Bowl,  Vietnam, Trần or Later Lê dynasty, 14th-15th century, Hải Dương province, Red River Delta kilns. Stoneware with white slip and iron and cobalt pigments under clear glaze; iron wash on the base. H x W x D: 7.5 x 16.9 x 16.9 cm (2 15/16 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in). Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment, Freer Gallery of Art, F1994.9© 2017 Smithsonian Institution

Jewelled Jade Cup, Mughal or Deccan, India, 18th Century. Height: 5.9 cm. Top width: 3.6 cm © Samina Inc. 

Carved Ruby Pendant, Probably Gujrat, Western India, 18th century. Gold, Silver, Ruby, Diamond and Pearl © Samina Inc. 

Dagger (Katar), Deccan, probably Hyderabad or Bijapur, India, 16th Century. Steel, copper alloy and gold with blade of watered steel © Samina Inc.  

Jade Bowl, Mughal or Deccan, India, 18th Century. Carved from nephrite jade. Height: 6 cm, Length: 15.5 cm, Width: 13 cm © Samina Inc. 

Samina Inc. (London, UK), Jewelled Arts of India, 9-18 march 2017 at Arader Galleries, 29 East 72nd Street, New York 10021. T (212) 628 3668 - M +44 777 587 2960 - saminainc@hotmail.com - saminainc.com

Bejeweled Dagger, India-Turkey, 17th-18th century. Overall 445mm. Blade 320mm © Runjeet Singh

Tibetan Four-Mirror Armour, Tibet, 19th century. Steel, Gilt copper, leather. Front plate 7.5 in diameter © Runjeet Singh

Votive Steel and Gold Trident, Tibet, 18th-19th Century. Steel with applied gold and a contemporary red blood wooden shaft. Length: 17 inches (430 mm) © Runjeet Singh

Iron Cuirass body-armor, Hyderabad, Deccan, India, 16th-17th Century. Height 17.25 in (440 mm) © Runjeet Singh

Runjeet Singh (London, UK), Arms & Armour from the East, 9-15 match 2017 at Tambaran Gallery, 5 East 82nd Street, Lower Level, New York 10028. T (212) 570 0655 - M +44 786 642 4803 - info@runjeetsingh.com - runjeetsingh.com

Lot 260. A quartz, lapis-lazuli sapphire and diamond pendant, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £6,250 (€7,328). Photo Bonhams.

The large quartz crystal mounted in an abstract lapis lazuli surround with an oval-cut sapphire and brilliant, and baguette-cut diamond highlights, diamonds approx. 1.00ct total, French assay mark, maker's mark, length 14.5cm

Lot 252. A quartz crystal, opal and diamond 'Adélie' pendant by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Estimate £2,500 - 3,000 (€2,900 - 3,500). Photo Bonhams.

The long pendant set with clusters of quartz crystal and opal, with brilliant-cut diamond highlights, diamonds approx. 0.80ct total, French assay mark, maker's mark, length 13.5cm 

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 253. A quartz and diamond brooch-pendant, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £2,125 (€2,491). Photo Bonhams.

The quartz crystal in an undulating mount with linear rod highlights and brilliant-cut diamonds suspended from an abstract fancy-link necklace, pendant signed J.Vendome, both with maker's marks and French assay marks, pendant 9.0cm, necklace adjustable, max length 46.0cm 

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 254. A sapphire and diamond brooch by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Estimate £3,000 - 4,000 (€3,500 - 4,700). Photo Bonhams.

The brooch composed of linear striations highlighted with clouds of brilliant-cut diamonds and terminating in an oval-cut sapphire, diamonds approx. 1.10cts total, maker's mark, French assay marks, length 6.4cm 

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 255. A quartz and sapphire ring by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £2,750 (€3,224). Photo Bonhams.

The quartz crystal in an abstract mount with baguette-cut sapphire highlights, French assay mark, maker's mark, ring size J

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 256. A rutilated quartz, emerald and diamond 'Angel hair' pendant, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Estimate £3,000 - 4,000 (€3,500 - 4,700). Photo Bonhams.

The large collet-set abstract plaque of rutilated quartz, with tubular surmount with calibré-cut emerald highlights, applied with an octagonal plaque pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspended from an intertwined cord, diamonds approx. 0.95ct total, French assay mark, maker's mark, length 10.0cm

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot257. An emerald and diamond ring, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £3,500 (€4,104). Photo Bonhams.

The step-cut emerald tension-set in a contoured band set with brilliant-cut diamonds, diamonds approx. 1.20cts total, French assay mark, maker's mark, ring size J

Accompanied by a report from GCS stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin with minor clarity enhancement. Report number 5776-5442, dated 9th May 2016.

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 258. A quartz and diamond ring, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £2,000 (€2,345). Photo Bonhams.

The open textural abstract band set with a cluster of brilliant-cut diamonds and a long included quartz crystal, diamonds approx. 0.30ct total, French assay mark, maker's mark, ring size M½.

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 259. An amber, lapis-lazuli and diamond pendant, by Jean Vendome, circa 1990. Sold for £1,875 (€2,198). Photo Bonhams.

The rigid necklace with brilliant-cut diamond highlights, suspended from a sliding pendant set with step-cut faceted amber and rectangular shaped lapis-lazuli, diamonds approx. 0.60ct total, French assay mark, maker's mark, inner diameter approx. 12.6cm.

Bonhams. JEWELLERY, 15 Jun 2016, LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Lot 200. Rare blue and white porcelain brushwasher, Yongle period (1403-1424), ex Wolch Collection. Estimate $200,000-$250,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- On Sunday, March 26, the management and staff of I.M. Chait Gallery of Beverly Hills will greet international buyers en route home from Asia Week New York with this year’s edition of what many say is the most rewarding Asian-art buying opportunity of the entire year. The company’s Important Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art Auction has become a mandatory last-chance stopover for connoisseurs of fine Asian art, and perennially draws raves from Asia-based dealers and collectors who traverse the United States to attend Asia Week events. 

After they’ve concluded their week of shopping in New York, Asian buyers look forward to the comfortable sanctuary and warm hospitality that awaits them at family-owned Chait gallery. “Stopping over and spending time in Beverly Hills before concluding their journey home is a relaxing way to break up what otherwise would be at least a 14-hour flight,” said Josh Chait, director of operations at I.M. Chait. “We make sure all of our guests feel welcome at our gallery, with Chinese translators on hand for any who may require assistance. Some auction guests have been our good friends for many years – some even going back to when my father, Isadore Chait, started the business in 1969. We always look forward to their visits.” 

No stone is ever left unturned in preparing for the annual event. “We choose carefully and offer pieces that are historically significant, which is what Chinese buyers prefer,” Josh said. This year’s auction headliners include a Yongle blue and white charger, a Yongle brushwasher, and a 15th-century Imperial Jiaqing famille rose dish. Also, the sale features exquisite fine jewelry, silver, luxury goods, and both Asian and European decorative art.  

An especially strong selection of Chinese ceramics is led by a rare and important form, the abovementioned porcelain brushwasher from the Ming Dynasty Yongle Period. Of a wide, compressed form, its circular design incorporates six floral sprays of lotus, chrysanthemum, peony, rose, plum and magnolia blossoms. With provenance from the Wolch Collection of Los Angeles, the early 15th-century vessel carries a $200,000-$250,000 estimate. 

Lot 200. Rare blue and white porcelain brushwasher, Yongle period (1403-1424), ex Wolch Collection. Estimate$200,000-$250,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

mportant and of rare form, Chinese Yongle Period, blue and white porcelain brushwasher; of wide, compressed circular form, with lipped rim and on a short foot; the exterior with design of six floral sprays including lotus, chrysanthemum, peony, rose, plum and magnolia blossoms;

Provenance: The Wolch Collection, Los Angeles; D: 7 3/4" (approx.)

A massive and wonderfully detailed Ming Yongle Period blue and white charger displays a central motif of willowy lotus blossoms, with a lavishly decorated border of scrolling foliate and floral embellishment. Measuring 17¼ inches in diameter, the charger is expected to sell for $80,000-$100,000.  

Lot 199. Important blue and white charger, Yongle period (1403-1424). Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Massive and finely detailed, important early 15th Century Chinese, Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, blue and white porcelain charger; of wide shallow form with classic central design of a tied spray of willowy lotus blossoms, bordered by scrolling foliage and flowers, further flanked by waves to the flared rim, the exterior also showing lotus blossoms; D: 17 1/4"

Another Ming treasure, a wucai enameled porcelain bowl of squared form, is whimsically decorated with images of sea life. A single sinewy carp surrounded by sea plants appears on the interior face of the bowl, while additional swimming carp attractively adorn each of the four exterior sides. The pre-sale estimate is $50,000-$60,000.  

Lot 201. Fine wucai enameled porcelain bowl,  Jiajing mark and of the period (1522-1566). Estimate: $50,000 - $60,000 © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers 

Fine Chinese Ming Dynasty, Jiajing mark and of the Period, wucai enameled porcelain bowl of squared form; the interior with a single carp amid sea plants, a border of green and red scrolling beneath the rim; the exterior with four carp, one to each side, swimming amid green plants all on a coral red ground; W: 4 7/8"

A rare and beautifully detailed Chinese Qing Dynasty famille rose enameled porcelain dish presents to the viewer a poem written in coral-hued Chinese characters. Translated, it pays tribute to a “tea of the first picking” and describes the atmosphere in which the drink to “dissipate the early winter chill” is being prepared. Bordered by bands of scrolling floral design on a yellow ground, the scalloped dish holds immense eye appeal. With a Jiaqing mark and of the period, it is estimated at $30,000-$40,000.  

Lot 198. Imperial Famille Rose enameled porcelain dish, Jiaqing Mark and of the Period (1796-1820). Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Rare and beautifully detailed, Imperial Chinese Qing Dynasty, Famille Rose enameled porcelain dish of foliate shape with scalloped gilt rim and raised on four conforming feet; the center with poem written in coral red, bordered by bands of scrolling floral design on yellow ground, with lines of gilt detailing, Jiaqing Mark and of the Period; L: 6 1/4"

Poem translation by Stephen W. Bushell, in Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p. 239, as follows:

Finest tribute tea of the first picking
And a bright full moon prompt a line of verse.
A lively fire glows in the bamboo stove.
The water is boiling in the stone griddle,
Small bubbles rise like ears of fish or crab.
Of rare Ch’i-ch’iang tea, rolled in tony balls.
One cup is enough to lighten the heart,
And dissipate the early winter chill.

The connoisseur’s selection of jewelry includes such highlights as a fine, unmounted 6.25-carat cushion-shape diamond, J color and SI1 clarity, $90,000-$100,000; a superb platinum ring with a squared, cushion-shape solitaire diamond, approximately 5.30 carats, of J color and VS1 clarity, $70,000-$80,000; and both gentlemen’s and ladies’ watches, including models by Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet. A sparkling Art Deco bracelet with 19+ carats of diamonds has star quality written all over it and comes to auction with a $30,000-$35,000 estimate.  

 Lot 305. Fine unmounted 6.25-carat cushion-shape diamond, J color and SI1 clarity. Estimate: $90,000 - $100,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

A fine unmounted diamond, of modified brilliant-cut in a cushion shape, weighing 6.25 Cts., and measuring 11.25 x 9.75 x 6.70mm approx.; with GIA report stating J color and clarity of SI1

Lot 304. Superb platinum ring with a squared, cushion-shape solitaire diamond, approximately 5.30 carats, of J color and VS1 clarity. Estimate: $70,000 - $80,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Lot 307. Exceptional Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet. Estimate: $30,000 - $35,000 © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Beautifully crafted, exquisite Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelet; comprised of three wide, articulated rectangular panels connected with three notched rings; centering three marquis-cut diamonds together weighing approx. 1.3 Cts.; and surrounded by an additional approx. 19.0 Cts. of pavé-set white diamonds in various cuts of baguettes, smaller marquis, and rounds; hinged foldover clasp stamped P9590; L: 7 1/4"

Two matching Chinese huanghuali-wood stacked rectangular cabinets are finished with handsome bronzed-metal hardware. The doors to each of the cabinets open to reveal a shelf with two shallow drawers and other storage compartments. They are a pair and will cross the auction block with a $25,000-$30,000 estimate; while a circa-1790 English George III mahogany dining table with eight Hepplewhite dining chairs will be introduced with a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.  

Lot 308. Pair of fine huanghuali-wood stacked rectangular cabinets. Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Pair of massive and heavy, elegant Chinese huanghuali wood cabinets; the stacked rectangular forms each with two large simple doors opening to reveal a shelf with two shallow drawers, with two small doors covering the storage compartment at the base sections; and each topped with two-door upper sections; the wood finely figured, and with circular bronzed metal lockplates and hinges; H: 94" (each approx.)

Lot 396. George III mahogany dining table with eight Hepplewhite dining chairs, circa 1790. Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Fine and antique, English dining set: large, expandable George III mahogany table of traditional, rounded-end form, and set on fourteen slightly tapered-form, straight legs; Circa 1790; together with a set of eight Hepplewhite chairs, Circa 1870: six side, and two carved armchairs, each with ornate foliage motif to the openwork splats, crests, and aprons; all front legs of cabriole form set upon ball and claw feet; later upholstered in satin cream damask silk, edged by metal hobnails

Also for the home, the auction offers a Chinese scholar’s desk pieces, including carved jades; dynastic Chinese pottery (Tang, Ming and Sui), and a collection of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases. There are also ancient antiquities, including Egyptian, Roman and Greek wares. Noteworthy in this group is masterfully carved 1st century A.D. marble torso of Venus, estimate $20,000-$40,000. A large collection of vintage African and Oceanic carvings from the Los Angeles estate of Ralph Turner is sure to be of interest to buyers of ethnographic art.  

 Lot 395. A carved marble torso of Venus, 1st century A.D. Estimate $20,000-$40,000. © I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers

Very finely modeled, marble figural sculpture; representing the torso of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility, in realistically rendered curves, the stone imparting a soft brown patina; showing intact encrustations at leg break and underarm; probably ancient Roman, 1st Century AD; Provenance: Mid-West collection; H: 13 1/2"; tall marble plinth. 

The Sunday, March 26, 2017 auction will begin at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), with Internet live bidding available through Live.Chait.com or LiveAuctioneers.com. The gallery preview will be held from Tuesday through Saturday, March 21-25 from 11-5 (or by appointment). Also on Saturday, from 10-5, there will be a free appraisal session at the gallery for Asian and international art, antiques, fine jewelry and gems; and other objects of quality.

Mrs. Bloomingdale was a figure synonymous with glamor, philanthropy, and Los Angeles society. The collection presented at Christie’s complements its owner presenting approximately 300 lots of enduring style comprised of William Haines design, antique furniture, works of art, Chinese and European porcelain, fashion, jewelry, and accessories. 

Among the objects revealed with the catalogue’s release are iconic couture pieces by Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, and Valentino, complete with hand-written notecards by Mrs. Bloomingdale marking what occasion each piece was worn, complemented by an offering of jewelry and accessories. The sale includes an expansive medley of signature pieces of William Haines design, represented by furniture, lamps, and decorative objects. Antique highlights include the Early George III Mahogany Dining Table, circa 1760 (estimate: $10,000-20,000) and the Set of Fourteen George III Mahogany Dining Chairs (estimate: $20,000-30,000), that often set the stage for Mrs. Bloomingdale’s celebrated dinners and included some of the most well-known names in Hollywood, politics, business, and fashion.  

The online sale taking place March 30-April 6, will be on view at Christie’s New York concurrently, and is broken into two sections: Life, comprising of William Haines design, art and antiques, entertaining-ware, and books, many of which feature personal dedications; and Style comprising of clothing, accessories and jewelry. 

Together the auctions encompass nearly 300 lots with estimates on individual items ranging from under $1,000 up to $40,000 and are expected to realize in excess of $1 million. In December 2016, Christie’s auctioned a collection of 12 pieces of jewelry belonging to Mrs. Bloomingdale, in which 100% lots offered were sold, totaling over $4 million. 

FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS 

• A SUITE OF 'SENIAH' SEAT FURNITURE BY WILLIAM HAINES, CIRCA 1960 $10,000-15,000 

• A QUEEN ANNE BLACK AND GILT JAPANNED BUREAU CABINET, EARLY 18TH CENTURY $10,000-15,000 

• A PAIR OF CREAM AND CELADON LACQUERED SWING ARM BEDSIDE TABLES BY WILLIAM HAINES, CIRCA 1960 $10,000-15,000 

• A CREAM-PAINTED LEATHER VENEERED BUTTON-TUFTED LONG SOFA BY WILLIAM HAINES, CIRCA 1960 $10,000-15,000 

• A PAIR OF PALE CELADON-LACQUER AND CHINESE PORCELAIN TABLE LAMPS BY WILLIAM HAINES, CIRCA 1960 $8,000-12,000 

• AN EARLY GEORGE III MAHOGANY GATE-LEG D-END DINING TABLE CIRCA 1760 $15,000-25,000 

• A GEORGE III MAHOGANY BREAKFRONT LIBRARY BOOKCASE LAST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY $20,000-40,000 

• A SET OF FOURTEEN GEORGE II MAHOGANY DINING CHAIRS THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY $20,000–30,000 

DINING AND ENTERTAINING HIGHLIGHTS 

• A ROYAL COPENHAGEN "FLORA DANICA" PART DINNER SERVICE 20TH CENTURY $30,000-50,000 

• A SCOTTISH CUT-GLASS PART STEMWARE SERVICE 20TH CENTURY $1,500-$2,000 

• A GROUP OF NINE CUT-GLASS DECANTERS AND STOPPERS 20TH CENTURY $1,500-2,000 

• A VICTORIAN ELECTRO-PLATED THREE PIECE GARNITURE 19TH CENTURY $1,000-1,500 

FASHION AND JEWELLERY HIGHLIGHTS

Lot 253.  Joe Eula (American, 1925-2004), Sketches of Betsy Bloomingdale (three works). Estimate USD 500 - USD 1,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

each signed and dated 'Eula 61' (two lower right; one lower left), charcoal on paper, each 25 x 18 ¾ in. (63.5 x 47.6 cm.) (3) 

Lot 271. A Christian Dior Couture red crêpe gown with asymmetrical neckline and boned bodice. Estimate USD 2,000 - USD 4,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017 

Lot 254. Cecil Beaton (British, 1904-1980), Portrait of Betsy Bloomingdale reading. Estimate  $1,000-1,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

signed 'Beaton' (lower right), pencil and gouache on paper, 19 x 12 ½ in. (48.3 x 31.8 cm.)

Lot 167. A cultured pearl, coral and onyx tassel pendant necklace.  EstimateUSD 2,000 - USD 4,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Suspending a coral bead and cultured pearl tassel, with sculpted gold cap and roped gold links, to the onyx hoop pendant and multi-strand cultured pearl necklace, length adjustable, mounted in gold

Lot 166. A pair of coral, cultured pearl and diamond ear clips, by David Webb. Estimate USD 3,000 - USD 5,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Each centering upon a bombé carved and fluted coral plaque, enhanced by a circular-cut diamond and sculpted gold partial surround of foliate motif, set at the top with a cultured button pearl within a black enamel and gold collar, 1 3/8 ins., mounted in 18k gold. Signed Webb for David Webb

FINE ART HIGHLIGHTS 

Lot 29. Odilon Redon (1840-1916), Orchidée fantastique, signed with initials 'Od.R.' (lower left), gouache and watercolor over pencil on paper, 9 ¾ x 6 ¾ in. (24.7 x 17.2 cm.). EstimateUSD 20,000 - USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Provenance: César de Hauke, New York. 
Hardinge C. Scholle, Washington, D.C. (by 1931). 
Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (gift from the above, 1958); sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, Inc., New York, 4 November 1982, lot 38. 

Fran and Ray Stark, Los Angeles (acquired at the above sale). 

Gift from the above to the late owner, March 2004.

Literature: Parnassus, "List of Important Redons in the United States," April 1931, vol. III, no. IV, p. 37.
A. Wildenstein, Odilon Redon, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre peint et dessiné, Paris, 1996, vol. III, p. 18, no. 1351 (illustrated).

Exhibited: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1928.
New York, The Museum of Modern Art, Lautrec, Redon, February-March 1931, p. 27, no. 86.

Lot 41. Anna Mary Robertson 'Grandma' Moses (1860-1961), The Old Home, 13 March 1949, signed MOSES lower right, oil on board, 5¼ x 7¼ in. (13.3 x 18.2 cm.) EstimateUSD 8,000 - USD 12,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Lot 133. Vũ Cao Đàm (French-Vietnamese, 1908-2000), Le Retour, signed, dated, titled and inscribed with characters 'Le retour/ Vũ Cao Đàm/ 1964' (on the reverse), oil on canvas, 36 ¼ x 28 ¾ in. (92.1 x 73 cm.). Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Provenance: with Wally Findlay Gallery, New York.

Hsu Kuohuang, Waterfall Hidden, 2016. Ink and colorwash on paper © M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd.

Yang Mian, CMYK—Five Dynasties, Gu DeQian, Waterfowl and Lotuses, 2016. Acrylic on canvas, 63 x 37.5 in (160 x 95 cm) © M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd.

Yang Mian, CMYK - Five Dynasties, Xu Xi, Auspicious Magnolia Painting, 2016. Acrylic on canvas. 70.75 x 23.5 in (180 x 59 cm) © M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd.

Hsu Kuo-huang, Seeking the Way in a Spring Mountain, China, 2016. Ink and color wash on paper, hanging scroll © M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd. 

Hsia I-Fu, Waterfalls, 2001. Ink on Xuan paper, 33.5 x 34 cm © M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd. 

M. Sutherland Fine Arts, Ltd. (New York, NY), Guo Hua: Defining Contemporary Chinese Painting,  9-18 march 2017 at 7 East 74th Street, 3rd Floor, New York 10021. T (212) 249 0428 - M (301) 529 2531 - info@msutherland.com - msutherland.com

Lot 643. A magnificent and important zitanluohan bed, luohanchuan, 18th century. Estimate USD 2,000,000 - USD 3,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

The solid shaped back and side panels are fitted into a thick rectangular frame carved with molded edge and set with a mat platform, above a narrow, concave waist and plain, beaded aprons. The whole is raised on thick beaded, inward-curving legs. 29 in. (73.7 cm.) high, 86 ½ in. (219.7 cm.) wide, 50 ½ in. (128.3 cm.) deep

Provenance: Chang Shin Kee, Hong Kong.
My Humble House, Taipei.
Ever Arts Gallery, Hong Kong.
The Marie Theresa L. Virata (1923-2015) Collection.

Note: The luohanchuang, or couch bed, is found in both the private chambers of women and the studio of a literati gentleman. A woodblock print from the Ming dynasty novel, Jin Ping Mei, shows Pan Jinlian, the principal female character, reclining on a luohanchuang with solid rails and inward-curving legs, similar to the present example. In the north, kang platforms were used for sleeping; however, literary texts suggest that luohanchuang were also considered part of the everyday furnishings, as described by Cao Xueqin in Dream of the Red Chamber: “Aroma could see that Parfumee was extremely drunk. Fearing that any but the slightest movement might make her sick, she lifted her up very, very gently, and laid her down beside Bao-Yu on the kang. She herself lay down on the couch opposite” (Penguin Classics, vol. 3, p. 231) (fig. 1). 

Fig. 1. Detail of a woodblock print from Jin Ping Mei, Ming dynasty

A luohanchuang was also considered an essential furnishing for the master's studio. Wen Zhenheng dedicates a chapter to tables and couches in his Treatise on Superfluous Things, writing "when men of old made tables and couches, although the length and width were not standardized, they were invariably antique" (gu), which according to Craig Clunas (Chinese Furniture, p. 11) does not just mean ‘chronologically old’ but implies ‘morally ennobling’. Wen goes on to say, “There is no way that they are not convenient, whether for sitting up, lying down or reclining. In moments of pleasant relaxation they would spread out classic or historical texts, examine works of calligraphy or painting, display ancient bronze vessels, dine or take a nap, as the furniture was suitable for all these things. The men of today make them in a manner which merely prefers carved and painted decoration to delight the vulgar eye, while the antique pieces are cast aside, causing one to sigh in deep regret” (Craig Clunas, Superfluous Things, Material Culture and Social Status in Early Modern China, p. 42).  

The elegant simplicity of this unadorned luohanchuang is derived from its pure form and balanced proportions and represents a true interpretation of the concept of gu, as defined by Wen Zhenheng. 

Christie's. The Marie Theresa L. Virata Collection of Asian Art: A Family Legacy, 16 March 2017, New York, Rockefeller Center

Lot 628. A very rare and impressive huanghuali recessed-leg painting table, jiatousun hua'an, 17th century. Estimate USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

The massive, single floating panel is set in a rectangular frame with beaded edge, above plain, beaded aprons and cloud-form spandrels. The whole is raised on thick legs of rounded section and joined by pairs of stretchers enclosing openwork panels above plain beaded aprons and spandrels. 32 ¾ in. (83.2 cm.) high, 86 ¼ in. (219 cm.) wide, 24 ¾ in. (62.9 cm.) deep

Provenance: Grace Wu Bruce, Hong Kong.
The Marie Theresa L. Virata (1923-2015) Collection.

Note: Large single panel huanghuali painting tables, such as the present example, are extremely rare. It is even rarer to find the unusual feature of the decorated apron framed by pairs of stretchers on the narrow side. A large painting table of slightly smaller proportions (77 3/8 in. wide) with openwork panels between pairs of stretchers is illustrated by Robert Ellsworth in Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties, New York, 1970, p. 155, pl. 51, 51a and 51b (fig. 1). The table published by Ellsworth does not have the finely raised beading on the aprons and spandrels which further distinguish the present example. A smaller painting table with square section legs and stretchers, and also with a beaded openwork panels between pairs of stretchers is illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Sublime and Divine, China, 2015, p. 50-2.

Fig. 1. A huanghuali painting table. Courtesy of Hei Hung Lu.

Lot 640. A very rare pair of zitan'official's hat' armchairs, sichutouguanmaoyi, 17th-18th century. Estimate USD 800,000 - USD 1,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

Each has a well-carved, protruding crestrail supported on a broad S-shaped splat and elegantly curved rear stiles which continue to form the rear legs. The curved arms are supported on tapering, curved vertical braces and curved front posts which continue through the seat frame to form the front legs. The molded seat frame encloses a mat seat, above finely beaded, cusped aprons and spandrels. The legs are joined by stepped stretchers at the sides and a foot rest at the front. 45 ¾ in. (116.2 cm.) high, 24 ½ in. (62.2cm.) wide, 21 ½ in. (54.6 cm.) deep

Provenance: Chang Shing Kee, Hong Kong.
My Humble House, Taipei.
Ever Arts Gallery, Hong Kong.
The Marie Theresa L. Virata (1923-2015) Collection.

Literature: Tsai C.Y., Zitan: The Most Noble Hardwood, My Humble House Publications, Taipei, 1996, p. 34.
Chinese Furniture: Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Magnum (Offset) Printing Co. Ltd, Hong Kong, 1999, back of catalogue advertisement.

Note: In his introduction to Tian Jiaqing’s Destiny with Zitan: Yue Hua Xuan’s Collection of Fine Qing Furniture and Items, Lee Chiu Wah states “zitan is one of the most valuable types of timber in the world. I like zitan, but not only for this reason. Zitan has a slow growth cycle. It takes over 800 years before it can be harvested. It is said that zitan can only survive with the help of heaven and earth. Perhaps because it absorbs so much spiritual essence of heaven and earth, zitan is heavy in specific weight, dark in colour, dense in grain, smooth and subtle as jade, and is elegant and sophisticated.” 

Lot 625. The Ecke Chairs. A very rare pair of huanghuali“south­ern official’s hat” chairs, nanguanmaoyi, 17th-century. Estimate USD 600,000 - USD 800,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

Each is constructed from convex square members. The stepped crestrail is supported by a S-shaped splat and curved back posts which continue to form the rear legs. The curved arms are supported on tapering braces and the front posts which continue through the seat to form the front legs. All are above a mat seat set within a rectangular frame above plain aprons fitted with vertical struts in front and plain aprons and spandrels at the sides and back. The legs are joined by plain stretchers at the sides and a foot rest at the front. 39 in. (99.1 cm.) high, 24 7/8 in. (63 cm.) wide, 21 ½ in. (54.6 cm.) deep

Provenance: The Gustav Ecke (1896-1971) Collection, Honolulu.
Robert Moore, Los Angeles.
The Marie Theresa L. Virata (1923-2015) Collection.

Literature: Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, 1944, p. 104, pl. 82.

As published by Gustav Ecke. Alternate view of lot 626.

Note: Chinese chairs fall into three distinct categories: armchair (guanmaoyi), horseshoe-back armchairs (quanyi), and rose-chairs (meiguiyi). Within these three categories, there exist several sub-sections, such as continuous armchairs, also called “Southern Official’s Hat” armchairs (nanguanmaoyi) and continuous horseshoe-back armchairs. However, newly published furniture references, notably the recently completed multi-volume work by the Palace Museum, Beijing, suggest an unlimited variation of forms within these three basic categories. The 'Ecke' chairs are an example of a variation of the standard armchair. 

The 'Ecke' chairs are constructed entirely of square section members. The only decorative relief from this rigor is the incised line to each edge of each square member, which has been gently worn at the front and sides of the seat frame, the arms, and the foot rest. The closest example to the present pair is a chair published by Zhang Jinhua in The Classical Chinese Furniture of Weiyang, Literati Culture and Craftmanship in the Yangzhou Region During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, 2016, pp. 82-85 (fig. 1), which is of comparable form and displays a similar and unconventional arrangement of the front apron. As noted by the author, the common arrangement has the vertical strut set above a humpback or straight lower stretcher, and directly tenons into the underside of the seat frame, rather than the design shown in the illustrated example, which shows a single panel with an upper and lower horizontal member and vertical struts. Zhang argues that this design is an identifying characteristic of Weiyang furniture.

Fig. 1. A zhazhemu‘southern oficial’s hat’ armchair. Photo courtesy of Zhang Jinhua

Parrot Lamp, Lý Dynasty, 11th - 12th c. A.D., Vietnam. Length: 19.5 cm © Zetterquist Galleries

A stoneware lamp in the shape of a parrot with backward facing head. The piece is finely carved with articulated feathers and facial features, as well as a band of lotus petals forming the base on which it stands. The piece is covered with a finely crackled translucent glaze that pools to a pale green color. The underside is unglazed, revealing a pale buff colored stoneware body. (With chips and fritting to rim.)
This piece is considered unusually fine for its masterful carving of feathers and head, as well as the well-controlled glaze. Other examples of this form can be seen in Vietnamese Ceramics; A Separate Tradition by Stevenson and Guy, Avery Press, 1997. Pls. 34-35.

Zetterquist Galleries (New York, NY), Chinese and Vietnamese Ceramics with Highlights from the Brow Collection, 10-18 march 2017 at 3 East 66th Street, #1B, New York 10065. T (212) 751 0650 - inquiries@zetterquist.com - zetterquist.com