A very large famille rose 'Daoist Immortals birthday celebration' dish, Yongzheng period (1723-1735)

November 12, 2015, 8:37 am

≫ Next: Opal, sapphire, ruby and diamond pendent necklace, 'Elephant', René Boivin, 1939

≪ Previous: World's Largest Meteorite Carving Offered At Bonhams Auction

$

0

0

A very large famille rose 'Daoist Immortals birthday celebration' dish, Yongzheng period (1723-1735). Sold for £11,875 (€16,810). Photo: Bonhams.

With shallow rounded sides and broad everted rim, finely enamelled in the with a mythical birthday scene depicting The Queen Mother of the West amidst clouds flanked by her phoenix and an attendant, receiving various gifts from The Eight Daoist Immortals and Magu who navigates her raft holding a lingzhi, the rim with six panels enclosing archaistic vessels reserved on a ground of interlocking balls and flower heads. 54.5cm (21 2/8in) diam.

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection 

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

---

Opal, sapphire, ruby and diamond pendent necklace, 'Elephant', René Boivin, 1939

November 13, 2015, 4:42 am

≫ Next: Amethyst and peridot brooch/pendant, 'Ananas', René Boivin, 1945

≪ Previous: A very large famille rose 'Daoist Immortals birthday celebration' dish, Yongzheng period (1723-1735)

$

0

0

Opal, sapphire, ruby and diamond pendent necklace, 'Elephant', René Boivin, 1939. Estimate 33,000 — 38,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

Depicting an elephant, decorated to the front with cabochon opals, sapphires and circular-cut rubies, marquise-shaped, baguette and circular-cut diamonds, to a fancy link chain, length approximately 790mm, French assay and maker's marks.

Bibliography: Cf: Françoise Cailles, René Boivin Joaillier, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1994, page 305 and 306 for illustrations of this pendant and page 356 for illustrations of similar pendants and Cf: Suzanne Tennenbaum and Janet Zapata, The Jeweled Menagerie, London, 2001, page 190, for illustrations and drawings of a similar pendant.

Accompanied by a certificate from Françoise Cailles.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM

Amethyst and peridot brooch/pendant, 'Ananas', René Boivin, 1945

November 13, 2015, 4:45 am

≫ Next: Two emerald and diamond rings, René Boivin, 1950s

≪ Previous: Opal, sapphire, ruby and diamond pendent necklace, 'Elephant', René Boivin, 1939

$

0

0

Amethyst and peridot brooch-pendant, 'Ananas', René Boivin, 1945. Estimate 20,000 — 25,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

Designed as a pineapple, set with a circular-cut amethyst and peridots, signed René Boivin, French assay and partial maker's marks, case stamped René Boivin.

Bibliography: Cf: Françoise Cailles, René Boivin Joaillier, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1994, page 240, for an illustration of this clip.

Accompanied by a certificate from Françoise Cailles.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM

Two emerald and diamond rings, René Boivin, 1950s

November 13, 2015, 4:50 am

≫ Next: Amethyst and tourmaline ring, René Boivin, 1946

≪ Previous: Amethyst and peridot brooch/pendant, 'Ananas', René Boivin, 1945

$

0

0

Two emerald and diamond rings, René Boivin, 1950s. Estimate 13,000 — 18,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

Each of bombé design, respectively set to the centre with a heart-shaped emerald and diamond, further set with circular-cut emeralds and similarly and single-cut diamonds, each size H, signed René Boivin, French assay and partial maker's marks, case stamped René Boivin.

Bibliography: Cf: Françoise Cailles, René Boivin Joaillier, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1994, page 169 for an illustration of these rings, specifying that the model dates from 1934.

Accompanied by a certificate from Françoise Cailles.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM

Amethyst and tourmaline ring, René Boivin, 1946

November 13, 2015, 4:54 am

≫ Next: A carved ding ware bowl, Song dynasty

≪ Previous: Two emerald and diamond rings, René Boivin, 1950s

$

0

0

Amethyst and tourmaline ring, René Boivin, 1946. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

Set with a step-cut amethyst between lines of similarly cut tourmalines, size N, signed René Boivin, French assay and indistinct maker's marks.

Bibliography: Cf: Françoise Cailles, René Boivin Joaillier, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1994, page 170 for an illustration of this ring.

Accompanied by a certificate from Françoise Cailles.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM

A carved ding ware bowl, Song dynasty

November 13, 2015, 5:51 am

≫ Next: A large celadon saucer dish, Ming dynasty

≪ Previous: Amethyst and tourmaline ring, René Boivin, 1946

$

0

0

A carved ding ware bowl, Song dynasty. Estimate £300 - 500 (€420 - 710). Photo Bonhams.

Of conical form with lobed unglazed rim, the interior with combed and carved scrolling foliage around a central flowering lotus (hairline from rim), 17.7cm diameter

Provenance: The collection of the late Professor G.R. Coope.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

A large celadon saucer dish, Ming dynasty

November 13, 2015, 5:55 am

≫ Next: A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

≪ Previous: A carved ding ware bowl, Song dynasty

$

0

0

A large celadon saucer dish, Ming dynasty. Estimate £500 - 800 (€710 - 1,100). Photo Bonhams.

The wide rim above a cavetto with incised wave decoration, the central roundel of a lotus pond within a elongated key-fret border, covered in a pale green glaze, 35.5cm diameter

Provenance: The collection of the late Professor G.R. Coope.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

November 13, 2015, 6:01 am

≫ Next: A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

≪ Previous: A large celadon saucer dish, Ming dynasty

$

0

0

A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty. Estimate £500 - 800 (€710 - 1,100). Photo Bonhams.

The wide rim with raised lip above a ribbed cavetto around a single flower in relief, covered in an olive coloured glaze, 33.4cm diameter

Provenance: The collection of the late Professor G.R. Coope.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

---

A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

November 13, 2015, 6:06 am

≫ Next: Plat, Chine, ca 17° siècle

≪ Previous: A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

$

0

0

A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty. Estimate £400 - 600 (€570 - 850). Photo Bonhams.

The wide rim with raised lip, the ribbed cavetto above an undecorated centre, covered with thick green glaze, 33.4cm diameter

Provenance: The collection of the late Professor G.R. Coope.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

Plat, Chine, ca 17° siècle

November 13, 2015, 6:14 am

≫ Next: Citrine and aquamarine ring, 'Pampilles', René Boivin, circa 1970

≪ Previous: A large Longquan celadon saucer dish, Ming Dynasty

$

0

0

Plat, Chine, ca 17° siècle. Estimation : 300 € / 500 €. Photo Cornette de Saint-Cyr.

Grès à glaçure céladon. D. 32,5 cm 

Provenance : Succession de Madame B. 

CORNETTE DE SAINT CYR PARIS, Art tribal et Arts d'Asie, le 17 Novembre 2015 à 14h30. Expert : Cabinet Daffos-Estournel. Tel. : +33 6 09 22 55 13 – www.aaoarts.com

Citrine and aquamarine ring, 'Pampilles', René Boivin, circa 1970

November 13, 2015, 6:36 am

≫ Next: A large pale blue vase, 18th century

≪ Previous: Plat, Chine, ca 17° siècle

$

0

0

Citrine and aquamarine ring, 'Pampilles', René Boivin, circa 1970. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

Claw-set with a step-cut citrine suspending a fringe of citrines and aquamarines, the shoulders similarly set,size L, sizing band, signed René Boivin, French assay and maker's marks. 

Bibliography: Cf: Françoise Cailles, René Boivin Joaillier, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1994, page 164 for an illustration of this ring.

Accompanied by a certificate from Françoise Cailles.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM

A large pale blue vase, 18th century

November 13, 2015, 2:02 pm

≫ Next: Premier American collection
of twelve lightning ridge black opals, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

≪ Previous: Citrine and aquamarine ring, 'Pampilles', René Boivin, circa 1970

$

0

0

A large pale blue vase, 18th century. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€7,100 - 11,000). Photo Bonhams.

Of ovoid form with everted rim, the short straight neck incised with scrolling design above hatched and ruyi-head bands at the shoulder, the body finely carved with scrolling lotus above waves, 31.6cm high

Provenance: A private Scottish collection.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

Premier American collection
of twelve lightning ridge black opals, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

November 13, 2015, 2:31 pm

≫ Next: Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Recorded Black Opal Specime. "The Sea of Opal"

≪ Previous: A large pale blue vase, 18th century

$

0

0

Premier American collection
of twelve lightning ridge black opals, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia . Estimate US$ 600,000 - 800,000 (€560,000 - 740,000). Photo Bonhams.

Comprising a free-form black opal, weighing approximately 11.07 carats; an oval black opal, weighing approximately 12.12 carats; an oval black opal, weighing approximately 13.0 carats; a free-form semi-black, weighing approximately 14.0 carats; a free-form black opal, weighing approximately 14.12 carats, an oval black opal, weighing approximately 18.98 carats; a free-form semi-black opal, weighing approximately 22.64 carats; a free-form semi-black opal, weighing approximately 45.63 carats; a kite-shaped black opal, weighing approximately 54.75 carats;
a heart-shaped, semi-black opal, weighing approximately 61.75 carats; another heart- shaped semi-black opal, weighing approximately 62.05 carats; and a free-form black opal, weighing approximately 167.93 carats.
The individual descriptions of opals are listed below as lots 1100A-K . Total aggregate carats weight: 498.04 carats. (12)

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Recorded Black Opal Specime. "The Sea of Opal"

November 13, 2015, 2:39 pm

≫ Next: Spectacular Black Opal, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

≪ Previous: Premier American collection
of twelve lightning ridge black opals, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

$

0

0

Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Recorded Black Opal Specimen--"The Sea of Opal", Joe's Run, Grawin Field, near Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Carved and polished by Christine Rousel. Estimate US$ 150,000 - 250,000 (€140,000 - 230,000). Photo Bonhams.

Found over 10 years ago in Grawin Field, the present specimen of seam opal was left as close as possible to the natural state in which it was found. Cut and polished by the artist who was then Australia's foremost opal carver, the late Christine Rousel. Her main intention was to only to reveal the main color bars through contour polishing and to leave the Opal as close to its natural state as possible--revealing its beauty which took over a million years to form. 

Obtained directly from the miner, it was he who named the specimen "The Sea of Opal". His inspiration was two-fold: the outline of the large raised blue patch of color in the center has a resemblance to a swimming fish and the green flash that is seen at the apex is reminiscent of seaweed. Yet the name also evokes the geology of the region in that the center of the Australian continent was once an inland sea, the mineralized waters of which were responsible for producing the opal which we so admire today. 

Gem-like broad flash blue-green play-of-color is seen on this portion of the specimen, while fine iridescent green, blue and vivid orange pinfire play-of-color covers a large extent of the face. True black potch is seen to the reverse. 

The next largest opal specimen found, of which we are aware, weighs at 6000 carats--or only half the size of the present specimen--indicating the extreme rarity of finding a specimen as large as the present one--rare enough to have been recorded by the Guinness Book of World records. Weighing approximately 11,340.95 carats and measuring 10 x 6 x 1 3/4 in

Accompanied by the Guinness Book of World Records Ltd 2005 Certificate stating: The largest black opal weighs 11,340.95 carats (2,268.19 grams; 80 oz.) and measures 2450 x 1460 x 527mm (

Accompanied by a Gemstone Authentication Report no. AA47948, dated March 28, 2011 stating that the solid precious opal is natural and that it has not been treated or enhanced in any way other than by cutting and polishing.

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

Spectacular Black Opal, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

November 13, 2015, 2:44 pm

≫ Next: Superb Contra Luz Fire Opal. A Published Gemstone, Magdelena, Jalisco, Mexico

≪ Previous: Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Recorded Black Opal Specime. "The Sea of Opal"

$

0

0

Spectacular Black Opal, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Estimate US$ 50,000 - 70,000 (€46,000 - 65,000). Photo Bonhams.

A thick, plump and delectable specimen of opal fashioned as a high-domed cabochon. Dominated by reddish-orange flashes of color, interspersed with electric blue and purple and splashes of green. With some play-of-color on the reverse, the stone retains some semi-black potch to the reverse as well which enhances the vibrancy of the colors.Weighing approximately 47.15 carats and measuring approximately 33.02 x 22.05 x 11.40 mm

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

---

Superb Contra Luz Fire Opal. A Published Gemstone, Magdelena, Jalisco, Mexico

November 13, 2015, 2:53 pm

≫ Next: Spectacular Black Opal, Corcoran Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, Australia

≪ Previous: Spectacular Black Opal, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

$

0

0

Superb Contra Luz Fire Opal. A Published Gemstone, Magdelena, Jalisco, Mexico. Estimate US$ 40,000 - 50,000 '€37,000 - 46,000). Photo Bonhams.

Perhaps the finest contra luz opal to appear at public auction, the present example has been contour polished to follow the lines of the original rough to fully reveal its inner beauty. A deep, rich mandarin orange in body color, the spectral colors appear in bands of green, yellow, orange and crimson red--completely reminiscent of an aurora borealis phenomenon. This is an exceptional opal for the knowledgeable collector. 

Opals were formed during the Cretaceous period and brought to the Earth's surface during the Pleistocene age. There are 25 or so varieties of opals but the most significant fire opal deposits are found in Mexico. One of the two largest sites for mining Mexican fire opal is located near Magdalena, Jalisco, a small city located approximately 100 miles east of Vallarta. Magdalena is in a region laden with igneous rocks, obsidian, volcanic lava, and more than 300 opal mines. 

Mexican fire opals consist of silicon dioxide or silica spheres arranged in an orderly pattern with iron oxide dispersed throughout giving the fire opal its distinctive brilliant flame-like colors of yellow, orange, and red. The three most important attributes of the fire opal are body colors, transparency, and play-of-color (differing colors when viewed from various angles). Simply put, the greater the play-of-color, the more precious the gemstone. Because most opals are not faceted, they are generally displayed in the cabochon form; however, fire opals are often the exception.

Mexican fire opal was known by the Aztecs and was used by Mayans as well for ritualistic purposes and in various mosaics. Even today many connoisseurs believe that fire opals bestow courage, stamina, and energy to the wearer due to its warm, fiery orange-red colors. 
Weighing approximately 29.65 carats and measuring 29.78 x 20.95 x 12.42 mm 

Accompanied by a copy of the book distributed at the Thirteenth Annual Sinkankas Symposium: Opal, held April 18, 2015 at GIA World Headquarters, Carlsbad, California in which this opal is illustrated on page 119. 

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

Spectacular Black Opal, Corcoran Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, Australia

November 13, 2015, 2:58 pm

≫ Next: Rare Black Opal--"Mackerel or Ribbon Pattern", Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

≪ Previous: Superb Contra Luz Fire Opal. A Published Gemstone, Magdelena, Jalisco, Mexico

$

0

0

Spectacular Black Opal, Corcoran Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, Australia. Estimate US$ 40,000 - 50,000 '€37,000 - 46,000). Photo Bonhams.

A classic for the region, predominating in firey reds and full vividness of its multi-color play-of-color. This gem possess true black potch as well as some play-of-color to the reverse side as well. Weighing approximately 8.14 carats and measuring 18.98 x 12.83 x 5.08mm

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

Rare Black Opal--"Mackerel or Ribbon Pattern", Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

November 13, 2015, 3:01 pm

≫ Next: #JESUISPARIS

≪ Previous: Spectacular Black Opal, Corcoran Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, Australia

$

0

0

Rare Black Opal, "Mackerel or Ribbon Pattern", Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Estimate US$ 40,000 - 50,000 '€37,000 - 46,000). Photo Bonhams.

A beautiful opal either by night or day, the present stone is particularly notable for its mackerel pattern, the name for the ribbon pattern of opalization which is so sought-after by knowledgeable opal collectors. Displaying extensive orange ribbons with some flashes of red, when the stone is rotated, iridescent green flashes abound, intermingled with some yellow. The effect is distinctive and unforgettable. With black potch to the reverse. Weighing approximately 13.27 carats and measuring 25.42 x 17.89 x 4.13mm 

Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

#JESUISPARIS

November 13, 2015, 3:12 pm

≫ Next: #JESUISPARIS

≪ Previous: Rare Black Opal--"Mackerel or Ribbon Pattern", Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

$

0

0

#JESUISPARIS

November 13, 2015, 5:33 pm

≫ Next: Tokyo Chuo Auction Hong Kong Autumn Sales feature imperial treasures from the Qing Court

≪ Previous: #JESUISPARIS

$

0

0