Lot 2072. An elegant diamond necklace, by Bulgari. Estimate HKD 12,000,000 - HKD 18,000,000 (USD 1,554,108 - USD 2,331,162). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016. 

Designed as a line of graduated pear-shaped diamonds, thirty pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 3.01 to 0.72 carats, the front suspending a detachable pear-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 9.05 carats, mounted in platinum, 43.3 cm. Signed Bulgari.

Accompanied by report no. 6173124243 dated 24 April 2015 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 9.05 carat diamond is D colour, VVS1 clarity; also with a working diagram indicating that the clarity of the diamond is potentially Internally Flawless, and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa.

Accompanied by thirty reports dated from 3 September 1994 to 28 June 2005 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.01 to 0.72 carat diamonds are D colour, internally flawless clarity 

Please note that thirty reports are more than 3 years old and might require an update.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 2085. A superb 5.01 carats Burma "pigeon's blood" cushion-shaped ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HKD 12,000,000 - HKD 18,000,000 (USD 1,554,108 - USD 2,331,162). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016. 

Designed as a flowerhead, set to the centre with a cushion-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 5.01 carats, to the oval-shaped rose-cut diamond petals, each within a circular-cut ruby stylized surround, mounted in gold, ring size 5½

Accompanied by report no. 62208 dated 24 February 2012 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The ruby exhibits a vivid red colour with an excellent purity and an attractive cutting style. The very minute inclusions found by microscopic inspection are characteristic for rubies from Burma. Its vivid red, poetically referred to "pigeon's blood", is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the stone, typical and characteristic for the finest rubies of the Mogok gemstone tract. A natural ruby from Burma of this quality is very rare and exceptional .

Report no. 0801666 dated 5 February 2008 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and this colour variety of ruby may also be called “pigeon’s blood red” in the trade; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby possesses a saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency. Such a combination of characteristics is rare in natural Burma rubies of this size 

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

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 2077. A rare 11.38 carats old mine-cut Type IIa diamond ring. Estimate HKD 12,000,000 - HKD 18,000,000 (USD 1,554,108 - USD 2,331,162). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016. 

Set with an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 11.38 carats, flanked by oval-shaped diamonds, mounted in gold, ring size 5¾

Accompanied by report no. 5171598999 dated 27 April 2016 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. 16050006 dated 9 May 2016 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity, type IIa; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the diamond displays 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, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 3. A rare copper-red-glazed bottle vase, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$ 800,000 - 1,200,000 (€96,000 - 140,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The compressed pear-shaped body elegantly rising from a slightly spreading foot to a tall cylindrical neck beneath a lightly flared mouth, richly applied to the exterior with an even copper-red glaze stopping neatly at the rim and foot. 23.3cm (8 7/8in) high.

Provenance: Almira Goodsell Rockefeller (1844-1920), wife of William A. Rockefeller Jr. (1841-1922), and thence by descent, by repute
An American private collection.

Notes: Almira Geraldine Rockefeller (1844-1920), born Almira G. Goodsell, married in 1864 William Avery Rockefeller Jr. (1841-1922), a prominent member of the Rockefeller family. The Rockefeller dynasty dominated the American industrial, political and financial businesses for over one hundred and forty years and is regarded as one of the most powerful families in US history, controlling one of the world's largest fortunes in the oil business during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Almira Rockefeller was very active with numerous philanthropic activities as well as in war relief work.

Copper-red glazes, which had not been revisited since the Ming dynasty, were not only successfully fired but technically improved during the Kangxi period renowned for its langyao and 'peach bloom' group. These may have been produced under the supervision of Zang Yingxuan and Lang Tingji, who demonstrated a commitment to precision and technological innovation, which would determine the subsequent history of Qing Imperial porcelain production; see J.Hay, 'The Diachronics of Early Qing Visual and Material Culture', in The Qing Formation in World Historical Time, Cambridge, 2004, p.318.

The present vase, with its combination of the compressed globular bottle vase form and use of the copper-red glaze, is a development of the Yongzheng reign, celebrated for its innovative forms and technical virtuosity, demanded by the emperor, a highly discerning connoisseur of art. 

The form is related to that of a bottle vase decorated in clair-de lune glaze, Yongzheng mark and of the period, in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, no.C.9-1948; as well as that shown in outline, recorded by Geng Baochang in Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Hong Kong, 1993, p.236, fig.9. The compressed globular bottle vase form continued onto subsequent reigns as exemplified in a copper-red glazed compressed bottle vase, Qianlong seal mark and of the period, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong on 27 November 2013, lot 3506.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 2016-11-29, 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

Lot 4. A rare copper-red-glazed garlic-neck bottle vase, Qianlong seal mark and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$ 300,000 - 500,000 (€36,000 - 60,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 5. A rare flambé-glazed lobed vase, Impressed Jiaqing seal mark and of the period (1796-1820). Estimate HK$ 700,000 - 900,000 (€84,000 - 110,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 23. An anhua-decorated aubergine-glazed 'dragon' dish, Kangxi six-character mark and of the period (1662-1722). Estimate HK$ 70,000 - 100,000 (€8,400 - 12,000). © Bonhams 2001-2016

Lot 2083. An important 16.36 carats Kashmir cushion-shaped sapphire and diamond ring, by Harry Winston. Estimate HKD 8,000,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,036,438 - USD 1,554,656). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 16.36 carats, flanked by half-moon and baguette-cut diamonds, to the circular-cut diamond gallery, mounted in platinum, ring size 4. Signed Winston and with maker’s mark for Harry Winston

Accompanied by report no. CS 1077105 dated 11 July 2016 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat and clarity enhancement; also accompanied by a letter stating that the sapphire possesses a richly saturated blue colour that distinguishes a top Kashmir sapphire. Further augmenting the significance of this particular Kashmir sapphire is the fact that it is in excess of 16 carats, a substantial weight category, for sapphires of this exclusive provenance.

Premium report no. 86488 dated 27 June 2016 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the approximately 16.00 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of this sapphire may also be called ‘royal blue’ in the trade; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the sapphire possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The sapphire exhibits an important size and weight combined with a highly attractive and saturated blue colour and very fine purity. The few tiny inclusions found by microscopic examination are the hallmarks of sapphires from the reputed historic deposit in Kashmir, located in a remote part of the Himalayan Mountains in India. The velvety blue colour of this sapphire, poetically also called ‘royal blue’ in the trade, is due to very fine and subtle inclusions and a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone, which are typical and characteristic for the finest sapphires of Kashmir. A natural sapphire from Kashmir of this size and quality is rare and exceptional

Report no. 16067201 dated 26 June 2016 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the sapphire possesses a richly saturated and homogeneous velvety colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and a finely proportioned cut. In addition, this remarkable gemstone has been spared thermal treatment. Such a combination of characteristics is rare in natural Kashmir sapphires of this size.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 37. A rare horn carving of Hehe Erxian, 16th-17th century. Estimate HK$ 70,000 - 100,000 (€8,400 - 12,000). © Bonhams 2001-2016

Lot 2071. A 5.11 carats pear-shaped fancy green diamond and diamond ring. Estimate HKD 8,000,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,036,438 - USD 1,554,656). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

Set with a pear-shaped fancy green diamond, weighing approximately 5.11 carats, within a surround of oval-shaped diamonds alternating with a series of double pear-shaped pink diamonds assembled to form heart shapes, to the circular-cut pink diamond trim extending to the gallery and half-hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 5½

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

Accompanied by report no. 5161826699 dated 27 April 2015 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy green colour, VVS1 clarity 

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 38. A rare small rhinoceros horn 'phoenix' libation cup, 17th century. Estimate HK$ 350,000 - 450,000 (€42,000 - 54,000. © Bonhams 2001-2016

Intricately carved in relief in the form of a phoenix, its outstretched wings with exquisite plumage and elongated feathery tail forming the sides of the vessel, its head curled inwards to form the handle, its beak grasping onto a ribbon-tied scroll, the details all rendered in relief and supported on two feet tucked away at the belly, the horn with a smooth reddish-brown patina darkening towards the base of the cup, carved zitan cloud-decorated stand, two boxes. 7.2cm (2 7/8in) wide (4).

Provenance: Christie's New York, 2 June 1994, lot 4
Thomas Fok Collection 
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 9 October 2012, lot 3050

Published and Illustrated: Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p.238, no.177

Exhibited: Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, 2003-2005

Notes: The sophisticated composition of the cup and the outstanding craftsmanship could only have been the product of a master carver and stand as a testament to the technical virtuosity achieved during the early Qing dynasty. It is exquisitely carved following the natural form of the horn, depicting the mythical creature with its head dipped low to naturalistically form the handle of the cup; the body of the vessel is intricately worked, finely emulating the fine layered plumage and tail feathers; the legs carefully tucked underneath. 

Rhinoceros horn libation cups are rarely utilised in their entire form to emulate an animal-like shape, and in the case of the present lot, the highly naturalistic phoenix-bird shape. However, deer-shaped libation cup are also known, see a Wanli period example, illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.175.

Phoenix or bird-shaped rhinoceros horn libation cups, such as the present lot, are exceptionally rare; see however, three further examples from important museum and private collections, illustrated ibid., nos.173 (which was later sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong on 8 April 2011, lot 2701), 174 and 179.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 2016-11-29, 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

Lot 39. A rhinoceros horn 'chi dragon and lingzhi' libation cup, 17th century. Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 350,000 (€30,000 - 42,000). © Bonhams 2001-2016

Lot 2053. A fine Burmese Mogok ‘pigeon blood red’ ruby and diamond pendant necklace. Estimate HKD 7,800,000 - HKD 10,000,000 (USD 1,010,527 - USD 1,295,547). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

The articulated necklace designed as a series of circular and marquise-cut diamond swags with graduated oval and cushion-shaped ruby detail, the front central pendant set with an oval-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 2.36 carats, within a circular-cut diamond border, terminating in an oval-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 3.07 carats, within a marquise and circular-cut diamond surround, spaced by a circular and pear-shaped diamond and V-shaped diamond link, mounted in platinum and gold, 43.0 cm

Accompanied by report no. 82145 dated 25 September 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of a majority of these rubies may also be called ‘pigeon blood red’ in the trade; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby necklace possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The rubies have been carefully selected for this necklace based on their highly matching and saturated colour and their very fine purity. The small inclusions found by microscopic inspection and the analysed properties are consistent with those rubies originating from the reputed Burmese ruby deposits in Mong Hsu (a majority of the described rubies) and the Mogok valley. Their attractive and saturated colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in these gemstones, characteristic for the finest rubies from Burma (Myamar). Due to the setting, there are limitations for the colour grading of these rubies, however for a majority and notably the largest of these rubies, the colour may be poetically referred to as ‘pigeon blood red’. Assembling a matching selection of natural rubies from Burma of this quality and size is rare and exceptional 

Two reports nos. 76655 and 76654 dated 26 September 2014 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 3.07 and 2.36 carat rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of these rubies may also be called ‘pigeon blood red’ in the trade

Six reports dated from 21 December 2009 to 22 October 2014 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the six rubies weighing from 3.07 to 1.51 carat are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and this colour variety of ruby may also be called “pigeon blood red’ in the trade

Eight reports dated from 12 January 2015 to 23 June 2015 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that eight diamonds weighing from 0.50 to 0.24 carat range from D to E colour, VVS1 to VS1 clarity 

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 1986. A pair of 5.05 and 4.33 carats Burmese cushion-shaped ruby and diamond earrings. Estimate HKD 4,300,000 - HKD 6,500,000 (USD 557,085 - USD 842,106). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

Each set with a cushion-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 5.05 and 4.33 carats, within a circular-cut diamond surround, mounted in platinum and gold, 1.9 cm

Accompanied by report no. 87637 dated 20 September 2016 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating 

Reports nos. 16060105 and 16050082 dated 22 June 2016 and 19 May 2016 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating 

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 36. A cinnabar lacquer 'dragons' quatrelobed box and cover, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 350,000 (€30,000 - 42,000). © Bonhams 2001-2016

Of quatrefoil shape, finely carved on the cover with three five-clawed dragons in flight chasing a flaming pearl above turbulent waves, framed within a key-fret and leaf lappet border, the body further carved with the Eight Treasures in relief emerging from raging waves, all bordered by key-fret scrolls at the rim and foot, the interior and base lacquered black. 20cm (7 7/8in) wide (2).

Provenance: A German private collection

Published: P.Frick, Chinesische Lackkunst: Eine Deutsche Privatsammlung, Muenster, 2010, p.104, no.53

Exhibited: Museum of Lacquer Art, Muenster, Chinesische Lackkunst. Eine Deutsche Privatsammlung, 30 May - 29 August 2010
Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt, Lack - Meisterwerke Chinesischer Handwerkskunst des 12. bis 18. Jahrhunderts, 19 May - 29 August 2011
Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, In Lack Getränkt. Eine Deutsche Privatsammlung Chinesischer Lackkunst, 5 October 2012 - 13 January 2013

Notes: The form and design of the present box and cover can be seen in lacquer boxes and covers from the National Palace Museum, Taipei: for examples of similar shape, Qianlong marks and of the period, see Lin Mun-lee, Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors: Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1997, pp.122-123, nos.110-113; and for examples with similar design of three-dragon pursuing the flaming pearl amongst intricately carved crashing waves, see a quatralobed petal shaped box and cover, and also a rectangular box and cover, both with Qianlong marks and of the period, illustrated in ibid., pp.133-134, nos.132 and 134.

The design of the present box and cover unusually comprises the motif of the 'Eight Treasures', babao (八寶) subtly carved amidst the turbulent waves; for examples of lacquer boxes and covers, Qianlong marks and of the period, also carved with the Eight Treasures motif, from the Qing Court Collection, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 2006, nos.7, 8 and 61.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 2016-11-29, 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

Lot 2042. An important 18.69 carats Colombia Muzo rectangular-cut emerald and diamond ring, by Harry Winston. Estimate HKD 7,800,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,010,527 - USD 1,554,656). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

Set with a rectangular-cut emerald, weighing approximately 18.69 carats, flanked by trapeze-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and gold, ring size 5. Signed Winston for Harry Winston

Accompanied by report no. CS 61999 dated 24 June 2014 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with no clarity enhancement; also accompanied by a letter stating that the emerald has received the highest origin determination issued by AGL. This gemstone exhibits a very fine, saturated, slightly bluish green color that is reminiscent of high-quality emeralds from the Muzo mining area. In addition, it has been fashioned into the traditional form of a rectangular emerald cut, which represents the intrinsic quality and color of this gem to its fullest 

Report no.73804 dated 28 March 2014 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 remarkable size and weight, combined with an attractive saturated colour and a fine purity, rarely encountered in Colombian emeralds of this size. The few inclusions found by microscopic examination 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. A natural emerald from Colombia of this size and quality is very rare. 

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

"The Sky Blue Diamond" weighing 8.01 carats was auctioned at a 'Magnificent jewels & noble jewels auction' in Geneva on November 16, 2016 at a price of US 15.9 million euros. FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP.

GENEVE : Un fort engouement dans la salle et au téléphone a propulsé la vente de Haute Joaillerie Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels à Genève ce soir à 136'734'500 CHF / 136'428’215 US$. Grâce à ce montant, les ventes de Haute Joaillerie atteignent un total pour 2016 de 307’753’125 CHF / 311'525’634 US$. Ce résultat éclipse le record annuel précédent établi l’année dernière par Sotheby’s Genève (289,4 M CHF / 300 M $ pour 2015).

S’exprimant à l’issue de la vente, David Bennett, Président mondial du Département International de Haute Joaillerie, a commenté : «Le résultat d’aujourd’hui représente le point culminant d’une année phénoménale pour la Haute Joaillerie à Genève. Au mois de mai, nous avons établi un record mondial pour une vente de joaillerie, et ce soir cet élan s’est maintenu, pour faire de 2016 une année record. Nous constatons toujours un énorme engouement pour les diamants de couleur de la plus haute qualité, mais ce soir le bleu était la star incontestable. Nous avons vu s’établir un nouveau record pour un diamant Deep Blue, et la vente du captivant Sky Blue Diamond pour 17,1 millions US$ – une hausse de plus de 30% par rapport au prix réalisé lors de la vente de ce même diamant chez Sotheby’s en 2012. »

DIAMANTS ROSES

Au premier rang, un diamant rose Fancy Intense Pink taille émeraude pesant 17,07 carats s’est vendu pour 20'825'000 CHF / 20'778'352 $ (1'217'244 US$ par carat)(Lot 336, Est. 11'810’000-14'760’000 CHF / 12-15 millions $).

Lot 336. Magnificent 17.07 carats VVS1 Clarity step-cut fancy intense pink diamond ring. Estimate 11,810,000 — 14,760,000 CHF. Sold 20'825'000 CHF / 20'778'352 $ (1'217'244 US$ par carat). Photo: Sotheby's.

Cf. my post: Magnificent 17.07 carats VVS1 Clarity step-cut fancy intense pink diamond ring

Un captivant diamant rose, Fancy Intense Pink d’une clarté Internally Flawless pesant 13,20 carats a été adjugé pour 16'268'750 CHF / 16,232,308 US$ (1'229'720 US$ par carat) (Lot 329, Est. 8,85-13,78 CHF / 9- 14 millions US$). Les deux diamants ci-dessus (lots 336 et 329) ont été achetés par Graff Diamonds Limited.

Lot 329. Magnificent 13.20 carats Internally Flawless fancy intense pink diamond ring. Estimate 8,850,000 — 13,780,000 CHF. Sold 16'268'750 CHF / 16,232,308 US$ (1'229'720 US$ par carat). Photo: Sotheby's. 

Cf. my post: Magnificent 13.20 carats Internally Flawless fancy intense pink diamond ring

Un nouveau record a étéétabli pour un impressionnant diamant Fancy Light Pink de 40,30 carats, taille poire, qui a trouvé preneur pour 7'550'000 CHF / 7'533'088 US$ (186'925 US$ par carat) (Lot 331, Est. 5,9– 9,8 millions CHF / 6-10 millions US$).

Lot 331. Important 40.30 carats VVS2 Clarity pear-shaped fancy light pink diamond ring. Estimate 5,900,000 — 9,830,000 CHF. Sold for 7'550'000 CHF / 7'533'088 US$ (186'925 US$ par carat). World auction record price for a Fancy Light Pink diamond. Photo: Sotheby's.

cf. muy post: Important 40.30 carats VVS2 Clarity pear-shaped fancy light pink diamond ring

DIAMANTS BLEUS

Lot phare de la vente, le « Sky Blue Diamond », un rarissime diamant bleu Fancy Vivid Blue de 8,01 carats s’est vendu pour 17'112’500 CHF / 17'074’168 US$ (2'131’607 US$ par carat) (Lot 337, Est. 14'760’000 CHF – 24'590’000 / 15-25 millions US$)

Lot 337.‘The Sky Blue Diamond’, an outstanding and extremely rare Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring by Cartier weighing 8.01 carats. Estimate Est. 14'760’000 CHF – 24'590’000 / 15-25 millions US$. Sold for 17'112’500 CHF / 17'074’168 US$ (2'131’607 US$ par carat). Photo: Sotheby's.

Cf. my post: “The Sky Blue Diamond”. Superb 8.01 carats Type IIb fancy vivid blue diamond ring, Cartier

Deux autres diamants bleus ont fait vibrer la salle : Une magnifique pierre de 7,74 carats a établi un nouveau record mondial pour un diamant Fancy Deep Blue; neuf enchérisseurs se sont affrontés pour un prix final de 13'737’500 CHF / 13'706'728 US$ (1'770’895 US$ par carat) (Lot 298A, Est. 8,85-13,78m CHF / 9-14m US$).

Lot 298A. Magnificent 7.74 carats VVS1 Clarity oval fancy deep blue diamond ring. Estimate 8,850,000 — 13,780,000 CHF. Sold for 13'737’500 CHF / 13'706'728 US$ (1'770’895 US$ par carat). World auction record price for a Fancy Deep Blue diamond. Photo: Sotheby's.

Cf. my post Magnificent 7.74 carats VVS1 Clarity oval fancy deep blue diamond ring

Un deuxième record est tombé lors de la vente d’un magnifique diamant Fancy Light Blue pesant 16,08 carats, qui a trouvé preneur pour 2'172’500 CHF / 2'167’634 US$ (134’803 US$ par carat) (Lot 311, Est. 1,48-2,46m CHF / 1,5-2,5m US$). 

Lot 311. Important 16.08 carats VVS1 Clarity modified rectangular step-cut fancy light blue diamond ring. Estimate 1,480,000 — 2,460,000 CHF. Sold for 2'172’500 CHF / 2'167’634 US$ (134’803 US$ par carat). World auction record price for a Fancy Light Blue diamond. Photo: Sotheby's.

Un peu de contexte : au cours des deux dernières années, Sotheby’s a réalisé pas moins de deux nouveaux records mondiaux pour les diamants bleus. Le plus récent remonte à novembre 2015, avec la vente du « Blue Moon of Josephine », seul diamant dans l’histoire des ventes aux enchères à avoir été vendu plus de 4 millions US$ le carat, soit un total de 48,5 millions US$ (4'028’941 millions US$ par carat). Ce résultat a éclipsé le précédent record établi par Sotheby’s : le « Zoe Diamond », un diamant Fancy Vivid Blue pesant 9,75 carats s’était vendu pour 32'645'000 US$, soit 3'348'205 par carat. 

Willem de Kooning, Untitled XXV, 1977. Sold for $66,327,500 (£53,147,035 / €61,491,120. World auction record for the artist. Photo Sotheby's

William Hogarth (1697-1764), TheChristening. Oil on canvas, 49.5 x 62.8cm.

LONDON.- Culture Minister Matt Hancock has placed a temporary export bar on a satirical painting by William Hogarth to provide an opportunity to keep it in the country. 

The Christening by William Hogarth is at risk of being exported from the UK unless a buyer can be found to match the asking price of £1,223,100. 

William Hogarth is considered to be one of the most important figures in eighteenth-century British art and culture. He was known for his satirical artwork, and The Christening was his first painted comical scene. It shows a christening taking place in a wealthy but disorderly home. From the little girl about to knock over the christening bowl, to the dog about to rip apart the hat on the ground, the painting is a satirical scene of contemporary life in the eighteenth century. 

The painting marks Hogarth’s beginning as a satirical artist and demonstrates his development into comical artwork. 

Culture Minister Matt Hancock said: Hogarth is known as one of our greatest ever satirists and this is a significant early example of his work. 

The painting provides a valuable insight into eighteenth century life. Satire is an important part of our cultural heritage and as a fan of Hogarth’s work I hope it can remain in the UK for the public to enjoy. 

The decision to defer the export licence follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), administered by The Arts Council. 

The RCEWA made its recommendation on the grounds of its outstanding significance for the study of William Hogarth, as well as for the study of the cultural, literary and historical life of the eighteenth century. 

RCEWA member Lowell Libson said: Hogarth’s importance in imbuing art and artists with a sense of a national character at a time when England was consolidating its international position as the dominant economic and political power cannot be underestimated. This important painting demonstrates Hogarth’s concern with the effects that this new affluence had on all sectors of society. Hogarth himself noted that ‘my picture was my stage’ and The Christening, a small, beautifully executed painting is a deceptively charming and significant early precursor of the great cycles of modern moral paintings and their related engravings. Its retention in this country would considerably add to the story we can tell of a painter who helped define our national identity. 

The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred until February 15, 2017. This may be extended until May 15, 2017, if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of £1,223,100. 

Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by Matt Hancock. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item. 

Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the painting should contact the RCEWA on 0845 300 6200.