'The Star of Sierra Leone Diamond Brooch', Harry Winston

May 12, 2017, 12:56 pm

≫ Next: A fine peachbloom-glazed amphora, liuye zun , Kangxi six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1662-1722)

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Lot 365. 'The Star of Sierra Leone Diamond Brooch', Harry Winston. Estimate 290,000 — 350,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

Of floral motif, set with a pear-shaped diamond, surrounded with a similarly shaped stone weighing 3.25 carats, and five marquise-shaped diamonds weighing 2.86, 2.97, 3.74, 3.93 and 4.30 carats, further highlighted with marquise-shaped stones, unsigned, maker's mark for Jacques Timey.  

Accompanied by GIA report no. 5182202198, stating that the diamond weighing 3.25 carats is D Colour, Internally Flawless, Excellent Polish; no. 2185202200, stating that the diamond weighing 3.74 carats is D Colour, Internally Flawless, Excellent Polish; no. 2185202070, stating that the diamond weighing 4.30 carats is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity, Excellent Polish, together with a working diagram stating that the diamond may be internally flawless after minor repolishing. 

Literature: Cf.: Laurence S. Krashes, Harry Winston, The Ultimate Jeweler, New York, 1993, pg. 11 for an illustration of this brooch, and pg. 118 for the article on the 'Star of Sierra Leone'. 

Note: "Harry Winston purchased the Star of Sierra Leone in 1972... Originally, the largest stone was a 143.20 carat emerald cut, of fine colour but flawed. Mr. Winston felt that such a large stone should be flawless... The top was sawed horizontally to remove the imperfections. The bottom piece was refashioned to a D-flawless emerald-cut of 35.52 carats. From the top piece that had been removed, six diamonds were fashioned; five of them were D-flawless. These six stones - weighing a total of 21 carats - were used in the Star of Sierra Leone brooch, arranged like the petals of a flower".

Excerpt from Laurence S. Krashes, The Ultimate Jeweler.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3, Geneva, 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM

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A fine peachbloom-glazed amphora, liuye zun , Kangxi six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1662-1722)

May 12, 2017, 1:24 pm

≫ Next: Pair of fine diamond ear clips, Harry Winston

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Lot 3014. A fine peachbloom-glazed amphora, liuye zun , Kangxi six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1662-1722), 6 1/4 in. (16 cm.) high, box. Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 (USD 103,192 - USD 154,788) © Christie’s Images Limited 2017. 

The slender vase has tall rounded shoulders rising to a trumpet neck, all under a peachbloom glaze of rich mottled plum tone thinning in patches to a softer mushroom colour and concentrated in a rich raspberry ring at the foot, the upper body suffused with moss green areas extending around the vessel.  

Provenance: Sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2005, lot 1233

Note: The vase is described as an amphora after the Greek shape, but it is known in Chinese as Guanyin ping as its shape compares well to the libation vase said to contain ambrosia held by many figures of Guanyin, as depicted in paintings and sculptures. It is also known in Chinese as liuye ping, 'willow-leaf vase', owing to its elegant form which resembles that of a willow leaf. 

Similar examples are illustrated by S. Valenstein, Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, pl. 138; by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, p. 176, pl. 817; in Kangxi Yongzheng Qianlong, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 139, pl. 122, from the Beijing Palace Museum; in the Special Exhibition of K'ang-Hsi, Yung-Cheng, Ch'ien-Lung Porcelain Ware from the National Palace Museum, Taibei, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 8; by J. Ayers, The Baur Collection, Geneva, 1972, vol. III, no. A303; by Liu Liang-yu, A Survey of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 5, pl. 55, from the Shanghai Museum; included in the Hong Kong Museum of Art exhibition, The Wonders of the Potter's Palette, 1984, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 29; and by R. M. Chai in his article 'The Eight Prescribed Peach-bloom Shapes Bearing the K'ang Hsi Marks', published in Oriental Art, 1957, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 130-137, where he praises the elegant form of the vase. Compare also to an example with the lower body fitted with a gilt-metal band, formerly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 17 September 2015, lot 918.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall, Hong Kong

Pair of fine diamond ear clips, Harry Winston

May 12, 2017, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: Christie's sale of jewels in New York to offer The Rockefeller Emerald

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Lot 309. Pair of fine diamond ear clips, Harry Winston. Estimate 405,000 — 610,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

Each set with pear-shaped diamonds ranging from 2.26 to 4.40 carats, unsigned, numbered, one ear clip with maker's marks for Jacques Timey. 

Accompanied by six GIA reports stating that the tested diamonds weighing from 3.98 to 4.40 carats, are D to E Colour, VVS2 to SI2 Clarity. 

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3, Geneva, 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM

Christie's sale of jewels in New York to offer The Rockefeller Emerald

May 13, 2017, 12:55 am

≫ Next: Jar painted with lotus scroll, Yongle period (1403-1424)

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The Rockefeller Emerald. An Emerald and Diamond Ring, by Raymond Yard. Set with an octagonal step-cut emerald of approximately 18.04 carats. Estimate: $4,000,000-6,000,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2017.

NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York announced The Rockefeller Emerald highlighting its June 20th Magnificent Jewels New York auction. Sold on behalf of a private American Collector, this historically important gemstone is among the finest emeralds to be offered for sale at auction (Estimate: $4,000,000 – $6,000,000). 

This stunning emerald was acquired in 1930 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. as the centerpiece of a brooch given to his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Upon her death in 1948 the 18.04 carat emerald was bequeathed to their youngest son, David Rockefeller. Honoring the trusted relationship formed by his father, David Rockefeller called upon Raymond Yard to design a setting that would perfectly highlight the superior quality and beauty of what had become a family gemstone. Mr. Yard successfully executed one of his most important private commissions. This stunning stone later passed from the Rockefeller family into private ownership and is being offered on behalf of An Important American Collector, who acquired it over a decade ago, and still maintains the same magnificent setting nearly seventy years later. 

Tom Burstein, Head of US Jewelry: “The Rockefeller Emerald is one of the best gemstones to ever be offered at auction and its superior beauty and quality are matched only by its historic name. Christie’s is especially proud to be offering this Raymond Yard ring in the heart of Rockefeller Center, in our New York Saleroom.”

Jar painted with lotus scroll, Yongle period (1403-1424)

May 13, 2017, 1:24 am

≫ Next: Vase, Yongle period (1403-1424)

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Jar painted with lotus scroll, Yongle period (1403-1424). Porcelain painted in underglaze blue. The neck damaged under a Tibetan metal mount. The mount 19th century set with turquoise. Given by the Misses M. S. and M. A. Bloxam and Mr W. R. Bloxam, C.131-1928 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017. 

Vase, Yongle period (1403-1424)

May 13, 2017, 1:32 am

≫ Next: Flask painted with underglaze blue dragon, Yongle period (1403-1424)

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Vase, Yongle period (1403-1424). Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue, of meiping form with narrow contracted neck and small mouth. Height: 24.7 cm, Diameter: 15.2 cm. Painted with a design of lotus and scrolling foliage between decorative borders, all much blurred under a clear glaze full of tiny bubbles. C.5-1928 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017.  

Flask painted with underglaze blue dragon, Yongle period (1403-1424)

May 13, 2017, 1:36 am

≫ Next: Flask, Yongle period, 1400-1430, Ming dynasty

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Flask painted with underglaze blue dragon, Yongle period (1403-1424). Height: 44.8 cm. FE.4-1974. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017.  

Flask, Yongle period, 1400-1430, Ming dynasty

May 13, 2017, 1:44 am

≫ Next: Large dish with with floral scroll, Yongle period, 1403-1424

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Flask, Yongle period, 1400-1430, Ming dynasty. Blue and white porcelain. Glazed and decorated porcelain and cobalt. Height: 13 in, Diameter: 8.5 in. 554-1878 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017.  

The main body of the flask is of flattened circular form, the neck is narrow at the shoulder and widens at the top. Two slender handles adjoin the neck and the shoulder. Decorated in underglaze blue with a stylised lotus design, simple banded decoration and floral scrolls.

Historical significance: The shape of this flask is based on a leather form traditionally used by the nomadic people of the North west regions of China. It is often referred to in Chinese as a 'Bianhu' and is also widely known as a pilgrim flask. 

Similar pieces are known to exist in the Percival David Foundation collection, the Sedgwick collection and the Topkapi Sarray, Istanbul - also dating to the Yongle period.

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Large dish with with floral scroll, Yongle period, 1403-1424

May 13, 2017, 1:55 am

≫ Next: Bowl, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, Yongle period (1403-24)

≪ Previous: Flask, Yongle period, 1400-1430, Ming dynasty

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Large dish with with floral scroll, Yongle period, 1403-1424. Porcelain painted in underglaze blue. Diameter: 38.4 cm. 1712-1876  © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017.  

The central area is decorated with large and small floral motifs (including lotuses) on broad scrollwork, while the cavetto features separate motifs of large individual blossoms surrounded by smaller ones.

Blue-and-white porcelain was first produced when China was under Mongol rule (1279-1368). It was originally made for export to the Middle East, where it remained popular for centuries. This dish found its way to Iran. Marks on the back show that Shah Abbas donated it to the shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din in Ardabil in 1611.

This dish is a fine example of blue-and-white porcelain from the early 15th century. At that time the Yongle Emperor sent seven expeditions from China to south-east Asia and the Middle East, led by the eunuch admiral Zheng He. Historians believe that large dishes of this type were given as diplomatic gifts.

The Chinese usually served food in small or medium-sized dishes, but not large ones such as this. Large dishes were made primarily for sale to the countries of central or south-east Asia. A significant quantity of both green-glazed stoneware and blue-and-white porcelain has survived there today.

Bowl, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, Yongle period (1403-24)

May 13, 2017, 2:03 am

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Bowl, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, Yongle period (1403-24). Diameter: 15.9 cm, Height: 8.1 cm. Given by Mrs W. Roberts in memory of A.D. Brankston, C.15-1952 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2017.

Bowl, hemispherical body becoming slightly pointed towards base, rather high footrim trimmed flat, the underside of the base being slightly conical. Inside a running scroll of leaves and rosette-like flowers, below a border composed of bisected trefoils disposed alternately in the angles of a zigzag line. In the centre, a quatrefoil rosette within a narrow border, encircled by a row of ogival panels interlaced by a series of linked trefoils. Outside four formalised flowers alternating with decorative motives below a narrow border of running plant-scroll. Round the footring, a running wave-scroll. Radiating from the base, a calyx of lanceolate leaf-forms.

 

Sapphire and diamond ring

May 13, 2017, 2:14 am

≫ Next: Important sapphire and diamond ring, Tiffany & Co., circa 1910

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Lot 329. 11.83 carats sugarloaf sapphire and diamond ring. Estimate 505,000 — 710,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Set with a sugarloaf sapphire stated to weigh 11.83 carats, the mount pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, size 51, Swiss maker's mark. 

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM

Important sapphire and diamond ring, Tiffany & Co., circa 1910

May 13, 2017, 2:24 am

≫ Next: Sapphire and diamond necklace, circa 1880

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Lot 360. Important 9.79 carats Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, Tiffany & Co., circa 1910. Estimate 405,000 — 610,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Claw-set with a sugarloaf sapphire weighing 9.79 carats, the shoulders set with circular-cut diamonds, size 56, signed Tiffany & Co.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 83146 and Gübelin report no. 17040182, each stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Sophia Augusta Brown, only daughter of John Carter Brown of Providence and Newport, Rhode Island. Purchased from Tiffany & Co.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM

Sapphire and diamond necklace, circa 1880

May 13, 2017, 2:30 am

≫ Next: Sapphire and diamond ring

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Lot 344. Property of a Roman princely family. Ceylon  Sapphire and diamond necklace, circa 1880. Estimate 305,000 — 510,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Set with cushion-, oval and pear-shaped sapphires highlighted with cushion-shaped, circular-, single-cut and rose diamonds, inner circumference 310mm, with additional later added link length approximately 363mm. 

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 91993, stating that the sapphires are of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM

Sapphire and diamond ring

May 13, 2017, 4:55 am

≫ Next: Sapphire and diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels

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Lot 337. 24.50 carats Burmese  sapphire and diamond ring. Estimate 155,000 — 255,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 24.50 carats, the shoulders highlighted with baguette diamonds, size 53

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 88980, stating that the sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. 

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM 

Sapphire and diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels

May 13, 2017, 5:04 am

≫ Next: A fine and rare ruby-backed famille rose tea bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of

≪ Previous: Sapphire and diamond ring

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Lot 324. Sapphire and diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate 82,000 — 122,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Composed of calibré-cut sapphires en serti mystérieux, between two lines of collet-set brilliant-cut diamonds, length approximately 175mm, signed V.C.A, numbered, French assay and maker’s marks, case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM 

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A fine and rare ruby-backed famille rose tea bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of

May 13, 2017, 5:16 am

≫ Next: Fine ruby and diamond ring, Chaumet

≪ Previous: Sapphire and diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels

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Lot 3015. A fine and rare ruby-backed famille rose tea bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HKD 1,500,000 - HKD 2,500,000 (USD 193,452 - USD 322,419) ©Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The bowl is finely potted with steep rounded sides rising from a straight foot. The interior is finely decorated with three asymmetrically arranged prunus flowerheads and the exterior is covered with orange peel textured pink enamel stopping neatly at the foot.

Note: While similar ruby-backed bowls dated to the Yongzheng period have been published, it is very rare to find an example decorated with the additional flowerheads on the interior. Compare to a pair of similarly decorated ruby-backed bowls of slightly smaller size (9.1 cm. diam.) in the J. M. Hu Collection, illustrated in Qing Imperial Monochromes: The Zande Lou Collection, Hong Kong, 2005, p. 66-7, pl. 16.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall

Fine ruby and diamond ring, Chaumet

May 13, 2017, 5:22 am

≫ Next: A very rare moulded lemon-yellow enamelled floral-form bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double cir

≪ Previous: A fine and rare ruby-backed famille rose tea bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of

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Lot 341. Fine 4.52 carats Burmese ruby and diamond ring, Chaumet. Estimate 120,000 — 180,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Set with a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 4.52 carats, between triangular diamond shoulders, size 51, signed Chaumet, French assay and partial maker's marks, case stamped Chaumet.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 90073, stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM 

 

A very rare moulded lemon-yellow enamelled floral-form bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double cir

May 13, 2017, 5:36 am

≫ Next: Natural pearl and diamond devant-de-corsage-tiara combination

≪ Previous: Fine ruby and diamond ring, Chaumet

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Lot 3016. A very rare moulded lemon-yellow enamelled floral-form bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1723-1735), 8 1/8 in. (20.7 cm.) diam., box. Estimate HKD 1,500,000 - HKD 2,500,000 (USD 193,452 - USD 322,419) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The exterior is finely moulded with a band of lobed petal lappets above the short straight foot ring, the flared sides formed by swirling and overlapping broad mallow-flower petals continuing to the lobed mouth rim, the interior is moulded to conform with the exterior, applied overall with a rich opaque lemon-yellow enamel, the concave base in a transparent glaze bearing the reign mark.

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 October 2003, lot 703

Note: It is very rare to find a monochrome moulded bowl in this size from the Yongzheng period, as most other examples are around 15 cm. in diametre. Only one other large example in this dimension appears to have been published, which is covered in a lime-green enamel and sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 October 2003, lot 3134. Smaller examples include a pair in lemon-yellow enamel (15.2 cm. diam.) from the E.T. Hall collection, sold at Christie’s London, 7th June 2004, lot 277; one in lime-green enamel (15.5 cm), published in Rose Kerr, Chinese Ceramics, Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, London, 1986, p. 92, pl. 66; and a white-glazed bowl (15.5 cm.) in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Gugong Bowuyuan cang Qingdai yuyao ciqi [Porcelains from the Qing dynasty imperial kilns in the Palace Museum], vol. 1, pt. II, Beijing, 2005, pl. 96. 

Other close variants bearing similar moulded design from this period include a white-glazed wine cup moulded with longer petals on the upper tier with incised details, illustrated in The Wonders of the Potter’s Palette, Qing Ceramics from the Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1984, p. 101, cat. no. 58; and a pair of yellow-enamelled dishes sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 October 2001, lots 802 and 803. 

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall

Natural pearl and diamond devant-de-corsage-tiara combination

May 13, 2017, 6:06 am

≫ Next: A fine and rare simulated-bronze bamboo-form tripod censer, Qianlong gilt and impressed six-character seal mark and of the perio

≪ Previous: A very rare moulded lemon-yellow enamelled floral-form bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double cir

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Lot 361. Natural pearl and diamond devant-de-corsage-tiara combination. Estimate 82,000 — 125,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's.

Of foliage design, composed of eight detachable motifs, each set with circular-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds, highlighted with round white, cream, brown and grey natural pearls, length approximately 240mm, two brooch fittings, tiara frame accented with rose-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds, attributed to Chaumet, fitted case stamped Chaumet.

Accompanied by a gemmological report.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Session 3. Geneva. 16 May 2017, 07:00 PM 

A fine and rare simulated-bronze bamboo-form tripod censer, Qianlong gilt and impressed six-character seal mark and of the perio

May 13, 2017, 6:23 am

≫ Next: Diamond necklace

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Lot 3017. A fine and rare simulated-bronze bamboo-form tripod censer, Qianlong gilt and impressed six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795), 3 1/2 in. (9 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 1,200,000 - HKD 2,000,000 (USD 154,761 - USD 257,935) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The censer is well potted in the form of a small lian censer, the cylindrical body moulded with three concave bands and raised on three U-shaped bamboo feet, the base with three small faux-spur marks, covered overall with a rich brown glaze highlighted with gold flecks in imitation of gilt-splashed bronze. Japanese basket weave silver cover, Japanese wood box

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28 April 2003, lot 529

Note: n the 18th century, porcelain was frequently used to simulate works of art made from other media, including entirely gilt-bronze or gilt-splashed varieties. An almost identical censer, also bearing a Qianlong mark, was sold at Sotheby’s London, 9 June 1992, lot 268. Compare also other types of simulated gilt-splashed bronze, such as the bulb bowl with a Qianlong mark, illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol. 2, Geneva, 1999, pl. 254 [A655].

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall