Lot 1717. Diamond Bangle, Bulgari. Estimate HK$320,000–450,000 (41,000–58,000 USD). Photo: Sotheby's
Set with circular-cut, baguette and tapered baguette diamonds weighing approximately 19.00 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, signed Bulgari, numbered, Italian assay and maker's marks, inner circumference approximately 150mm.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 04 Apr 2017, 02:30 PM
Lot 1650. Pair of Yellow Gold and Diamond Clips, 'Ludo-Hexagone', Van Cleef & Arpels, Circa 1940. Estimate HK$280,000–380,000 (36,000–49,000 USD). Photo: Sotheby's.
Each designed as a stylised buckle embellished with circular-, old European- and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.30 carats in total, mounted in yellow gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French assay and maker's marks.
Literature: Cf.: Evelyne Possémé, Van Cleef & Arpels - The Art of High Jewelry, Paris, 2012, pg. 94 and 95 for similar examples by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 04 Apr 2017, 02:30 PM
Lot 87. An incised sancai pillow and an amber-glazed marbled pillow, Tang dynasty (618-907). Estimate HKD 70,000 - HKD 90,000 (USD 9,057 - USD 11,645) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The sancai pillow is incised to the top with a stylised floral scroll bearing two blossoms, picked out in green, amber and cream glazes, the four sides resist-decorated in cream against a rich amber ground, one of which is pierced, the base mostly unglazed revealing the pale buff body. The marbled pillow is decorated to the top with a pattern of ovoid insets, with some further areas of marbling on the rounded sides, one of which is punctuated, covered overall with a deep amber glaze with the exception of the centre of the base encircled with three spur marks.
Sancai pillow: 5 in. (12.6 cm.) wide; marbled pillow: 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm.) wide, boxes
Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 21 November 1985.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 88. A Shanxi moulded amber-glazed 'Double-Lion' pillow, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm.) long, Japanese wood box. Estimate HKD 40,000 - HKD 80,000 (USD 5,175 - USD 10,351) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The pillow is shaped as two opposing lion heads, the top panel moulded with a honeycomb pattern, glazed all-over including the base with a rich amber glaze, with sporadic splashes of green glaze. There is a ventilation hole at the back and two small spur marks on both the front and back sides.
Literature: Dream Quest: The Mark Lam Collection of Chinese Ceramic Pillows, Shanghai, 2008, pl. 49.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 58. A Yue alms bowl and a celadon-glazed 'Guanyin' censer, Five Dynasties (907-960). Estimate HKD 70,000 - HKD 100,000 (USD 9,057 - USD 12,939) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The alms bowl is covered overall with a yellowish-brown glaze with the exception of the base left unglazed exposing the grey biscuit. The censer is potted with a row of seated figures of Guanyin around the shoulder and flanked on both sides with loop handles. It is covered overall in a greyish-celadon glaze stopping in an irregular line above the buff biscuit foot.
The larger: 5 in. (13 cm.) diam., boxes.
Provenance: Yue alms bowl: acquired in San Francisco, 8 November 1998
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 59. A Yue carved 'peony' washer, Five Dynasties (907-960), 5 1/4 in. (13 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000 (USD 12,939 - USD 19,408) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The washer is carved with a peony spray on the interior and covered overall with a glaze of pale celadon tone.
Provenance: Acquired in San Francisco, 20 February 1995
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 95 A Yue moulded and incised ewer, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), 7 ¾ in. (19.5 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 60,000 - HKD 80,000 (USD 7,763 - USD 10,351) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The body is moulded and incised with six sets of equidistant narrow vertical paired strips, and incised on each side with a florette enclosed within a double shaped cartouche.
Provenance: Acquired in San Francisco, 20 February 1995
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 96. A fine Yue celadon lotus leaf-form bowl, Five Dynasties (907-960), 5 1/2 in. (14 cm.) long, box. Estimate HKD 350,000 - HKD 600,000 (USD 45,285 - USD 77,631) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The bowl is potted with flaring sides, with two ends of the mouth incurving and undulating in reminiscence of a lotus leaf, the interior is lightly incised with leaf veins, covered overall with a yellowish-olive toned glaze with the exception of the ring foot revealing the light greyish-brown body.
Provenance: Acquired in San Francisco, 20 February 1995
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 1780. Important Burmese "Pigeon's Blood" 5.04 carats Ruby and Diamond Ring, Cartier. Estimate 8,000,000 — 12,000,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.
Set with an oval ruby weighing 5.04 carats, embellished with circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.40 carats in total, mounted in platinum, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay and maker's marks. Ring size: 7¾, case stamped Cartier.
Accompanied by Gübelin and SSEF reports numbered 17021109 and 90509, dated 17 February 2017 and 28 February 2017 respectively, stating that the 5.04 carat ruby is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by SSEF Appendix. Further accompanied by GIA report numbered 2257135653, dated 1 March 2017, stating that the ruby is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; GIA further stating that the colour appearance of this stone is described in the trade as "Pigeon's Blood".
Set with an oval ruby weighing 5.02 carats, flanked on each side by a heart-shaped ruby weighing 2.12 and 1.89 carats respectively, decorated with circular-cut diamonds, mounted in white and yellow gold. Ring size: 6.
Accompanied by Gübelin and SSEF reports numbered 15116186 / 1 to 3 and 85054, dated 1 December 2015 and 18 March 2016 respectively, stating that all the rubies are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by Gübelin Appendix letter stating that the rubies are ‘…well-matched…display high transparency and a richly saturated colour.’; further accompanied by SSEF Appendix letter stating that ‘…natural rubies from Burma of this size and matching quality can be considered rare and exceptional.’
Also accompanied by Gübelin and GRS reports numbered 13036128 and GRS2013-035165, dated 28 March 2013 and 1 April 2013 respectively, stating that the 5.02 carat ruby is natural, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. GRS also stated that the colour of this ruby is vivid red (GRS type “pigeon’s blood”)
Further accompanied by two Gübelin and two GRS reports, numbered 15097178, 12066025, GRS2008-071335 and GRS2015-071152 respectively, stating that the 2.12 and 1.89 carat rubies are natural, of Burmese origin, may also be called “pigeon blood red” in the trade, with no indications of heating.
Lot 1654. Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Estimate 1,950,000 — 2,800,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.
Of fringe design, suspending cushion-shaped, circular-cut and oval rubies embellished with circular- and single-cut diamonds, supported by a line of similarly shaped rubies decorated with circular-cut diamonds, the rubies and diamonds weighing approximately 85.00 and 23.50 carats in total respectively, mounted in platinum and white gold, one synthetic ruby, length approximately 410mm.
Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 36438, dated 11 November 2000, stating that fifty-four rubies are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating, and one is a synthetic ruby.
Lot 1758. Pair ofBrazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Pendent Earrings. Estimate 2,400,000 — 2,800,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.
Each set with an oval alexandrite weighing 4.78 and 4.56 carats respectively, surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds, suspended from the circular-cut diamond surmount, the diamonds stated to weigh approximately 8.48 carats in total, mounted in 18 karat white gold and platinum.
Accompanied by two Gübelin reports numbered 16081059 and 16081060, both dated 23 August 2016, stating that the 4.78 and 4.56 carat alexandrites are natural, of Brazilian origin, with no indications of treatment.
Lot 1796. Important Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace. Estimate 3,000,000 — 3,900,000 HKD (362,743 - 471,566 EUR). Lot sold 8,620,000 HKD (1,042,281 EUR). Photo Sotheby's
Composed of sixty-three graduated natural pearls measuring approximately 15.10 to 5.30mm, the front spaced by faceted diamond beads and rondelles, completed by a clasp set with a button-shaped pearl and old European-cut diamonds, the diamonds weighing approximately 6.00 carats in total, mounted in silver and yellow gold, length approximately 600mm.
Accompanied by Gübelin and SSEF reports numbered 17011090 and 90961, dated 3 February 2017 and 9 March 2017, stating that the sixty-three pearls tested are natural saltwater pearls; also accompanied by SSEF Appendix stating that '...assembling a matching selection of natural pearls of this quality and size can be considered rare and exceptional'
Beauty at Birth
Natural pearls are true treasures of Earth. Unlike crystalline gemstones, pearls emerge as finished products that do not require cutting to produce their renowned iridescence and lustre. Each created unique, natural pearls are reflections of the conditions under which they were born.
Quintessential to any famed jewellery collection, the mesmerising qualities of pearls have inspired mankind since antiquity, possessing a 'divine' quality with universal appeal. Famously associated with women exuding special aura, natural pearls have the ability to reflect the complexion and personality of the wearer in a way no other gem can rival.
One of the most famous and notable single strands of natural pearls sold at auction is that from the collection of the Duchess of Windsor/Kelly Klein. Gifted by Queen Mary to King Edward, later given the title the Duke of Windsor, this necklace was sold in the historic "Duchess of Windsor" sale by Sotheby's Geneva in 1987, and again in 2007 by Sotheby's New York from the "Collection of Kelly and Calvin Klein", achieving US$3.6million in the 2007 sale.
Lot 1796's centre pearl boasts a remarkable size, measuring an impressive 15.1mm. A wonderment of nature, this pearl would have taken approximately a decade for its uninterrupted natural formation, maintaining the desired spherical shape. Fastidiously selected pearls of graduated size, matching colour and celebrated lustre fashion this classic and timeless necklace which Sotheby's is proud to offer at auction.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 04 Apr 2017
Lot 20. An aquamarine 'Mythical beast' seal, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 2 in. (5 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 30,000 - HKD 50,000 (USD 3,878 - USD 6,463). Price realised HKD 187,500 (USD 24,238) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The seal is carved to the upper finial with a recumbent mythical beast with a long bifurcated tail, above a chilong and bat clambering up one narrow side, and a bat hovering above a lingzhi spray on the other side. The stone is of a transparent, pale turquoise tone
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 21. A pink tourmaline pendant, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 1 3/4 in. (3.5 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 50,000 - HKD 80,000 (USD 6,463 - USD 10,341). Price realised HKD 93,750 (USD 12,119) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The stone is carved with two chilong clambering on the sides of a large lingzhi head emerging from a branch bearing smaller lingzhi. The translucent stone is of an attractive, intense ruby-pink tone.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 167. A dark spinach-green jade cong, Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1100 BC), 3 ½ in. (8.9 cm.) high, box. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 260,000 (USD 19,390 - USD 33,610). Price realised HKD 187,500 (USD 24,238) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The thick-sided square-section facetted exterior is left undecorated, terminating in a short circular foot and mouth, the interior aperture of characteristic circular section, the highly polished stone of an attractive mottled dark sea-green tone.
Provenance: Alex Vervoodt, Amsterdam
The personal collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, acquired prior to 1996
Sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 November 2007, lot 1592
Literature: Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 2
Exhibited: Christie's New York, 13-26 March 2001
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, August 2003 - December 2004
Note: Compare a cong of similar form in the British Museum illustrated by J. Rawson, Chinese Jade, London, 1995, p. 151, fig. 2; compare also a somewhat larger undecorated spinach-green jade cong included in the exhibition, Chinese Jade, An Important Private Collection, Spink and Sons, November 1991, in the catalogue, no. 23.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 166. A carved russet and white jade ‘chilong’ disc, bi, Song-Ming dynasty (960-1644), 4¼ in. (10.7 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000 (USD 12,927 - USD 19,390). Price realised HKD 112,500 (USD 14,543) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The disc is carved in high relief with two kui dragons, the reverse carved with ruyi-heads and dot motifs. The stone is of a yellowish-beige tone with minor mottling and some russet and grey inclusions.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 164. A white jade carving of a qilin, mid-Qing dynasty, 3 in. (8 cm.) long. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000 (USD 12,927 - USD 19,390). Price realised HKD 200,000 (USD 25,854) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The stone is finely carved in the round with a recumbent single-horned qilin, grasping a lingzhi spray in its mouth. The stone is of an even white tone with concentrated areas of pale russet.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 194. A large cinnabar lacquer petal-lobed dish, Yuan-Ming dynasty (1279-1644), 14 1/2 in. (37 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 150,000 (USD 10,341 - USD 19,390). Price realised HKD 100,000 (USD 12,927) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The interior and sides are covered with red lacquer and the base is covered with a lustrous darkish-brown lacquer.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
Lot 193. A carved cinnabar lacquer ‘peony’ box and cover, Ming dynasty, 15th century, 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) diam., Japanese wood box. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000 (USD 12,927 - USD 19,390). Price realised HKD 100,000 (USD 12,927) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.
The metal-bodied box and cover are each carved with a peony blossom in the centre amidst smaller blooms and leaves. The interiors are applied with brown lacquer.
Christie's. The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 April 2017, Hong Kong
