the sapphires and diamonds together weighing approximately 5.50 and 1.80 carats respectively, mounted in platinum, signed VCA and numbered N.Y.31861. 

5.96-carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Cartier (Lot 1493) Est. HK$900,000 – 1,000,000 / US$115,000 – 130,000. Photo Sotheby's 

Centring on a sugarloaf cabochon emerald weighing 5.96 carats, to a bombé half hoop set with circular-cut and baguette diamonds together weighing approximately 4.20 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold,signed. Ring size: 6 

Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS 55305, dated 27 August 2013, stating that the 5.96 carat emerald is natural, of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement. 

Unique Charm of Colombian Emeralds

For centuries, Colombia has hailed as the most prominent source of top quality emeralds, producing mesmerizing green stones that exhibit rich, saturated and intense colour owing to high levels of chromium and vanadium. However, a great majority of the emeralds found in the market nowadays are treated with oil to enhance their clarity. Natural, untreated Colombian emeralds of considerable sizes are extremely rare and much coveted by collectors and connoisseurs. 

This sugarloaf cabochon emerald weighing over 5 carats is an exemplary specimen of this pedigree. Free from clarity enhancement, this fine emerald with its captivating intense colour is further complimented by a mount by Cartier of well-matched proportion.

Diamond, Onyx and Emerald ‘Panthère’ Ring, Cartier (Lot 1352) Est. HK$250,000 – 320,000 / US$32,000 – 40,000. Photo Sotheby's 

Designed as a striding panther pavé-set with circular-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 1.50 carats, accented by emerald-set eyes and onyx-set nose, mounted in 18 karat white gold, signed and numbered 87133A. Ring size: 5¾ 

CHARITY SESSION TO BENEFIT PLAYRIGHT CHILDREN’S PLAY ASSOCIATION

Pink Sapphire and Diamond ‘Bee’ Brooch (Lot 1336) Est. HK$10,000 – 20,000 / US$1,300 – 2,500. Photo Sotheby's 

Modelled as a bee, the head, body and eyes set with pink sapphires together weighing approximately 1.40 carats, the wings embellished by circular-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold.

Shibata Zeshin’s works also included an album of 18 urushi-e paintings, which sold to a bidder in the room for £108,100, seven times its pre-sale estimate of £15,000 – 20,000. Photo: Bonhams.

LONDON.- Part II of Bonhams’ Misumi Collection series witnessed 100% of lots sold. The 10 November sale repeated last year’s sell-out auction of the first part of the collection, which was also a ‘white glove’ sale. 

Shibata Zeshin’s Door with Autumn Maple-Viewing Scene, shortlisted for this year’s ‘Asian Art in London’ prize, led The Misumi Collection Part II: Important Works of Lacquer Art and Paintings, which took place at Bonhams New Bond Street. Selling for £350,000, it more than tripled its pre-sale estimate of £100,000 – 150,000. 

The auction featured a number of masterpieces by Zeshin, Japan’s most celebrated lacquer artist. 

His works also included an album of 18 urushi-e paintings, which sold to a bidder in the room for £108,100, seven times its pre-sale estimate of £15,000 – 20,000. 

Admired by Western collectors for well over a century, Shibata Zeshin (1807 – 1891) was one of the most famous names of the late Edo and Meiji era art world. 

A number of Zeshin’s inro also sold for well over their estimates. Inro with Mouse well exceeded its pre-sale estimate of £30,000 – 35,000 to sell for £47,500, while Inro with Antique Mirrors, estimated at £40,000 – 60,000, sold for £64,900.

Shibata Zeshin 柴田是真 (1807–1891) Inro with Mouse 二十日鼠図蒔絵印籠, Meiji era (1868–1912), circa 1870–1890. Sold for £47,500 (€67,280). Photo: Bonhams.

Shibata Zeshin 柴田是真 (1807–1891), Inrō with antiques mirrors 古鏡図蒔絵印籠, Meiji era (1868–1912), circa 1870–1890. Sold for £64,900 (€91,926). Photo: Bonhams.

“The competitive bidding was a resounding endorsement of the world’s longstanding admiration for the artist and the continued success of the auctions aptly reflects the exceptional eye of the collector,” said Suzannah Yip, Bonhams Director of Japanese Art. 

Part I and Part II of the Misumi auctions (comprising 34 lots only) now total £2,274,625. 

Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891) began his prolific and versatile career at 11-years old as an apprentice, but rapidly gained a reputation for the naturalistic style of painting that came into vogue with the arrival of European traders. 

Zeshin lived in turbulent times. In 1867-8 the centuries-old government of the shoguns was swept away by a coalition of reformist samurai, and the youthful Emperor was installed as a European-style constitutional monarch ruling from Zeshin’s native city, which was renamed Tokyo. Japan’s new-found globalism was an inspiration to Zeshin, whose exposure to the formats and techniques of western art in the early years of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) had revolutionary artistic results, which are readily apparent in the works of the Misumi Collection. One of them was his development of urushi-e, paintings of wet lacquer applied to paper. This daring new method, so different from traditional maki-e (lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder as a decoration) was clearly intended to emulate oil painting on canvas. 

It is at this time that Zeshin must have first seen framed oil paintings and was inspired to create a series of large scale lacquer panels with bold, unified compositions and lavish use of the many new maki-e techniques that he had invented over the decades. His first panel, a landscape of Mount Fuji, was exhibited at the Vienna World Exposition of 1873, a potent symbol of Japan’s determination to blend the traditional and the foreign and forge a new artistic identity. The cover lot for this year’s sale, a paulownia-wood door panel featuring an autumn maple-viewing scene (estimate £100,000-150,000), exemplifies this revolutionary development. 

The leaders of the new government quickly recognized the soft-power potential of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts and frequently commissioned Zeshin to execute commissions for international exhibitions and the imperial palaces; in the year he died he was even named one of the first Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household, a forerunner of today’s Living National Treasure). 

While Zeshin was revered in his home country during his lifetime, in death, his fame was diminished by the tumultuous events of Japan’s break-neck modernisation. Fortunately his work never fell from favour with the American and European collectors whose fascination with him dates back to those first international expositions. It is mostly thanks to this foreign enthusiasm that Zeshin’s stock has now risen so dramatically in his own land.

LOS ANGELES– The first skull to be carved out of one of the rarest materials on Earth will be offered in Bonhams' Lapidary Works of Art, Gemstones and Minerals auction on November 24 at Bonhams, Los Angeles.

A life-size model of a male skull and the world's largest known meteorite carving, artist Lee Downey acid-etched the carving to uncover the Gibeon meteorite's singular, lattice-like "Widmanstätten" pattern. Downey is known for selecting exotic materials with which to work.

"By sculpting the skull's undulating curves, and because each crystal reacted uniquely to the acid treatment, Downey brought out features never seen before in Gibeon," said Claudia Florian, Bonhams Co-Consulting Director of Lapidary Works of Art, Specimen Gemstones and Minerals.

"Beneath the triangular geometry on the skull's surface, 'thumbprints'of crystallisation, graphite spots and'light threads'refracted by the iron nickel layers can be seen for the first time," she said. "It's out of this world."

Downey chose Gibeon meteorite because it "best embodies the'mystery'"of the human skull. Its track through time and space make it"the architecturally 'perfect'form for the brain vessel," he said. Painstaking measurements were taken from an actual skull of a male to ensure realism and accuracy.

Named "Yorick", the carving draws reference to the dead court jester whose skull triggers Hamlet's monologue on mortality in Act 5, Scene I of William Shakespeare's play. Historically, skulls have been associated with death, after-life, rebellion and carpe diem.

"Yorick" is also remarkable because it is flawless; polished meteorite typically features pits and cracks. The tridymite on the skull's forehead – a silica polymorph and an exceptionally rare component in IVA irons – was a part of the Gibeon rock; its location was completely fortuitous.

ABOUT GIBEON
• Gibeon is iron-based and one of the rarest forms of meteorite.
• It originated billions of years ago from an unstable planet that existed briefly between Jupiter and Mars.
• When the planet broke apart, a section of its core travelled through space for four billion years.
• Only the vacuum of space – which provides no surrounding molecules through which heat can be conducted away from the meteorite – allows the prolonged period of intense heat necessary for the alloys of iron meteorites to crystallize.
• During its journey, the meteorite's alloys crystallised to form an octahedral crystalline structure that cannot be recreated on earth.
• When it met the earth's atmosphere, about 1000 years ago, it exploded over the Kalahari Desert. 
• The iron rain formed a meteorite field in Great Namaqualand, Namibia, which was first discovered by the local Nama people.
• A 48,000 gramme block was cut out of the heart of a complete, 280 kg iron meteorite, which Downey then painstakingly carved down to the carving's 21,070 grammes. 
• Radiometric dating estimates the age of crystallisation of Gibeon's metal at approximately 4 billion years.

ABOUT LEE DOWNEY
Downey is an American artist who lives and works with a family of master carvers in Bali. He has fashioned skulls from woolly mammoth ivory, bowling balls and jet, but Gibeon is by far his most ambitious decision.

Highlights of "Lapidary Works of Art, Gemstones and Minerals" sale includes:

Carved in Russia by a contemporary master of Lapidary Works of Art, the original rough aquamarine crystal from Africa from which it was carved weighed over 30,000 carats. This is a lapidary carving which rivals those created in Idar-Obertein, Germany. A dramatic composition depicting Poseidon, the Sea God, in combat with a giant octopus, his silver knife poised to slay the creature. Raised on a rock crystal base, with a matte, frosted finish. Set with mother-of-pearl eyes. Weighing approximately 16,459.5 carats (3291.9 grams). Measures 11 x 6 x 7 in 

Very Fine 8.39 carats Alexandrite, Sri Lanka. Estimate US$ 100,000 - 120,000 (€93,000 - 110,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Named for Tsar Alexander II, this rare and beautiful gem, of top quality, is infrequently used in modern jewelry. In antique Russian jewelry you may come across it with a little luck, since Russian master jewelers loved this stone. Tiffany's master gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932) was also fascinated by alexandrite, and the jeweler's firm produced some beautiful rings and platinum ensembles at the turn of the last century. Smaller alexandrites were occasionally also used in Victorian jewelry from England.  

This classic stone, faceted as a square cushion-shape, displays all the most desirable characteristics which alexandrites should have: a fine reddish view, alternating to a deep, rich green, with a strong degree of color change between the two hues. Weighing approximately 8.39 carats and measuring 11.63 x 11.67 x 8.11mm

Accompanied by an American Gemological Laboratory report no. CS54809 dated October 21, 2014 stating that the natural Chrysoberyl variety Alexandrite stone Originates from Sri Lanka has a strong degree of color change (70 to 80%) and that the quality of color change is very good and that there is no evidence of enhancements or treatments present.

Blue Cap Tourmaline Crystal, Tourmaline Queen Mine, Pala District, San Diego County, California. Estimate US$ 55,000 - 75,000 (€51,000 - 70,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The Tourmaline Queen mine is well noted for its production of beautiful blue and pink tourmaline crystals. Most desirable to collectors are the pink to fuchsia color crystals with intense blue terminated ends. Several finds of this material were made in the 1970's. Extensive mining with underground tunnels has been done at the site with a limited amount of actual blue cap tourmaline crystals found. This crystal was produced in the 1970's by Pala International while they were working the mine. It has been held in a private collection since that time.

Distinguished by a very deep, sapphire-like blue color at the termination with deep pink color beneath it displays very good color and luster for a blue cap tourmaline of this size. A fine "side-car" crystal terminates half way up the side of the main crystal enhancing its aesthetics. The finest known examples have been considered the "crown jewels" at the Smithsonian Institution and the Houston Natural History Museum along with a small number of other collections, both public and private. Their extreme rarity and spectacular coloration have made them among the most coveted and desirable of all mineral specimens. Measuring 91mm x 40mm x 36mm. Weight: 256.7 grams 

Citrine Quartz Intaglio Plaque "Jaguar Woman" By Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, Circa 1991. Estimate US$ 45,000 - 55,000 (€42,000 - 51,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Carved from a single block of water-clear citrine quartz, this is a detailed and masterful depiction of a phantasmagoric nude female figure surrounded by plumage with the head of a bird and a jaguar as her attributes. Weight of quartz approximately 40 lbs. Weight of base approximately 100 pounds. Measuring 20 x 14 x 3/4in

Raised on a custom-made stand of silver-plated bronze with black patina inserts fabricated by Texas artist King Gremillion of Lloyd & Paxton. 

Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof
Canadian-born artist Baron Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, is a master of the stone carving art called Glyptography. Known simply as Zadora, the Baron is famous among an elite circle for creating naturalistic animal carvings and timepieces. His career in Decorative Arts has paralleled those of the historic ateliers of Johan Melchior Dinglinger, Benvenuto Cellini and Peter Carl Fabergé rather than any modern day jeweler. His private relationships with his patrons throughout the world make him a unique contributor to contemporary art history, undoubtedly influential, although rarely in public view.

The first American exhibition of the artist's work was presented at the Forbes Magazine Galleries in New York in 1992 and his works have also been exhibited at the Park Avenue Armory for the benefit of the Wildlife Conservation. 

Set of Four Carved Aquamarine, Citrine and High-Karat Gold Salt Cellars with Spoons By Andreas Zadora-Gerlof, circa 1995. Estimate US$ 45,000 - 55,000 (€42,000 - 51,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Of Rococo influence, the present set of four salt cellars is extraordinary in its execution. Carved in the form of dolphins utilizing gem-grade aquamarine, each is adorned with a substantial amount of 18K gold to the open mouths. The eyes are formed of cabochon garnets, rimmed in 18K gold, while the dolphins rest upon a collar of gold. Each rests upon an octagonal natural citrine base of high transparency, with applied 18K gold plaque stamped Zadora. Accompanied by four 18K yellow gold spoons decorated with scallop shell and sea horse motifs. Signed Zadora and stampled 18K. Each measures 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in (8) 

Auction preview hours (open to the public): November 21 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. PST; November 22 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.; and November 23 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.