Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum Bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels

April 20, 2013, 8:59 am

≫ Next: An extremely rare 'winged hydra' blue and white porcelain bowl inscribed "Sapienti nihil novum", China, 2nd half Wanli period.

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Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum Bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. Photo Heritage Auctions

The bracelet features oval-shaped sapphires weighing a total of approximately 35.00 carats, enhanced by full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 35.00 carats, set in platinum, marked Van Cleef & Arpels. Gross weight 99.90 grams. Dimensions: 7 inches x 1 inch Estimate: $50,000 - $75,000.

Van Cleef & Arpels:Parisian jeweler Alfred Van Cleef opened his salon in partnership with his brothers-in-law, Julien and Charles Arpels, in 1906. The company quickly earned a reputation for using only the highest quality colored gemstones. Their timeless designs employed elegant curves and clean fluid lines; capturing the essence of beauty in motion. Their success was immediate. In 1930, the firm patented the first minaudiere, a fancy purse-like compartmentalized lady’s vanity case. In 1933, Van Cleef and Arpels introduced "invisible setting", or “mystery setting”. This innovative technique took the market by storm. It created the illusion of floating gems, each being fastened by wires from the underside of the piece. It was popular throughout the 1930s and 1940s before reappearing in the 1990s. The company is continues to be family run, managing locations across the globe. . Jewelry Designer

Heritage Auctions. 2013 April 29. Jewelry Signature Auction - New York - http://jewelry.ha.com

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An extremely rare 'winged hydra' blue and white porcelain bowl inscribed "Sapienti nihil novum", China, 2nd half Wanli period.

April 20, 2013, 11:04 am

≫ Next: Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite, Goshenite, Gold Necklace

≪ Previous: Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum Bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels

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An extremely rare 'winged hydra' blue and white porcelain bowl inscribed "Sapienti nihil novum", China, 2nd half Wanli period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

D. 34,4 cm. Estimate 10000/15000 €

This Wanli reign Kraak ware bowl is an extremely rare example of late Ming blue-and-white export porcelain brought to Portugal or Europe from Jingdezhen during the reign of King Philip III of Spain. 

The only piece similar to it, which is known to exist, is exhibited at the British Museum's Department of Asia (object reg. no: AC 1957,1216.19).

With its deep well and barbed edge, the bowl stands on a short foot and is decorated in underglaze blue. Illustrated on the exterior of the bowl are four armorial-style shields inspired by a western coat of arms. On a blue background, each shield illustrates a winged Hydra with five reptilian and two human heads, two hoofed legs and a tail. The shields are flanked by a scroll bearing the Latin inscription "SAPIENTI NIHIL NOVUM", 'to the wise man nothing is new'.

Stemming from the Lernaean Hydra of Greek mythology which Hercules slew as his second labour, the Hydra represents bravery and conquest. Though the depiction of the Hydra within a shield implies a European design source, the Hydra with two human heads is a most uncommon image whose origin is still unknown (Santos, 218).

The remaining motifs above the scroll band at the foot of the bowl are of Chinese origin; the exterior decorations include Buddhist pagodas and rosaries, ribbons, beaded charms with jewels and tassels, wave patterns and blooming lotus flowers. The centre of the bowl's interior is decorated with a crane in a lotus pond, from which ten side panels characteristic of Kraak ware radiate depicting flowering plants and fruiting saplings growing from behind rocks.

Property from an old European private collection

Cf. Santos, A. Varela, 'Portugal Na Porcelana Da China: 500 Andos De Comércio = Portugal in Porcelain from China : 500 Years of Trade' Lisboa: Artemágica, 2007. 216.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite, Goshenite, Gold Necklace

April 21, 2013, 10:13 am

≫ Next: A peachbloom-glazed brushwasher, tangluo xi, underglaze blue Kangxi six-character mark and period

≪ Previous: An extremely rare 'winged hydra' blue and white porcelain bowl inscribed "Sapienti nihil novum", China, 2nd half Wanli period.

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Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite, Goshenite, Gold Necklace. Photo Heritage Auctions

The necklace features emerald, marquise, pear, full and trillion-cut varieties of beryl, set in 18k gold. Gross weight 236.60 grams. Necklace length: 18 inches. Necklace width: 2-1/2 inches Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.

Heritage Auctions. 2013 April 29. Jewelry Signature Auction - New York - http://jewelry.ha.com

A peachbloom-glazed brushwasher, tangluo xi, underglaze blue Kangxi six-character mark and period

April 21, 2013, 10:24 am

≫ Next: Rose Quartz, Ruby, Diamond, Gold Jewelry Suite

≪ Previous: Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite, Goshenite, Gold Necklace

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A peachbloom-glazed brushwasher, tangluo xi, China, underglaze blue Kangxi six-character mark and period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

The compressed globular body is covered on the exterior with a glaze of crushed strawberry-red and mottled light greyish-green color, the interior is glazed white. D. 11,8 cm. Estimate 35 000/60 000 €

Property from the Fok Chung Kit collection, is being sold to benefit Charity projects. 

This type of brush washer is described as of 'gong' shape, or tangluo xi, due to this very compressed body.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

Rose Quartz, Ruby, Diamond, Gold Jewelry Suite

April 21, 2013, 10:33 am

≫ Next: A copper-red glazed bottle vase, China, underglaze blue Qianlong seal mark and of the period.

≪ Previous: A peachbloom-glazed brushwasher, tangluo xi, underglaze blue Kangxi six-character mark and period

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Rose Quartz, Ruby, Diamond, Gold Jewelry Suite. Photo Heritage Auctions

The suite includes a necklace, brooch and matching earrings: all pieces feature frosted carved rose quartz, enhanced by marquise-shaped rubies, accented by full-cut diamonds, set in 18k gold, earrings completed by posts and omega backs. Total ruby weight is approximately 12.45 carats. Total diamond weight is approximately 3.90 carats. Gross weight 311.70 grams. Necklace Length: 17 inches. Brooch Dimensions: 2-1/2 inches x 2-1/8 inches. Earring Dimensions: 3/4 inch x 7/8 inch - Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.
*Note: earrings are designed for pierced ears, and are easily converted 

Heritage Auctions. 2013 April 29. Jewelry Signature Auction - New York - http://jewelry.ha.com

A copper-red glazed bottle vase, China, underglaze blue Qianlong seal mark and of the period.

April 21, 2013, 10:40 am

≫ Next: Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, Piranesi

≪ Previous: Rose Quartz, Ruby, Diamond, Gold Jewelry Suite

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A copper-red glazed bottle vase, China, underglaze blue Qianlong seal mark and of the period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

The globular body rising from a recessed base to a tall waisted neck, the exterior covered with a red glaze thinning at the rim and stopping neatly at the foot, the interior and base glazed white - Good condition. H. 28,8 cm. Estimate 20 000/30 000 €

Property from an old European private collection 

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, Piranesi

April 21, 2013, 10:47 am

≫ Next: A rare turquoise-glazed ovoid vase, China, incised six-character Kangxi mark and of the period.

≪ Previous: A copper-red glazed bottle vase, China, underglaze blue Qianlong seal mark and of the period.

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Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, Piranesi. Photo Heritage Auctions

The ring features a cushion-shaped ruby measuring 14.05 x 9.50 x 3.87 mm and weighing 5.82 carats, enhanced by trapezoid-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 1.18 carats, set in platinum and 18k gold, marked Piranesi. A GIA Laboratory report # 5131848813, dated September 21, 2011 stating Natural Corundum, Indications of Heating (TE2) + (Case A, F2), accompanies the ruby. Gross weight 7.49 grams.Size: 6-3/4 (sizeable) Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.

Heritage Auctions. 2013 April 29. Jewelry Signature Auction - New York - http://jewelry.ha.com

A rare turquoise-glazed ovoid vase, China, incised six-character Kangxi mark and of the period.

April 21, 2013, 11:41 am

≫ Next: Turquoise, Diamond, Gold Bracelet, David Webb

≪ Previous: Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, Piranesi

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A rare turquoise-glazed ovoid vase, China, incised six-character Kangxi mark and of the period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

The elongated ovoid body is surmounted by a reel-shaped neck below a flared rim, covered inside and out with a deep turquoise glaze suffused with a network of fine crackle, the base similarly glazed to cover the encircled mark - Very small glaze imperfection to the mouth rim. H. 22,5 cm. Estimate 30 000/50 000 €

Turquoise is among the rarest of glaze colours found on marked Imperial monochromes, through it is much more common on non-imperial wares made both for the home market and for export to Europe, where they were often given ormolu mounts.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

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Turquoise, Diamond, Gold Bracelet, David Webb

April 21, 2013, 11:46 am

≫ Next: A fine and rare creamy-white glazed soft-paste vase, China, impressed Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

≪ Previous: A rare turquoise-glazed ovoid vase, China, incised six-character Kangxi mark and of the period.

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Turquoise, Diamond, Gold Bracelet, David Webb. Photo Heritage Auctions

The bracelet features oval and pear-shaped turquoise cabochons, enhanced by full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.90 carat, set in 18k gold, marked Webb. Gross weight 104.96 grams. Dimensions: 6 inches x 1-1/2 inches Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.

Heritage Auctions. 2013 April 29. Jewelry Signature Auction - New York - http://jewelry.ha.com

A fine and rare creamy-white glazed soft-paste vase, China, impressed Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

April 21, 2013, 11:57 am

≫ Next: A diamond line necklace

≪ Previous: Turquoise, Diamond, Gold Bracelet, David Webb

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A fine and rare creamy-white glazed soft-paste vase, China, impressed Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

The thinly potted curving sides rise from a slightly splayed foot to an angled shoulde and a tall neck with a galiered rim, the foot and the lower part of the body impressed and incised with bands of key-fret and upright leaves, with scroll motifs above the sharp shoulder and around the neck, entirely covered in a transparent glaze suffused with crackles - Good condition. H. 16,5 cm. Estimate 30 000/50 000 €

Provenance: Former old European private collection, sold at Christie's London, 11.1.2011, Lot 1157

A similar example with a Yongzheng mark is in the Baur Collection, Catalogue, A422 also illustrated in Sekai Toji Zenshu, Shosakukan series, no. 89.

The Metropolitan Museum contains an example pottet very much in archaistic taste as a hu vase, of the Qianlong period, illustrated by Valenstein, Handbook, no. 163.

A fine vase relief-moulded with lotus, which appears to be soft-paste, was originally in the J.P. Morgan an F.M Mayer Collections, New York, exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum, Chinese Ceramics, 1952, Catalogue, no. 341.

See also a related globular vase with trumpet neck, relief decorated with lotus, peony and honeysuckle, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated by Kerr, Ceramics, pl. 29. The author discusses the development of a new technique for making white porcelain in the 18th Century.

Although a vase of this type is commonly known as "soft paste", or more rarely "steatitic porcelain", the names are misleading. It involves the addition of a powdered white clay to the porcelain body, which in Chinese is called hua shi (slippery stone). Although referred to as steatite (decayed granite) by Westerners, Jingdezhen samples which have been analysed suggest that this is in fact merely another chemical form of kaolin. Added to a standard body, the potter could create a lightweight, somewhat creamy body, with a glaze which had a tendency to crackle on cooling ; it was, surprisingly, actually more expensive to produce than a standard kaolin body, as Pere d'Entrecolles observed in his second letter of 1722. For a full discussion, see Kerr, Ceramics, p. 53-54.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

A diamond line necklace

April 21, 2013, 12:20 pm

≫ Next: A very rare gilt-decorated celadon-ground jar, China, iron-red Jiaqing seal mark and of the period.

≪ Previous: A fine and rare creamy-white glazed soft-paste vase, China, impressed Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period

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A diamond line necklace. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Designed as a graduated series of eighty-two rectangular-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, 14¾ ins. Estimate $220,000 - $320,000 - Price Realized $339,750

With thirty-one reports dated from 7 March 1997 to 1 February 2007 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that thirty-one of the diamonds, weighing from approximately 3.14 to 0.71 carats, range from D to G color and from VVS1 to SI1 clarity

Christies. NEW YORK MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND THE PRINCIE DIAMOND. 16 April 2013. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. 

A very rare gilt-decorated celadon-ground jar, China, iron-red Jiaqing seal mark and of the period.

April 21, 2013, 12:31 pm

≫ Next: A coloured diamond ring

≪ Previous: A diamond line necklace

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A very rare gilt-decorated celadon-ground jar, China, iron-red Jiaqing seal mark and of the period. Photo Nagel Auktionen

Of ovoid cylindrical shape on a short foot and with a short waisted neck, enamelled around the body in gold are two striding five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst clouds, flames and bats, between bands of bats, ruyi, lotus, peaches and wan-pattern around the shoulder and similar bands around the base above key-pattern around the foot - H. 26 cm. Estimate 50 000/70 000 €

Cf. Christie's London 18.6.2002, Lot 37 and Sotheby's Hongkong, 5.11.1996, Lot 924.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

A coloured diamond ring

April 22, 2013, 10:48 am

≫ Next: A very fine, large qingbai porcelain bowl with incised floral décor, China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

≪ Previous: A very rare gilt-decorated celadon-ground jar, China, iron-red Jiaqing seal mark and of the period.

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A coloured diamond ring.  Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013 

Set with a fancy light pink pear-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 11.67 carats, to the pavé-set diamond openwork gallery and shoulders, mounted in gold, ring size 5¾. Estimate CHF1,000,000 – CHF1,200,000

Accompanied by report no. 10801371 dated 8 February 2013 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 11.67 carat diamond is Fancy Light Pink colour, VVS1 clarity, and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond is Type IIa

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva

A very fine, large qingbai porcelain bowl with incised floral décor, China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

April 22, 2013, 10:54 am

≫ Next: An unmonted coloured diamond

≪ Previous: A coloured diamond ring

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A very fine, large qingbai porcelain bowl with incised floral décor, China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). Photo Nagel Auktionen

the thinly potted conical bowl with light bluish glaze is on the interior covered with a dense, incised peony décor and shallow combed lines, the outer wall left undecorated, the base is unglazed and has fired an orange and dark brown colour. Except a tiny rim chip in good condition; h.: 7,3 cm; diam.: 20,6 cm. - Estimate 9 000 / 12 000 €

Provenance: Private collection Rhineland, acquired at Christie's, London, 13. June 1990, lot 77

Compare: Porcelain of the Song Dynasty (II), The complete collection of treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong 1996, no. 189, an almost identical Qingbai bowl of similar shape, size (diam. 21 cm) and same incised decoration, dated Song dynasty (960-1279)

The University of Hong Kong, "The Multiplicity of Simplicity - Monochrome Wares from the Song to the Yuan Dynasties", Hong Kong 2012, no. 3, a pair of smaller Qingbai conical bowls (h.: 5,7 cm, diam.: 17,6 cm) incised on the interior with three boys playing amidst a similar dense décor of peony flowers and plants and combed lines, dated Northern Song dynasty (960-1127).

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

An unmonted coloured diamond

April 22, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: A rare dish with purple splashes, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), probably 12th century

≪ Previous: A very fine, large qingbai porcelain bowl with incised floral décor, China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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An unmontedcoloured diamond.  Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013 

The fancy intense yellow cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 41.59 carats. Estimate CHF950,000 – CHF1,400,000

Accompanied by report no. 2135795393 dated 23 August 2011 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is Fancy Intense Yellow colour, Internally Flawless clarity 

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva

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A rare dish with purple splashes, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), probably 12th century

April 22, 2013, 11:08 am

≫ Next: An impressive coloured diamond ring

≪ Previous: An unmonted coloured diamond

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A rare dish with purple splashes, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), probably 12th century. Photo Nagel Auktionen

Junyao type ware, this heavy potted dish with shallow rounded sides, flat everted rim and narrow foot is covered with the typical thick lavender blue glaze of the Junyao type except for the foot, here are added four purple irregular splashes on the top, the underside is without splashes and has three spur marks. Very minor wear to glaze; h.: 3,0 cm, diam.: 19,3 cm. - Estimate 30 000 / 40 000 €

Property from an old German private collection

Compare: R. Krahl, Chinese ceramics from the Meiyintang collection, vol. 1, London 1994, no. 396, a smaller Junyao dish (diam.: 11,4 cm) of same shape with purple splashes both inside and out, dated Jin dynasty (1115-1234), Henan province, 12th cent

Sotheby's, London, 18.11.1998, a smaller (diam.: 18 cm) dish of similar shape with large areas of purple splashes on both sides, dated Jin dynasty

Sotheby's, London, 12.7.2006, lot 40, a dish (diam.: 17 cm), dated Song/Jin dynasties

Sotheby's, London, 16.5.2012, lot 85, a dish (diam.: 18 cm), dated Song/Yuan dynasties.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

An impressive coloured diamond ring

April 22, 2013, 11:15 am

≫ Next: A Small junyao tripod incense jarlet with lavender blue glaze, China, Jin or Yuan dynasty, 13th or 14th century

≪ Previous: A rare dish with purple splashes, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), probably 12th century

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An impressive coloured diamond ring.  Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013  

Set with a fancy deep brown-yellow cushion-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 35.28 carats, ring size 6, with French assay mark for gold. Estimate CHF950,000 – CHF1,150,000

Accompanied by report no. 5131101378 dated 27 May 2011 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is Fancy Deep Brown-Yellow colour, VS1 clarity, and a diamond type classification letter indicating that the diamond is Type IIa

Report no.11050108 dated 17 May 2011 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the diamond is Fancy Yellowish-Brown colour, VVS2 clarity, a Note indicating that the diamond is Type IIa, and an Appendix stating that the diamond 'displays an antique shape and cutting style which were often encountered in the 17th and 18th centuries.'

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva

A Small junyao tripod incense jarlet with lavender blue glaze, China, Jin or Yuan dynasty, 13th or 14th century

April 22, 2013, 12:19 pm

≫ Next: A diamond ring, by Harry Winston

≪ Previous: An impressive coloured diamond ring

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A Small junyao tripod incense jarlet with lavender blue glaze, China, Jin or Yuan dynasty, 13th or 14th century. Photo Nagel Auktionen

the small, massively potted tripod censer, resting on three bulbous feet, has a straight neck and everted rim and is covered with a thick lavender blue glaze thinning to a brownish-blue colour on the belly and at the edge of the rim, with a purple splash on and inside the everted rim, leaving the base and the three short feet unglazed, which have fired a dark brown. Very minor wear to glaze; h.: 6,3 cm, diam.: 6,2 cm. - Estimate 5 000 / 8 000 €

Property from an European private collection

Compare: R. Krahl, Chinese ceramics from the Meiyintang collection, vol. 1, London 1994, no. 390, a slightly smaller (h.: 5,0 cm) Junyao censer with same colour changes at the rim's edge and belly, but missing a purple splash, and no. 394, a larger Junyao censer (h.: 10,2 cm) of similar shape with purple splashes, both dated to Jin or Yuan dynasty (1115-1234), Henan, 13th or 14th cent.

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/

A diamond ring, by Harry Winston

April 22, 2013, 12:29 pm

≫ Next: A brown-splashed Henan bowl, China, Song-Yuan dynasty

≪ Previous: A Small junyao tripod incense jarlet with lavender blue glaze, China, Jin or Yuan dynasty, 13th or 14th century

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A diamond ring, by Harry Winston. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Set with a marquise-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 15.59 carats, to the tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders, ring size 2½ with ring sizer, in navy blue leather Harry Winston case and box. By Harry Winston. Estimate CHF950,000 – CHF1,450,000

Accompanied by report no. 1132672978 dated 21 July 2011 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D colour, VVS1 clarity

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva

A brown-splashed Henan bowl, China, Song-Yuan dynasty

April 22, 2013, 12:38 pm

≫ Next: An unmonted diamond

≪ Previous: A diamond ring, by Harry Winston

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A brown-splashed Henan bowl, China, Song-Yuan dynasty. Photo Nagel Auktionen

Short hairline under the rim. D. 19,2 cm. Estimate 2 500 / 3 500 €

Property from an old North German private collection, purchased in the 1960ies and 1970ies

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/