Lot 2037. An important pair of 12.85 and 12.79 carats Type IIa pear-shaped diamond and diamond ear pendants. Estimate HKD 12,500,000 - HKD 18,000,000 (USD US$1,600,000-2,300,000). © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Wallace Chan made his pledge to art at an early age. He made plastic flowers as a child and trained as a sculptor in his teens. From there, he expanded his creative universe and honed his skills for the next 40 years.

Within these four decades, Wallace Chan has reinvented himself many times as an artist. At the beginning of his career, he often created exquisite pieces featuring traditional Chinese icons. As time progressed, several distinct features stood out: nature, philosophy, and sculpture. His butterflies and flowers are fauvist and opulent, emulating nature to symbolize harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. His pieces inspire an inner Zen, and his sculptural forms are classically romantic, with a modern twist. 

Internationally acclaimed artist aside, Chan is also a world class innovator, who has experimented with countless methods and materials to perfect the techniques required to realize his imagination. His achievements include a jadeite luminosity enhancing technology, several specialized approaches to cutting and setting, the mastering of titanium as a structural support, and the celebrated “Wallace Cut”. 

Christie’s is delighted to present “Wallace Chan: the Beginning of a Genius”, a superb collection Chan created during his period of self-discovery in the late 20th century. A comprehensive assemblage ranging from reinterpreted traditional icons such as Chinese zodiac signs made from carved quartz, to contemporary jewels with gems of fierce colors. The telltale signs of Chan’s success are already evident: the scrupulous craftsmanship, the juxtaposition of pure hues and the clever designs that often bring a surprise.

Hence the beginning of a Genius.

Wallace Chan is a Hong Kong based jewellery artist who has attained international success through innovation in techniques and materials.

Born in 1956 in Fujian, China, Chan found his artistic calling early, fashioning flowers out of plastic at age 8. At 16 he began an apprenticeship with a sculptor in a traditional workshop. Feeling stifled and in need of a creative outlet, he left after 9 months to hone his skills in carving raised intaglio and sunken cameo reliefs. 

For the next 40 years, Chan experimented with a wide spectrum of techniques and materials to realize his artistic vision. In the process, he invented a jadeite thinning and luminosity enhancing technology, and introduced the “Wallace cut” of carving designs within a gemstone. Favouring the use of titanium in jewels, he pioneered new methods of cutting and setting to minimize the visibility of metal between precious stones. 

Chan seeks to bridge East and West in his aesthetics. Contemporary Western style with Oriental themes of Buddhism and Nature predominates Chan’s works. His creations attract an international following and are regularly featured in the worldwide media. He was the first Chinese jewellery artist to exhibit at TEFAF New York (2016) and Maastricht (2017), and the Biennale des Antiquaires Paris (2012, 2014). He had given guest lectures at the invitation of prestigious institutions, including the Cooper Hewitt Museum (2015), Victoria and Albert Museum (2016), and more recently, Harvard University (2017) and Central Saint Martins (2017).

Lot 1934. A quartz and diamond pendant necklace, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 40,000 - HKD 60,000 (USD 5,000- USD 7,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The oval-shaped rutilated quartz carved on the reverse as a monkey holding a peach, to the circular-cut diamond surmount, mounted in gold, 44.2 cm. Signed 陳世英作 for Wallace Chan.

Lot 1935. A quartz and diamond pendant necklace, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 40,000 - HKD 60,000 (USD 5,000- USD 7,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The oval-shaped rutilated quartz carved on the reverse as a rooster, to the circular-cut diamond surmount, mounted in gold, 44.5 cm. Signed 陳世英作 for Wallace Chan.

Lot 1936. A quartz and diamond pendant necklace, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 40,000 - HKD 60,000 (USD 5,000- USD 7,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The oval-shaped rutilated quartz carved on the reverse as a dog, to the circular-cut diamond surmount, mounted in gold, 39.0 cm. Signed 陳世英作 for Wallace Chan.

Lot 1937. A pair of fancy gray and light gray "Chameleon" diamond, diamond and mother-of-pearl ear pendants, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 160,000 - HKD 250,000 (USD 20,000- USD 30,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each suspending a circular-cut fancy gray and light gray diamond, weighing approximately 1.33 and 1.23 carats respectively, within a diamond surround, the reverse enhanced by mother-of-pearl, to the similarly designed surmount and diamond bar spacer, mounted in titanium, 3.2 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 14816533 dated 31 October 2005 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.33 carat diamond is fancy gray colour.

Report no. 13791887 dated 20 December 2004 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.23 carat diamond is light gray colour, and the colour of the stone changes temporarily when gently heated, or when left in darkness for a period of time and is known in the trade as "Chameleon" .

Please note that the reports are more than 5 years old and might require an update.

Lot 1938. A pair of coloured diamond, diamond and mother-of-pearl cufflinks, Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 160,000 - HKD 250,000 (USD 20,000- USD 30,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each set to the center with a square-shaped fancy light pinkish purple and fancy light purple diamond, weighing approximately 0.27 and 0.26 carat, within a circular-cut pink diamond surround, flanked by baguette-cut diamonds and mother-of-pearl panels, lined by circular-cut diamonds, extending to the opposing panel, mounted in platinum and gold, 1.6 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

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

Accompanied by report no. 10815639 dated 19 October 1999 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 0.27 carat diamond is fancy light pinkish purple colour, SI1 clarity.

Report no. 10815644 dated 19 October 1999 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 0.26 carat diamond is fancy light purple colour, VS1 clarity.

Please note that the reports are more than 5 years old and might require an update.

Lot 1939. A diamond and rock crystal ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 120,000 - HKD 180,000 (USD 15,000- USD 25,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The rock crystal bombé ring, set to the center with a circular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.90 carat, flanked by similarly-cut diamonds, extending to the gallery and accents, mounted in gold, ring size 5 ¾. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 13513726 dated 10 June 2004 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 0.90 carat diamond is F colour, VS2 clarity.

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

Lot 1940. A fancy pink-brown diamond, diamond and agate ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 320,000 - HKD 480,000 (USD 40,000- USD 60,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The stylized circular-cut diamond ring, set to the center with a circular-cut fancy pink-brown diamond, weighing approximately 1.06 carats, atop an agate, mounted in titanium, ring size 6 ¼. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 16282161 dated 31 July 2007 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy pink-brown colour.

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

Lot 1941. An octagonal-shaped diamond, topaz and opal ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 480,000 - HKD 650,000 (USD 60,000- USD 80,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Centering on an octagonal-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 3.01 carats, atop an assembled topaz and opal, to the circular-cut diamond prong, gallery and hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 6. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 15009937 dated 6 March 2006 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is H colour, VS1 clarity.

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

Lot 1942. A set of topaz and diamond jewellery, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 240,000 - HKD 350,000 (USD 30,000- USD 44,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Comprising a topaz pendant, centering on a cross-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 2.01 carats, to the circular-cut diamond outline and briolette diamond accents, and a ring en suite, centering on a circular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 1.02 carats, within a star-shaped diamond trim, atop a topaz and diamond gallery extending to the half-hoop, mounted in gold, pendant 6.0 cm, ring size 6 ½. Ring signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 13660059 dated 27 August 2004 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.02 carat diamond is F colour, VVS2 clarity.

Report no. 12967054 dated 29 October 2003 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 2.01 carat diamond is E colour, VS1 clarity.

Please note that the reports are more than 5 years old and might require an update.

Lot 1943. A magnificent topaz sculpture, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 800,000 (USD 65,000- USD 100,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The surface carved with a ship and a profile of a woman overlooking a castle that is skillfully carved inside the blue topaz, to the two layered platform, 13.4 cm. Signed Wallace Chan

Lot 1944. A diamond Rat ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 250,000 (USD 20,000- USD 30,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Designed as a rat holding a circular-cut diamond, mounted in titanium, ring size 6 ¼. Signed Wallace Chan.

Lot 1945. A diamond and garnet hulu pendant necklace, Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 120,000 (USD 10,000- USD 15,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The hulu pendant embellished with similar motifs set with circular-cut garnets and diamonds, to the hidden chain with diamond accents, mounted in titanium, pendant 7.5 cm, necklace 64.0 cm.

Lot 1946. A jadeite, diamond and yellow diamond pendant necklace,by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 1,600,000 - HKD 2,600,000 (USD 200,000- USD 330,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Suspending a jadeite finger citron carved with a mythical beast on both sides, surmounted by a yellow diamond hulu and foliate details, to the marquise-cut yellow diamond, pear and marquise-cut diamond accents, joined to the neckchain, mounted in gold, carving approximately 36.8 x 24.0 x 8.3 mm, necklace 48.5 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. KJ96722 dated 6 October 2017 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the carving is natural colour Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) without any resin.

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

Lot 1947. A jadeite, diamond and yellow diamond pendant necklace, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 (USD 100,000- USD 150,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Suspending a jadeite plaque pierced and carved with chilong dragon and ruyi motifs, decorated with circular-cut yellow diamond and diamond clouds, to the neckchain, mounted in gold, plaque approximately 39.2 x 37.5 x 5.1 mm, necklace 44.5 cm. 

Accompanied by report no. KJ96723 dated 6 October 2017 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the plaque is natural colour Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) without any resin.

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

Lot 1948. A 6.25 carats fancy brownish yellow diamond, pink sapphire, amethyst and garnet ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 480,000 - HKD 650,000 (USD 60,000- USD 80,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Centering on a circular-cut fancy brownish yellow diamond, weighing approximately 6.25 carats, within a circular-cut pink sapphire trim, atop an amethyst, wrapped by an openwork stylized circular-cut garnet gallery, mounted in titanium, ring size 5 ¾. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 13388070 dated 20 May 2004 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy brownish yellow colour, VS2 clarity.

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

Lot 1949. A 7.39 carats cabochon opal, garnet and rock crystal ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 640,000 - HKD 950,000 (USD 80,000- USD 120,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Centering on a cabochon opal, weighing approximately 7.39 carats, within a circular-cut garnet border, atop a rock crystal, wrapped by a circular-cut diamond stylized gallery, mounted in titanium, ring size 6 ¼. Signed Wallace Chan.

Accompanied by report no. 6117368890 dated 11 November 2009 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the opal is of natural colour with no indications of colour treatment .

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

 Lot 1950. A cushion-shaped green-yellow diamond, amethyst, opal and lapis lazuli ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 350,000 - HKD 550,000 (USD 45,000- USD 70,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Centering upon a cushion-shaped green-yellow diamond, within a circular-cut diamond border, on top of a amethyst, opal and lapis lazuli, to the circular-cut yellow and brown diamond tentacle prongs extending to the half-hoop, with reverse-set circular-cut sapphire detail, mounted in titanium, ring size 6 ¼. Signed Wallace Chan.

Lot 1951. A hexagonal-shaped diamond, topaz, diamond and sapphire ring, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 650,000 (USD 50,000- USD 80,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Centering on a hexagonal-shaped diamond, atop a topaz, to the stylized pavé-set circular-cut diamond and sapphire prongs, mounted in titanium, ring size 6 ¼. Signed Wallace Chan.

Lot 1952. A pair of diamond and amethyst ear pendants, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000 (USD 50,000- USD 78,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each amethyst drop, centering on a circular-cut diamond, enhanced by similarly-cut diamonds, extending to the triangular-shaped cabochon amethyst and hoop, mounted in titanium, 5.4 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Lot 1953. Three multigem Butterfly brooches, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 65,000 - HKD 95,000 (USD 8,000- USD 12,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each designed as a butterfly, the body set with a marquise-cut semi-precious gemstone, mounted in titanium, 7.1 to 7.0 cm. Signed W. C for Wallace Chan.

Lot 1954. A multigem Butterfly brooch, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 300,000 - HKD 500,000 (USD 38,000- USD 65,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Designed as a butterfly, the body set with cushion and pear-shaped brown diamonds, to the butterfly specimen wings encased in carved rock crystal with mother-of-pearl back, enhanced by circular-cut brown and yellow diamond trim and accents, mounted in titanium and gold, 6.1 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Lot 1955. A multigem 'Pride' brooch, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000 (USD 78,000- USD 100,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Designed as a butterfly, the body set with oval and pear-shaped garnets, circular-cut yellow and brown diamonds, to the openwork vari-cut garnet and circular-cut multi-coloured diamond wings with overlapping amethyst detail, mounted in titanium and gold, 9.9 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Literature: From Heaven Brought-Craftsmanship of a Soul: An Exhibition on Sculpture Jewelry, China, Capital Museum, 2010, p. 112

Exhibited: Beijing, Capitol Museum, From Heaven Brought-Craftsmanship of a Soul: An Exhibition on Sculpture Jewelry, no. 97, June 2010

Lot 1956. A multigem Butterfly brooch, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 1,200,000 - HKD 1,800,000 (USD 150,000- USD 123,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Designed as a butterfly, the body set with a square-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond, weighing approximately 3.28 carats, and oval and circular-cut yellow and brown diamonds, to the butterfly specimen wings encased in carved rock crystal with mother-of-pearl back, enhanced by circular-cut yellow and brown diamonds and diamond trim and accents, mounted in titanium and gold, 9.6 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Please note that some of the coloured diamonds have not been tested for natural colour.

Accompanied by report no. 10204687 dated 9 September 1997 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy intense yellow colour, VS2 clarity.

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

Lot 1957. A fancy-cut diamond flame, yellow and brown diamond and diamond brooch, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 160,000 - HKD 250,000 (USD 20,000- USD 30,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Designed as a hand holding a torch with circular-cut diamond detail, the fancy-cut diamond flame enhanced by yellow and brown diamond and diamond, mounted in titanium and gold, 7.0 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

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

Lot 1958. A stylish pair of diamond and yellow diamond ear pendants, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 (USD 100,000- USD 150,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each circular-cut diamond surmount, weighing approximately 0.57 and 0.51 carat, with similarly-cut diamond trim, suspending a tapered baguette-cut diamond, weighing approximately 3.13 and 2.88 carats, within a circular-cut diamond border enhanced by reverse-set diamonds, to the diamond links and pear-shaped diamond terminal, the backing suspending two circular-cut diamond and yellow diamond navette-shaped terminals, to the similarly-cut diamond links, mounted in titanium, 7.8 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

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

Accompanied by four reports dated from 31 August 2000 to 30 March 2005 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America with the following details:

Report Weight Colour Clarity Cut
14282933 3.13 E VVS2 Tapered Baguette
14282858 2.88 E VS1 Tapered Baguette
11033581 0.57 E VVS2 Circular
11033578 0.51 E VVS1 Circular.

Please note that all the reports are more than 5 years old and might require an update.

Lot 1959. An unique pair of white nephrite and diamond 'Innocence' ear pendants, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 (USD 100,000- USD 150,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each paisley-shaped surmount pavé-set with circular-cut diamonds extending to the diamond terminal, suspending a carved paisley-shaped white nephrite with circular-cut diamond detail, centering on an oval-shaped diamond and reverse-set pear-shaped diamond accents, square-shaped diamond spacer, mounted in titanium, 11.5 cm. Signed Wallace Chan.

Literature: From Heaven Brought-Craftsmanship of a Soul: An Exhibition on Sculpture Jewelry, China, Capital Museum, 2010, p. 124

Exhibited: Beijing, Capitol Museum, From Heaven Brought-Craftsmanship of a Soul: An Exhibition on Sculpture Jewelry, no. 106, June 2010.

Lot 1960. A unique multi-gem 'Elan' brooch-sculpture, by Wallace Chan. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000 (USD 50,000- USD 780,000) © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The reversible brooch on one side designed as a porcelain fish encased in carved rock crystal, enhanced by circular-cut garnets, the other side designed as three circular-cut diamond fishes with circular-cut yellow, brown diamond and pink sapphire detail, mounted in gold, to the obsidian and titanium stand depicting waves, brooch 11.0 cm.

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

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong.

Lot 8011. A highly important cinnabar tixi lacquer hexagonal ewer, Jiajing incised six-character mark and of the period (1522-1566). Estimate HKD 6,000,000 - HKD 8,000,000 (USD 771,984 - USD 1,029,312). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The ewer is elegantly formed with a pewter core, the wide body is finely carved through a thick layer of lacquer with ruyi clouds below the conforming sloping shoulder with classic scrolls, which are repeated on the arched handle and along the S-shaped spout. The interior and base are applied with a dark brown lacquer, with the reign mark incised on the base. 9 1/4 in. (23.6 cm.) high, Japanese wood box

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s London, 14 December 1983, lot 54
Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, Important Chinese Lacquer from the Lee Family Collection, 3 December 2008, lot 2126

Literature: Zhongguo Meishu Qiqi Quanji, vol. 5, Ming, Fuzhou, 1995, no. 121 
Zhongguo Qiqi Jinghua, Fuzhou, 2003, no. 214

Exhibited: The Museum of East Asian Art, Dragon and Phoenix: Chinese Lacquer Ware: The Lee Family Collection, Cologne, 24 March – 24 June 1990, Catalogue, col. pl. 19, no. 13
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1990/91
The Shoto Museum of Art, Chinese Lacquerware, Japan, 1991, no. 32

Note: During the Jiajing period, ewers appear to have been popular vessels in both lacquer and ceramic form. A related hexagonal porcelain ewer dated to the mid-16th century, decorated in the kinrande-style, is illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol. 1, Geneva, 1999, no. 94. However, tixi lacquer ewers of this hexagonal form are extremely rare. The present example, carved of cinnabar lacquer, appears to be unique; the only other known comparable Jiajing period ewer of this shape carved of dark-brown tixi lacquer, from the collection of Professor and Madame Robert de Strycker, was sold at Piasa, Paris, 15 December 2007, lot 56. The Paris ewer, the present ewer and a related double-gourd ewer of dark-brown tixi lacquer in the Beijing Palace Museum, each have a pewter core. The Palace Museum ewer is dated to the late Ming period and is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2006, p. 255, no. 202 (fig. 1).

Aiguière hexagonale en laque noir et rouge sur corps en étain à décor gravé, h. 28 cm, époque Ming, période Jiajing, moitié XVIe siècle. Prix réalisé 1,62 M€ frais compris chez Piasa, Paris, 15 December 2007, lot 56. Courtesy Piasa

fig. 1. A dark-brown tixi lacquer double-gourd ewer, late Ming period. Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing.

Christie's. Important Ming Imperial Works of Art from The Le Cong Tang Collection Evening Sale, 27 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 8012. A fine and extremely rare yellow-enamelled bowl, Xuande incised six-character mark within a double circle and of the period (1426-1435). 6 in. (15.2 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 26,000,000 - HKD 35,000,000 (USD 3,345,264 - USD 4,503,240). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The bowl is in the form of an inverted bell shape flaring at the rim and supported on a wide foot ring. The exterior and interior are covered in an imperial yellow enamel pooling around the foot, the base is incised under a transparent glaze with a six-character reign mark, box.

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 25 October 1993, lot 732
Eskenazi Ltd., London
Sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, The Meiyintang Collection Part III, 4 April 2012, lot 15

A XUANDE YELLOW-ENAMELLED INVERTED BELL-SHAPED BOWL
Lu Chenglong, Palace Museum, Beijing

The bowl is of an inverted bell-shaped form, measuring 15.2 cm. diam. (mouth), with gently flared rims rising from deep curved walls and raised on a foot ring. The exterior and interior are covered in a yellow enamel. The base is incised under a transparent glaze with a Xuande six-character reign mark within a double circle. 

Yellow-enamelled wares made by the imperial kilns during the Xuande reign have been passed down and excavated in various forms, including deep bowls, inverted bell-shaped bowls, dishes, and pear-shaped ewers. Some bear either an underglaze-blue or incised mark, some are unmarked. For an example with incised six-character reign mark within a double circle, see a dish in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, measuring 4.2 cm. high, 18.5 cm. diam. (mouth), 12 cm. diam. (base). For another example with an underglaze-blue mark, see a dish in the National Museum of China. Both examples are covered with a yellow enamel on the interior and exterior with the base under a transparent glaze. 

Xuande yellow-enamelled wares that have been passed down are remarkably rare. Yellow-enamelled sherds unearthed from the Xuande strata at the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen since the 1980s have enriched the public’s understanding of this type of wares. Among those which have been unearthed is an unmarked pear-shaped ewer measuring 12.9 cm. high, 4 cm. diam. (mouth), 5.7 cm. diam. (foot), which is covered with a yellow enamel on the exterior, and a transparent enamel on the interior and on the base (fig. 1); a deep bowl, measuring 7.4 cm. high, 13.8 cm. diam. (mouth), 7.8 cm. (foot), covered with a yellow enamel on both the exterior and interior, with an underglaze-blue six-character reign mark within a double circle under a transparent glaze on the base (fig. 2). 

fig. 1 Yellow-enamelled unmarked pear-shaped ewer unearthed from the Xuande strata at the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Collection of The Jingdezhen Institute of Ceramic Technology

fig. 2. Yellow-enamelled deep bowl, underglaze-blue six-character Xuande mark  unearthed from the Xuande strata at the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Collection of The Jingdezhen Institute of Ceramic Technology.

The present type of inverted bell-shaped bowls first appeared at the imperial kilns during the Xuande period. The National Palace Museum, Taipei, has a nearly identical example in its collection, and also an unmarked example decorated in iron red and underglaze blue (fig. 3)

fig. 3. Iron red and underglaze blue inverted bell-shaped bowl, Xuande mark and period. Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Literature: Christie’s 20 Years in Hong Kong, 1986-2006. Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Highlights, Hong Kong, 2006, p. 105
Reginal Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 4(I), pp. 130-131. no. 1665

Exhibited: The British Museum, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994
Sporting d’Hiver, Evolution vers la perfection. Céramiques de Chine de la Collection Meiyintang, Monte Carlo, 1996, no. 119

Note: Yellow monochrome porcelains from the Xuande period are exceptionally rare. The only one other example in this distinctive form is in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, and has a similarly incised reign mark, see collection number: guci12497/yuan199 (fig. 1). The serial number for the National Palace Museum bowl from the 1925 inventory begins with the character li, indicating that it was originally housed in the gudong fang, ‘Chamber of Antiques’, in the Forbidden City.

fig. 1 A yellow-enamelled bowl, Xuande incised six-character mark within a double circle and of the period (1426-1435), Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

The majority of the other surviving Xuande mark and period yellow-enamelled porcelain are dishes, bearing either an incised reign mark for larger examples, or underglaze-blue marks for smaller dishes. For the former, see two dishes in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, one (18.3 cm.) published in Minji meihin zuroku, Tokyo, 1977-8, vol. 1, no. 100, and the other (18.5 cm.) in Catalogue of the Special Exhibition of Selected Hsüan-te Imperial Porcelains of the Ming Dynasty, Taipei, 1998, no. 162; and a third (20 cm.) sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 13 November 1990, no. 120.

Yellow-enamelled sherds had been recovered from the Xuande stratum of the Ming imperial kiln site at Jingdezhen. These include fragments of an unmarked yellow-enamelled covered ewer, and of a deep bowl bearing an underglaze-blue mark, illustrated in Xuande Imperial Porcelain excavated at Jingdezhen, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1998, p. 47, nos. 43-2, and p. 109, nos.112-1, respectively.

Lot 1. A rare grey and green jade ritual vessel, cong, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture (ca. 3300-ca. 2250 BCE). Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000 (€22,000 - 32,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Provenance: The Sze Yuan Tang Collection

Published and Illustrated: Art and Imitation in China, Hong Kong, 2006, no.11

Exhibited: University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong (14 October - 17 December 2006)

Note: The present cong displays the distinctive characteristic of Liangzhu Culture cong vessels, with a square outer section around a circular inner part and decorated with stylised masks neatly arranged on each of the four corners. Particularly notable in the present cong is the fine quality of the delicately incised lines.

One interpretation of the function of cong is that it symbolised the earth. Although the precise meaning and use of the cong is not entirely clear, it was found in extensive numbers in Liangzhu tombs and is believed to be of great significance. 

Compare an example of a jade cong also carved with five registers of stylised masks (14.8cm high), Neolithic period, Liangzhu Culture, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade 1 Neolithic Age, Beijing, 2011, p.76, pl.31. See also another slightly larger jade cong (14.6cm high), also with five registers, excavated in 1973 from Sidun in Wujin, Jiangsu Province, illustrated in Liangzhu wenhua yuqi, Hong Kong, 1989, p.39, pl.50. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 28 Nov 2017, 14:00 HKT, HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY

Lot 2. A very rare jade figural dragon pendant, Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046-771 B.C.E). Estimate HK$ 80,000 - 120,000 (€8,600 - 13,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 3. A very rare grey jade circular box and cover, Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000 (€22,000 - 32,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 4. A very rare jade disc, bi, Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24). Estimate HK$ 80,000 - 120,000 (€8,600 - 13,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 5. A rare archaistic pale green and russet jade 'double-dragon' disc, bi, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Estimate HK$ 80,000 - 120,000 (€8,600 - 13,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Lot 6. A rare Imperially-inscribed pale green and russet jade 'three rams' plaque, The jade Ming Dynasty, the inscription dated to renchen year of the Qianlong reign corresponding to 1772.  Estimate HK$ 800,000 - 1,200,000 (€86,000 - 130,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The front carved in varying levels of relief with a scene of two reclining rams resting on a rocky ledge next to a standing ram looking up at a gnarled branch of pine issuing from a craggy cliff, the reverse skilfully inscribed with the poem Kai Tai Shuo in regular script and two seals Tai and Pu, the greyish green stone with russet inclusions, box. 6.3cm (2 1/2in) wide (2).

Lot 7. A pale green and russet jade 'chilong' water pot, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Estimate HK$ 300,000 - 400,000 (€32,000 - 43,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Of compressed globular form with a raised lip, skilfully carved in high relief with three sinuous playful chilongclambering around the exterior above swirling waves, the attractively polished stone of light mottled pale green and russet tone, wood stand. 6.4cm (2 1/2in) wide (2).

Lot 2080. A superb pair of antique Colombian emerald bangles, 1900s, India. Estimate HKD 10,200,000 - HKD 15,000,000 (USD 1,300,000 - USD 2,000,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each set with twenty-three graduated rectangular-cut emeralds, in a raised openwork scrolling gold mount, 1900s, India, inner circumference 16.2 cm, in two red leather fitted case bearing the initial 'B'.

Accompanied by report no. 79094 dated 18 March 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 46 emeralds are of Colombian origin, with indications of none to moderate amount of oil; accompanied by an appendix stating that the pair of emerald bangles possesses exceptional characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The 46 emeralds have been carefully selected and exhibit a well-matching and attractive saturated green colour. The small inclusions found by microscopic examination represent the hallmarks of Colombian emeralds from the famous mining areas Muzo, Coscuez,and Chivor, all located in the green foothills of the Cordillera Oriental in the Colombian Andes. Its attractive and 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. The pair of emerald bangles is exceptional not only due to the matching of their colour and quality, but also due to the fact that they have remained in pristine original condition for over one hundred years

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2053. An important diamond necklace. Estimate HKD 10,000,000 - HKD 15,000,000 (USD 1,250,000 - USD 1,900,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The front designed as a triple swag of cushion-shaped diamonds, joined to the similarly-cut diamond twin and single row backchain, mounted in platinum, 44.5 cm.

Accompanied by one hundred thirty reports dated from 26 August 2002 to 20 June 2016 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamonds range from F to I colour, internally flawless to SI2 clarity.

Please note that one hundred twenty-two reports are more than 5 years old and might require an update.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2032. A superb 9.05 carats rectangular-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring. Estimate HKD 9,800,000 - HKD 15,000,000 (USD 1,250,000 - USD 1,900,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Set to the center with a rectangular-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond, weighing 9.05 carats, flanked by shield-shaped diamonds, weighing approximately 1.50 and 1.50 carats, to the circular-cut diamond half-hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 5 ¾.

Accompanied by a portrait report and report no. 21854118212 dated 23 May 2017 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow colour, VVS1 clarity, with excellent polish and symmetry.

Two reports nos. 6232045702 and 2237045567 dated 6 July 2016 and 5 July 2016 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.50 and 1.50 carats diamonds are G colour, VS2 and VVS2 clarity.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2041. A pair of Burmese ‘pigeon blood red’ ruby bracelets. Estimate HKD 9,800,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,250,000 - USD 1,500,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each designed as a line of flowerheads, each set to the center with an oval or cushion-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 3.81 to 2.21 carats, mounted in gold, 16.4 cm.

Accompanied by report no. 96264 dated 27 October 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of these rubies may also be called ‘pigeon blood red’ based on SSEF reference standard.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2063. An important suite of Burmese sapphire and diamond jewellery, by Forms. Estimate HKD 8,800,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,100,000 - USD 1,500,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Comprising a necklace, designed as a series of graduated drops, each composed of an oval-shaped sapphire and pear-shaped diamond, lined by circular-cut diamonds, and a pair of ear pendants en suite, mounted in gold, in two red leather Forms cases. With maker's mark for Forms.

Accompanied by premium report no. 96061 dated 12 October 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphires are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the sapphires possess extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. Based on the excellent matching quality and attractive blue color of these sapphires, and to highlight the artistic design of this necklace, this sapphire jewellery set has been poetically named ‘Drops of Water’. Assembling a matching selection of natural sapphires from Burma of this quality can be considered rare and exceptional.

The necklace, accompanied by fifteen reports dated from 8 September 2015 to 16 June 2017 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 4.07 to 0.90 carat diamonds range from D to G colour, internally flawless to SI1 clarity.

The ear pendants, accompanied by four reports dated from 21 March 2016 to 2 May 2017 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamonds range from E to F colour, internally flawless to SI2 clarity.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2081. An important pair of 5.28 and 5.19 carats Kashmir sapphire and diamond ear pendants. Estimate HKD 8,000,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Each cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 5.28 and 5.19 carats, within a circular-cut diamond drop-shaped frame and surmount, mounted in gold, 4.0 cm.

Accompanied by two reports nos. 8086213 and CS1072988 dated 23 March 2017 and 16 June 2016 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat and clarity enhancement .

Two reports nos. 17038184 and 16065028 dated 28 March 2017 and 17 June 2016 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

LONDON.- The painting Portrait of a Lady and her Son, c.1510–40, recently discovered to be by the German master Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553) and his workshop is on public display at Windsor Castle from today. The painting was a Christmas gift from Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in 1840 and is part of the Royal Collection. 

The double portrait shows an unidentified consort of a Prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire and her son, their hands clasped together. Although acquired by Queen Victoria as a work by the Renaissance artist, by the early 20th century the painting was considered to be the work of Franz Wolfgang Rohrich (1787–1834). The composition has an intimacy which was thought to have been Rohrich's invention and uncharacteristic of Cranach's style. Rohrich was a prolific imitator of Cranach and produced over 40 versions of this portrait. He sold them as original works by Cranach, and they can be found in collections all over Europe. 

In collaboration with TH Köln (the University of Applied Sciences, Cologne), Royal Collection Trust's conservators and curators examined the work ahead of its loan to the major exhibition Cranach der Alterer: Meister Marke Moderne at the Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf in spring 2017. Infrared reflectography was used to look beneath the paint surface, revealing preliminary underdrawing typical of Cranach's work. Analysis of the pigments, metal leaf and the application of paint provided further evidence that the portrait was a work of the 16th century. 

inally an x-ray of the painting revealed that a fibrous material had been used in the preparation of the panel. Analysis of similar fibres on other works by Cranach has identified them as tendons, and in one instance DNA analysis had shown them to be pigeon tendons. Sixteenth-century glue recipes often included pigeon tendons to strengthen the mixture and counteract the natural warping and splitting of the wood. 

The evidence was reviewed by Professor Dr Gunnar Heydenreich of TH Köln, an expert on Lucas Cranach the Elder, who confirmed that the painting was an original work by the master from which it appears all later versions derive. 

Court artist to the Saxon electors in Wittenberg, Lucas Cranach the Elder was one of the most important painters of the German Reformation, a period marked by changes in religion, philosophy, science and art. Prince Albert was particularly interested in his work, and twelve paintings by Cranach and his workshop in the Royal Collection were acquired by the Prince Consort, several as gifts from Queen Victoria. 

Lot 2040. A rare 11.00 carats Burmese oval-shaped ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HKD 7,800,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Set to the center with an oval-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 11.00 carats, within a circular rose-cut diamond surround, mounted in gold, ring size 5 ¼.

Accompanied by report no. 17038162 dated 30 March 2017 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating.

Report no. 91397 dated 28 March 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong

Lot 2042. A superb 4.01 carats Burmese ' pigeon blood red' cushion-shaped ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HKD 7,800,000 - HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000). © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Set to the center with a cushion-shaped ruby, weighing approximately 4.01 carats, within a circular-cut diamond surround, mounted in gold, ring size 6 ¾.

Accompanied by report no. 89400 dated 16 January 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of this ruby may also be called 'pigeon blood red' based on SSEF reference standards; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The ruby exhibits an attractive and saturated red colour combined with an excellent purity. The small inclusions found by microscopic inspection are the hallmarks of rubies from the reputed ruby deposit of Mong Hsu, located in the green hills of the Shan State in northern Burma (Myanmar). Its attractive and saturated red colour, poetically also referred to as 'pigeon blood red', is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements, which are characteristic for rubies from Burma (Myanmar). A natural ruby from Burma of this quality is rare and exceptional.

Report no. 16117019 dated 1 December 2016 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the trade colour is pigeon blood red.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & The Pink Promise, 28 November 2017, Hong Kong