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A very rare famille rose 'Dutch Toper' spirit barrel, Qianlong period (1736-1795)

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A very rare famille rose 'Dutch Toper' spirit barrel

Lot 299. A very rare famille rose'Dutch Toper' spirit barrel, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Sold for £25,000 (€32,464). Photo: Bonhams.

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Finely modelled as a seated Bacchanalian drinker, with cheerful expression between curly locks beneath a tricorn hat with lid, his hands holding his round belly as he merrily chuckles, the jacket with gold buttons and trousers finely decorated with distinctively Chinese designs of bamboo, butterflies and prunus, his seat decorated with auspicious bats among ruyi-head clouds, a round handle attached to his back and European metal tap issuing from the front of his seat. 34.5cm (13 1/2in) high 

NotesIt is extremely rare to find Chinese examples of cisterns modelled after European table fountains made in the 18th century. Spirit dispensing cisterns modelled as 'topers' or drinkers, were produced in Delft, Brussels, and at Rouen, France. The English 'Toby jug' was also related. 

For a similar Chinese famille rose spirit barrel next to the Delft original, see D.Howard and J.Ayers, China for the West: Chinese Porcelain and other Decorative Arts for Export illustrated from the Mottahedeh Collection, New York, 1978, p.620, where the author comments that 'Bacchic figures seated on barrels used as spirit flasks were also typical of Delft and other north European potteries of this time (they were even copied in Japanese porcelain), and this development can be traced back to the time of the Renaissance.' 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET


A rare 25.00 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring, by Boghossian

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Lot 2026. A rare 25.00 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring, by Boghossian. Estimate HK$12,000,000 – HK$18,000,000 (US$1,500,000-2,300,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with a cushion-shaped emerald, weighing approximately 25.00 carats, to the cushion-shaped diamond gallery with circular-cut diamonds, extending to the rectangular-cut diamond three quarter-hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 4¼. Signed Boghossian

Accompanied by report no. 68680 dated 5 June 2013 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity modification; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the natural emerald possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The emerald exhibits a saturated green colour and an attractive purity. Microscopic examination revealed inclusions, which represent the hallmarks of Colombian emeralds from the famous mining areas as Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor, all located in the green foothills of the Cordillera Oriental in the Colombian Andes. Its saturated green colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the stone, typical and characteristic for the finest emeralds of Colombia. Natural emeralds from Colombia of this size and quality are rare and exceptional

Report no. 13050166 dated 28 May 2013 from the belin GemLab stating that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

A rare pair of Colombian emerald and diamond ear pendants & A rare cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring

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Lot 2059. A rare pair of 8.02 and 7.63 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ear pendants. Estimate HK$8,000,000 – HK$12,000,000 (US$1,000,000-1,500,000) & Lot 2060. A rare 17.15 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Estimate HK$9,800,000 – HK$12,800,000 (US$1,250,000-1,650,000)Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

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Lot 2059. A rare pair of 8.02 and 7.63 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ear pendants. Estimate HK$8,000,000 – HK$12,000,000 (US$1,000,000-1,500,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Each cushion-shaped emerald, weighing approximately 8.02 and 7.63 carats, within an oval-shaped diamond surround, to the cushion-shaped diamond surmount and circular-cut diamond half-hoop, mounted in gold, 3.9 cm

Accompanied by report no. 15116115/1 and 2 dated 24 November 2015 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the emeralds are of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement 

Report no. 81620 dated 24 August 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emeralds are of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity modification

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Lot 2060. A rare 17.15 carats cushion-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Estimate HK$9,800,000 – HK$12,800,000 (US$1,250,000-1,650,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with a cushion-shaped emerald, weighing approximately 17.15 carats, within an oval-shaped diamond surround, to the circular-cut diamond gallery and half-hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 6 

Accompanied by report no. 81616 dated 19 August 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with no indications of modification

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

An important 8.55 carats octagonal-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring

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Lot 1841. An important 8.55 carats octagonal-shaped Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Estimate HK$4,000,000 – HK$6,000,000 (US$1,250,000-1,650,000)Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with an octagonal-shaped emerald, weighing approximately 8.55 carats, flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds, mounted in gold, ring size 5

Accompanied by report no. 80092 dated 7 May 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity modification 

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

An exceptional apple-green jadeite 'chrysanthemum' washer, Qianlong-Jiaqing period (1736-1820)

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Lot 136. An exceptional apple-green jadeite 'chrysanthemum' washer, Qianlong-Jiaqing period (1736-1820). Sold for £108,100 (€140,375). Photo: Bonhams. 

Exquisitely carved in the form of a chrysanthemum with lobed petals, the interior with a roundel in raised relief of leafy vines bearing three lobed melons and two butterflies, all raised on four short splayed bracket feet, the translucent stone with bright apple-green striations and cloudy inclusions, box. 10cm (4in) diam. (2).

Provenance: a distinguished English private collection, and thence by descent

This lot is accompanied by a certificate from the Gemmological Certification Services dated 1 March 2016

NotesThe exquisite jewel-like washer is exceptional in the quality of the lustrous translucent apple-green tone jadeite stone, visibly demonstrated in the unadorned sides. The masterful carving of the craftsman is evident in the complex auspicious chrysanthemum form, the raised and slightly flared ruyi feet and the crisply carved relief decoration in the interior depicting intertwined leafy melons.

In the centre of the dish is a finely carved melon, or (gua 瓜). Because of the melon's many seeds, it became a symbol of progeny. Together with butterflies (die 蝶), which is a homophone for another type of melon (die 瓞), a rebus is created for 'the blessing of ceaseless generations of sons and grandsons' (guadie mianmian 瓜瓞綿綿). This blessing originates from a line in a poem included in the 'Classic of Poetry' (Shi Jing 詩經), China's most ancient anthology of poetry. 

This phrase carried a particularly auspicious meaning during the New Year's Eve ceremony and would have been a suitable imperial gift or special commission. For a related larger chrysanthemum form jadeite dish, dated to the Qianlong period, but with openwork handles, see The Woolf Collection of Chinese Jade, London, 2013, pp.86-87.

Compare with a Qianlong/Jiaqing period jadeite bowl which sold in our rooms, 7 November 2013, lot 159. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET

A pale green and russet jade rhyton cup, Ming Dynasty

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Lot 143. A pale green and russet jade rhyton cup, Ming Dynasty. Sold for £27,500 (€35,710)Photo: Bonhams. 

The well-hollowed vessel supported by the long tusks and trunk of an elephant head with almond-shaped eyes, the central band carved with archaistic designs beneath a further band of lappets with key-fret borders, a chilong with bifurcated tail clambering up the side, the pale stone with russet and milky-white inclusions, box and wood stand.8.2cm (3 1/4in) high (3). 

Compare with a related archaistic elephant-head shaped rhyton cup, but dated to the Qing dynasty, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl.140. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEWBOND STREET

A rare carnelian agate 'mountain and bat' brushrest, Qianlong period (1736-1795)

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Lot 135. A rare carnelian agate 'mountain and bat' brushrest, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Sold for £20,000 (€25,971). Photo: Bonhams.

The brushrest intricately carved as a three-peaked mountain surrounded by breaking waves and swirling clouds interspersed with flying bats, original boxwood and zitan stand. 8cm (3 1/8in) wide (2).

Provenance: a distinguished English private collection, and thence by descent 

Note: The skill and artistry of Qing dynasty craftsmen is encapsulated in the finely carved boxwood and zitan stand, formed as breaking waves, which can be compared with other wood stands in the Palace Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Small Refined Articles of the Study, Shenzhen, 2009, p.129, pl.100. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDONNEW BOND STREET

Porcelain that escaped the Nazis for sale at Bonhams' Fine European Ceramics sale on 15 June

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A rare Meissen octagonal two-handled beaker and saucer, circa 1730 estimated at £10,000-15,000. Photo: Bonhams.

LONDON.- A collection of rare porcelain assembled by a Viennese survivor of the Nazis is to be sold at Bonhams Fine European Ceramics sale on 15 June. 

The pieces belonged to Eve Newgas, née Blumka. The Blumkas were one of the most prestigious art and antique dealers in early 20th century Vienna. As anti-semitism in mid-1930s Austria grew, fuelled by the policies of the National Socialist regime in neighbouring Germany, the far-sighted family made contingency plans. 

In 1936 and 1937 they sent Eve to England to spend the school summer holidays with relatives and to learn English. In March 1938, Austria was forcibly incorporated into Hitler’s German Reich, sparking widespread persecution of the Jewish population. At the beginning of September that year, having been tipped off that they were on a Nazi list, the Blumkas put their plan into action. They obtained German passports and British visas and arranged for the contents of their apartment and shops to be sent to England. According to Eve, the family had lunch, left the table with the dirty dishes on it and hurried for the railway station and the boat to England. They arrived at Harwich on 16 September and were registered as living in Hove on 17th September. When their belongings arrived several months later they discovered that the lunch plates had been wrapped in such a rush there had been no time to clean them. 

Eve Blumka’s branch of the family opened a shop in Mayfair; her cousins went to New York where the business they established in New York is still going strong. After her parents retired, Eve decided to close the business but she did continue to add to the family’s private collection which as a result had pieces acquired from the late 19th century up until the 1990s. 

Highlights of the Newgas collection include: 

• a rare Meissen octagonal two-handled beaker and saucer, circa 1730 estimated at £10,000-15,000 which was once in the famed Edmond de Rothschild collection. 

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Lot 48. A rare Meissen octagonal two-handled beaker and saucer, circa 1730. Estimate £10,000-15,000 (€13,000 - 19,000)Photo: Bonhams. 

Painted in a famille verte palette with a bird perched on rockwork flanked by Oriental flowers, the rims with a trellis floral band reserved with panels enclosing flowerheads and leaves, an iron-red flower inside the beaker, caduceus and pseudo-Chinese mark within two concentric circles in underglaze-blue (2) 

Provenance: Edmond de Rothschild Collection;
Anon. sale, Christie's London, 28 March 1977, lot 8;
Acquired in the above sale;
The Collection of Eveline Newgas

Note: A similar octagonal beaker and saucer, also formerly in the Edmond de Rothschild collection, is in the Arnhold Collection, New York (M. Cassidy-Geiger, The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain 1710-50 (2008), no. 87.).

• a very rare Meissen teabowl and saucer, circa 1717 estimated at £8,000-12,000. The date can be confirmed from invoices for the firm’s enamel colours between 1713-19. These show that the colours used on the beaker and saucer were all in use by 1717 while black and red, neither of which are used on this lot, were first used in 1718. 

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Lot 34. A very rare Meissen teabowl and saucer, circa 1717. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€10,000 - 16,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Moulded with acanthus leaves around the footrims, decorated in the Funcke workshop in Dresden in purple, blue, yellow and green with Baroque strap- and scrollwork borders, a similar motif inside the teabowl and a floral scrollwork border to the reverse of the rim of the saucer (minor rim chips) (2)

Provenance: Anon. sale, Sotheby's London, 21 October 1975, lot 148;
Acquired in the above sale;
The Collection of Eveline Newgas

Note: A similar teabowl and saucer, formerly in the collections of Paul Schnyder von Wartensee and Hans and Marianne Krieger, is in the Arnhold Collection, New York (published by M. Cassidy-Geiger, The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain 1710-50 (2008), no. 68, and illustrated by Claus Boltz, Steinzeug und Porzellan der Böttgerperiode, in Keramos 167/168 (2000), ill. 59). Funcke's invoices for enamel colours between 1713-19 (Boltz, ibid., p. 143) record that the colours used on the present lot were all in use by 1717 (while black and red, neither of which are used on the present lot, were first used in 1718). 

• a very rare du Paquier circular dish, circa 1720-25 estimated at £8,000-12,000. This piece was bought in Vienna by Eve’s father Ernst and came with the family when they fled Austria in 1938. Only two similar dishes are recorded in the literature. 

 

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Lot 37. A very rare Du Paquier circular dish, circa 1720-25. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€10,000 - 16,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Painted in underglaze-blue, iron-red, purple and green with Oriental flowers issuing from pierced rockwork within concentric circles in the centre, within a lambrequin and trellis-panel border and trailing flowers within a zig-zag border around the silver-edged rim, three flower sprigs to reverse, 33.6cm diam.

Provenance: Ernst Blumka (1886-1969), Vienna (to 1938) and London;
Thence by descent;
The Collection of Eveline Newgas

Note: Only two similar dishes are recorded in the literature: in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Porzellansammlung im Zwinger (inv. Sp.P.E. 4435), acquired in 1890 from the Dresden collector, Dr. Carl Spitzner (see M. Chilton/C. Lehner-Jobst (eds.), Fired by Passion (2009), cat. no. 258; and another illustrated in E. Sturm-Bednarczyk, Claudius Innocentius du Paquier Wiener Porzellan der Frühzeit (1994), no. 2.

Bonhams Director of Ceramics, Sebastian Kuhn, said, “Eve Newgas had a wonderful eye and her collection reflects not only her great appreciation of beauty but also a deep scholarly understanding of the history of porcelain".

 


An Imperial cloisonné enamel double-gourd wall vase, Qianlong period (1736-1795)

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Lot 4. An Imperial cloisonné enamel double-gourd wall vase, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$200,000 - 300,000 (€23,000 - 34,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Cast as a double-gourd vase and stand, the upper and lower lobes finely enamelled with the characters da and ji in gilt, encircled by the Eight Daoist Emblems, anbaxian, and the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, respectively, tied at the waist with a gilt ribbon, all on a rich turquoise ground embellished with extensive scrolling clouds, surmounted by an Imperial inscription reserved on a bell-shaped gilt ground flanked by a pair of confronting stylised dragons at the top. 55cm (21 5/8in) high.

NotesThe inscription is part of an Imperial poem included in the category of belles-lettres (jibu 集部) in The Complete Library of the Four Treasures (Siku Quanshu 四庫全書) which was completed during the Qianlong reign in 1782. The couplet reads:

御製 
瑞日祥雲兆歲美
和風甘雨卜農慶 

which may be translated as: 

'Imperially made. 
Auspicious days and clouds bring years of goodness; 
Gentle wind and sweet rain bring celebration to the farmers.'

The present lot exemplifies cloisonné enamel production specially commissioned for the Imperial court during the Qianlong period demonstrated in its colourful opulence, technical virtuosity combining enamelling, casting and chasing, and displaying an Imperially composed poem concerned with the well-being of the people and imbued with auspicious portents

The shape of a double-gourd was particularly favoured for its auspicious association with fertility and longevity. Since the bottle gourd contains numerous seeds, it could be used to symbolise a lineage with many descendants. Double-gourd-shaped decorative objects and vessels made for the Qing court often bear the characters daji, heralding the coming of 'great fortune'. The auspicious symbolism in the present lot is doubly reinforced by the Eight Daoist Emblems, anbaxian decorating the upper gourd, which are closely related to longevity; and the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang on the lower gourd, which in addition to the Buddhist symbolism, are also believed to bring peace and blessings. The Qing court adhered to both beliefs, so aptly combined in the present lot.

See a related double-gourd cloisonné enamel wall vase enclosing an Imperial inscription and the daji characters, Qianlong, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 2, Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Beijing, 2011, pl.190. Related double-gourd shaped daji wall vases, plaques or vessels were produced in a wide variety of materials including porcelain, jade, lacquer, rock crystal, clocks, painted enamel, and zitan.

Compare with a pair of similar cloisonné enamel plaques but in slightly smaller sizes, Qianlong, which was sold in our London rooms, 11 July 2005, lot 65.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A rare Imperial cloisonné enamel 'eight Buddhist emblems' alms bowl, Enamelled Qianlong four-character mark and of the period

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Lot 5. A rare Imperial cloisonné enamel 'eight Buddhist emblems' alms bowl, Enamelled Qianlong four-character mark and of the period (1736-1795)Estimate HK$250,000 - 350,000 (€29,000 - 40,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The compressed globular body finely cast with rounded bulging shoulders below a slightly incurved lipped mouth rim, the exterior vibrantly enamelled in red, yellow, blue, green and white with the Eight Buddhist Emblems scattered amidst leafy tendrils issuing from blossoming lotus, between crashing waves and a ruyi-head band, all on a rich turquoise ground. 14.7cm (5 3/4in) diam.

ProvenanceA European private collection, acquired between 1960-70, and thence by descent

NotesThis remarkable cloisonné enamel alms bowl, bears the Qianlong reign mark and would have been specially commissioned for Buddhist rituals in the Qing court or as a gift to a Buddhist temple favoured by the emperor. Compare two Qianlong mark and period cloisonné enamel alms bowls of larger (15.8cm mouth diam.) and smaller (5.7cm mouth diam.) sizes, also decorated with the bajixiang motifs, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 2, Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Beijing, 2011, pls.260 and 261; for another larger example (30.2cm diam.) see The Prime Cultural Relics Collected By Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum: The Enamel Volume, Liaoning, 2007, pl.1. 

The Imperial Qianlong enamelled mark on the present lot is rare in comparison to the more commonly found incised mark on a gilt-bronze ground. In style, it is a continuation of the Ming enamelled marks which can be seen on Wanli cloisonné enamel wares, see Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 1, Cloisonné in the Yuan (1271-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pls.100-106. For similar examples of Qianlong enamelled marks, see Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 2, Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), pls.209-210. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An important 10.76 carats, VS2 clarity square-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring

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Lot 1972. An important 10.76 carats, VS2 clarity square-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring. Estimate HK$9,500,000 – HK$15,000,000 (US$1,200,000-1,900,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with a square-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond, weighing approximately 10.76 carats, flanked by trapeze-cut diamonds, mounted in gold, ring size 6

Accompanied by report no. 6173365208 dated 29 October 2015 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow colour, VS2 clarity

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

An Imperial blue-glazed altar vessel and cover for the Temple of Heaven, dou, Qianlong seal marks and of the period (1736-1795)

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An Imperial blue-glazed altar vessel and cover for the Temple of Heaven, dou, Qianlong seal marks and of the period (1736-1795)

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Lot 7. An Imperial blue-glazed altar vessel and cover for the Temple of Heaven, dou, Qianlong seal marks and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$250,000 - 350,000 (€29,000 - 40,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The stem bowl raised on a high splayed hollow foot, moulded with decorative bands around the sides, the domed cover decorated with overlapping wave bands, surmounted by a pair of rope-twist handles, covered overall with a rich lustrous glaze of deep violet-blue. 27cm (10 1/2in) high (2).

ProvenanceLieutenant-Colonel T.S.Cox and thence by descent

Lieutenant-Colonel T.S.Cox time in China 1900 – 1902

Lieutenant-Colonel T.S.Cox graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy in 1892 and was commissioned in 1894 in the 16th Indian Cavalry, The Bengal Lancers. His noteworthy military service included in 1897, Tochi Field Force, N.W. Frontier; and in 1900, the China Expeditionary Force during the Boxer Rebellion, when he was awarded the US Military Order of the Dragon. In 1901 he was seconded as the Advisor to the Chinese Government and awarded an Imperial decoration by Shanqi, Prince Su (1866-1922). In 1903 he was elected to the Royal Geographical Society. In 1903 he served as Captain in the Indian Army; between 1904–1907, he was posted in the D.M.O. War Office, London, the Balkans, Asia Minor, Somaliland, Abyssinia, Russian central Asia, and Ottoman Middle East; in 1911 he was awarded the King George V Delhi Coronation Durbar medal. Between 1912-1913 he was posted in the Middle East and Central Asia. In 1915, he took part in the Gallipoli Campaign and in 1916 transferred to command the 37th Dogras. In 1917 he served in the Mesopotamian campaign and was wounded whilst serving in the Aden Field Force. In 1920 he served with the Waziristan Field Force, NW Frontier; in 1921 he transferred to command the 3rd Madras Regiment and in 1925 retired from the Indian Army as Lieutenant-Colonel.

July 1900: Cox was ordered to North China to join China Expeditionary Force to relieve the siege of the Beijing International Legation Area by Chinese 'Boxers'. Collected a troop of 16th Bengal Lancers in Hong Kong on August 15 1900 and disembarked at Sinho for Tianjin on September 11. Advanced on Beijing September/October 1900. Subsequently placed in charge of a 'Flying Column' sent to capture Boxer leaders at Baoding, a hundred miles south-west of Beijing. Campaign medal, and learned to speak Chinese. Passed 6-day Chinese language examination. 

January - June 1901 worked for the British Military Commander, General Sir Alfred Gaselee, and awarded Military Order of the Dragon in April. July 1901 promoted Staff Captain and seconded to raise and train a Battalion of Chinese Railway Police, whose task was to guard the Beijing, Tongshan, and Tianjin districts for the British High Command, stationed at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.  

January 1 – December 25 1902 Cox was the Officer Commanding Railway Police, Chinese Imperial Railways, most of this time under contract to the Chinese Imperial Government. In addition to this role, from June 1 to December 1902 he was 'Confidential Adviser' to His Imperial Highness Prince Su, Governor of Beijing (the Emperors uncle), and from August 15 to December 1902 also 'Confidential Adviser' to His Imperial Highness Prince Qing, Head of Chinese Octroi (Customs) Department. Cox received a Letter of Appreciation and was awarded a Chinese Imperial Decoration for his services. He left Beijing for India on December 25 1902.

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NotesThe blue glazed dou would have been part of a set of ritual food and wine vessels used in Qing state rituals in the Temple of Heaven, the Tiantan, where the emperor made offerings to heaven at the Qigutan, or Altar for Bountiful Harvest, during the first lunar month of the year. Although the colour coding for the four main altars was instituted in 1530, it was only during the Qianlong reign in 1748 that archaistic shapes were designed by Imperial decree, with the objects illustrated and described in The Illustrated Regulations for Ceremonial Paraphernalia of the Qing Dynasty. The Qianlong emperor decreed that fashioning ritual vessels in conventional forms was inconsistent with ancient practice and that the shape ought to reflect antiquity. In accordance, the dou, is similar in form to archaic bronze vessels dating to the Zhou dynasty; see three examples of dou vessels dated to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji. Vol.10. Dongzhou 4, Beijing, 2006, pls.31-33. 

As the Son of Heaven, the emperor mediated between heaven and earth. His secluded existence in the Imperial Palaces was punctuated by performances of solemn ceremonies set according to the agricultural seasons. The correct observance of these ceremonies was considered vital to preserving the order of the universe, securing peace and prosperity. The traditional form and highly ritualised use of these vessels reflected the concerns for the stability and continuity of the Qing.  

Compare a similar blue-glazed dou and cover, Qianlong mark and period, in the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum, illustrated in The Prime Cultural Relics Collected By Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum: The Chinaware Volume. The Second Part, Shenyang, 2007, p.249, pl.10. Three other related examples of dou vessels, Qianlong mark and period, are in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (accession nos. FE.94&A-1970, FE.96&A-1970 and C.17-1957). 

See an Imperial blue-glazed altar set for the Temple of Heaven, comprising a fu and cover and a pair of dou and covers, Qianlong seal mark and of the period, sold in our London rooms on 14 May 2015, lot 160.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An important 9.43 carats Kashmir octagonal-shaped sapphire and diamond ring, by Tiffany & Co.

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Lot 2063. An important 9.43 carats Kashmir octagonal-shaped sapphire and diamond ring, by Tiffany & Co. Estimate HK$5,600,000 – HK$8,000,000 (US$700,000-1,000,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with an octagonal-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 9.43 carats, flanked by vari-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, ring size 6¼. Signed Tiffany & Co. (indistinct)

Accompanied by report no. 14120080 dated 16 December 2014 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating 

Report no. 2145763676 dated 3 July 2012 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

An album with seven sections of a painting, Early 18th century

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Lot 8. An album with seven sections of a painting, Early 18th centuryEstimate HK$150,000 - 200,000 (€17,000 - 23,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Ink and colour on silk, comprising seven album leaves depicting scenes of the Qing military expedition to Tibet of 1720, leaf four with accompanying separate leaf with a kaishu inscription, detached album cover. Each: 46cm (18 1/8in) x 39.5cm (15 1/2in) (9).

Provenance: Lieutenant-Colonel T.S.Cox and thence by descent.

NotesThe rare documentary series of paintings depict scenes commemorating the Qing military campaign in Tibet in 1720, when the Kangxi emperor sent an army to expel the Dzungar Mongols from Tibet and established a Chinese protectorate over the country. 

In 1719, the Kangxi emperor mobilised two simultaneous invading forces to Tibet: a main expedition force of twelve thousand troops from Kokonor (modern day Qinghai province) and another force numbering three thousand troops (one thousand Manchu troops and two thousand Green Standard troops) departing from Sichuan province. Qing soldiers including elite Bannermen from the Eight Banners were called to arms for the war effort involving at least three divisions: Bordered Yellow Banner (鑲黃旗), Bordered Red Banner (鑲紅旗) and Bordered Blue Banner (鑲藍旗), as depicted on the present lot. The mastermind behind this campaign was Nian Gengyao (1679-1726), a Chinese military commander with extensive military experience on the western frontier of the Qing empire. On 24 September 1720, the Sichuan expedition conquered Lhasa; see Dai Yingcong, The Sichuan Frontier and Tibet: Imperial Strategy in the Early Qing, University of Washington Press, 2009, p.81. 

The fourth section of the paintings is accompanied by inscription, which reads: 

廿五
切斯作
營寨須多備繳矰,賓鴻不到日聞鷹。
隔江請看蠻人壘,劍戟如山列幾層。
時逆酋陳邳兒遁去,令達克咱陳列蠻兵三千,於沿江以拒。

and can be translated as:

Twenty-five
By Qiesi
The military camps needs to prepare as many arrows and traps as possible,
cry of the eagles heard at dawn but our allies have yet to arrive.
Across the river are the ramparts of the enemy barbarians,
their swords and spears plenty in layers like mountains. 
The leader of the enemy Chen Pier retreated, 
he ordered Da Kezan to take command of three thousand troops,
and resisted us at the river.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A 12.89 carats, VS2 clarity Type IIa marquise-cut fancy brown-pink diamond and diamond ring

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Lot 2054. A 12.89 carats, VS2 clarity Type IIa marquise-cut fancy brown-pink diamond and diamond ring. Estimate HK$8,500,000 – HK$12,000,000 (US$1,100,000-1,500,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with a marquise-cut fancy brown-pink diamond, weighing approximately 12.89 carats, within an oval-shaped diamond and circular-cut pink diamond surround, to the circular-cut pink diamond and single-cut diamond foliate gallery, extending to the single-cut diamond half-hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 5

Accompanied by report no. 2151087039 dated 13 November 2012 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy brown-pink colour,VS2 clarity; and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa

Please note that the circular-cut pink diamonds have not been tested for natural colour

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall


A rare celadon-glazed bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

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A rare celadon-glazed bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

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Lot 10. A rare celadon-glazed bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000 (€57,000 - 80,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Elegantly and deeply potted with a slightly everted foot rising to a gently flaring rim, the exterior decorated with six ruyi-heads enclosing smaller lappets issuing from a band of flower petals and keyfret scrolls at the rim, covered overall in a translucent soft celadon glaze, the base with a six-character kaishu mark in underglaze-blue. 23.9cm (9 3/8in) diam.

Provenance: Dulany's Gallery, Birmingham, Michigan, 1984
An American private collection

NotesRemarkable for their impeccable quality of the glaze, elegant shapes and refined bodies; monochrome porcelains made in the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen during the Yongzheng reign are ranked among the finest examples of Imperial wares throughout the Qing dynasty. The present lot belongs to a specific group of celadon glazed porcelain specially commissioned by the Qing court to cater to the Yongzheng emperor's sophisticated aesthetic taste for monochrome wares. These series of celadon-glazed bowls have varying auspicious designs also including the Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixing), the 'Three Abundances' (sanduo) and archaistic dragons. 

This bowl is gracefully decorated with a band of ruyi-head lappets which is further accentuated by smaller lappets around the slightly splayed foot, representing auspicious wishes for long life. The Imperial artisans deliberately chose to leave the main body of the exterior unadorned, highlighting the extraordinary jade-like tone of the celadon glaze. 

Compare a similar celadon glazed bowl, Yongzheng mark and period, from the Charles B. Hoyt collection, Boston, illustrated in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston exhibition catalogue, The Charles B. Hoyt Collection. Memorial Exhibition, Boston, 1952, p.111, no.440. See also a very similar example of a celadon-glazed bowl, Yongzheng mark and period, formerly in the Hall Family collection (inventory no.392), illustrated in Sotheby's Hong Kong. Twenty Years, Hong Kong, 1993, p.226, no.314, which later sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong on 8 October 2013, lot 3125.  

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

A rare 9.06 carats D colour, internally flawless clarity Type IIa old mine-cut diamond ring

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Lot 2033. A rare 9.06 carats D colour, internally flawless clarity Type IIa old mine-cut diamond ring. Estimate HK$8,000,000 – HK$12,000,000 (US$1,000,000-1,500,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Set with an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 9.06 carats, mounted in gold, ring size 5¼

Accompanied by report no. 2165872148 dated 11 December 2014 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity; and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa 

Report no. 14120156 dated 17 December 2014 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity and Type IIa; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the type IIa diamond of 9.06 ct display an antique cutting style as well as a superior quality in purity of colour and transparency unique to the finest of type IIa diamonds. Diamonds of this kind, seldom encountered in the gem trade today, are extremely rare and comparable to those famous and exquisite diamonds which originated from the kingdom of “Golconda” 

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall

Ikebana by Mario Hirama

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A rare celadon-glazed bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735)

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Ikebana by Mario Hirama

A 30.63 carats Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Brooch

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Lot 535. A 30.63 carats Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Brooch. Estimate HK$ 900,000 - 1.5 million (€100,000 - 170,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 30.63 carats, between an asymmetric bow set with brilliant-cut diamonds, within baguette-cut diamond borders,diamonds approximately 30.20 carats total, width 6.0cm

Accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the natural sapphire has no indications of heat treatment and originates from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Report number 84670, dated 9 March 2016.  

Bonhams. AUCTION 23346: RARE JEWELS & JADEITE, 15:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

An Important Pair of 17.56 carats and 15.46 carats Burma, Mogok Sapphire and Diamond Earrings

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Lot 536. An Important Pair of 17.56 carats and 15.46 carats Burma, Mogok Sapphire and Diamond Earrings. Estimate HK$ 3.9 million - 4.5 million (€450,000 - 520,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Each cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 17.56 carats and 15.46 carats, within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, surmounted by a line of similarly cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 3.60 carats total, length 4.9cm

Accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the natural sapphires have no indications of heat treatment and originate from Burma (Myanmar). Report number 60787, dated 28 September 2011. 

Also accompanied by an appendix stating that the natural sapphires exhibit a vivid blue colour, combined with a fine purity and an attractive cutting style, making them an outstanding matching pair of sapphires. It's vivid blue colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the stone, typical and characteristic for the finest sapphires of Mogok. To find a matching pair of natural sapphires from Burma of this quality is rare and exceptional. 

Accompanied by a Gubelin report stating that the natural sapphires have no indications of heat treatment and originate from Burma (Myanmar). Report number 1007518/1 and 2, dated 12 July 2010.  

Also accompanied by an appendix stating that the matched pair of sapphires possess a saturated and homogeneous colour, and that such a combination of characteristics is rare. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23346: RARE JEWELS & JADEITE, 15:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

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