Type IIa Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels

September 23, 2019, 11:52 am

≫ Next: A Rare Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, 19th Century

≪ Previous: An Impressive Pair of Unmounted Diamonds

$

0

0

Lot 1817. A 16.42 carats Type IIa Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate 14,000,000 — 18,000,000 HKD (1,786,260 - 2,296,620 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 16.42 carats, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum, size 5¼, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, French assay and maker’s marks, sizing band.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2191493124, dated 1 August 2018, stating that the diamond is D Colour, Flawless, Excellent Polish and Symmetry; further accompanied by a diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

---

A Rare Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, 19th Century

September 23, 2019, 12:27 pm

≫ Next: A Fine Unmounted Diamond

≪ Previous: Type IIa Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels

$

0

0

Lot 1696. A Rare 37.29 carats Burmese "Royal Blue" Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, 19th Century. Estimate 13,500,000 — 18,000,000 HKD (1,722,465 - 2,296,620 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 37.29 carats, framed with old-mine- and old European-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and yellow gold.

Provenance: Given as a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. Auctioned at Christie's in 2011 as a part of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Legendary Jewels.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 44764, dated 31 May 2011, stating that the sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no gemmological evidence of heat and no clarity enhancement, AGL also stating that the origin of this material would be classified as Classic™ Burma; further accompanied by AGL letter stating 'The present 37.29ct sapphire possesses a richly saturated blue color that distinguishes an exceptional gem. Traditionally, sapphires of this hue have been described as having a "royal blue" color. The superb color of this sapphire is further complemented by a fine cut resulting in numerous bright, internal color reflections and brilliance. This sapphire also possesses a high clarity, providing a superior degree of transparency...This stunning jewel was given to Elizabeth Taylor by her then husband Richard Burton. Elizabeth Taylor has been described as the last great icon of Hollywood's Golden Era and her marriages to Richard Burton have become legendary. Their passion for refined jewels of exceptional quality is clearly demonstrated in this late 19th century sapphire and diamond brooch.' 

Also accompanied by a gemmological report. 

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

A Fine Unmounted Diamond

September 23, 2019, 12:38 pm

≫ Next: Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings

≪ Previous: A Rare Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, 19th Century

$

0

0

Lot 1702. A Fine Unmounted 10.88 carats Type IIa Diamond. Estimate 10,200,000 — 14,000,000 HKD (1,301,418 - 1,786,260 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

The brilliant-cut diamond weighing 10.88 carats.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 6204033658, dated 1 May 2019, stating that the diamond is D Colour, Flawless, Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry; further accompanied by a diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings

September 23, 2019, 12:47 pm

≫ Next: A Fine Diamond Ring

≪ Previous: A Fine Unmounted Diamond

$

0

0

Lot 1818. Pair of 7.75 and 6.27 carats Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings. Estimate 10,200,000 — 13,000,000 HKD (1,301,418 - 1,658,670 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Each set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 7.75 and 6.27 carats, embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, hook fittings.

Accompanied by two Gübelin reports no. 19067327 and 19067328, both dated 20 June 2019, stating that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

Also accompanied by three AGL reports no. CS 42323, CS 42324 and CS 42323-24, all dated 29 June 2010, stating that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no gemmological evidence of heat and no clarity enhancement; AGL report no. CS 42323-24 further stating that the Matched Pair RatingTM is Excellent; further accompanied by AGL letter stating that 'The sapphires described in this report are singularly distinguished and together make a pair of unique rarity...The superb color of these sapphires is further complemented by a superior cut resulting in numerous deep, rich internal color reflections and brilliance. These sapphires also possess a high clarity, providing a superior degree of transparency.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

A Fine Diamond Ring

September 23, 2019, 1:19 pm

≫ Next: 'Lucas Cranach – Renaissance Beauties' at Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Helsinki, 26 sep 2019 - 5 jan 2020

≪ Previous: Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings

$

0

0

Lot 1812. A Fine D Colour, VVS1 17.32 carats Diamond Ring. Estimate 10,000,000 — 14,000,000 HKD (1,275,900 - 1,786,260 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 17.32 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold, size 6.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2175003635, dated 16 July 2019, stating that the diamond is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity, Excellent Polish and Symmetry.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

'Lucas Cranach – Renaissance Beauties' at Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Helsinki, 26 sep 2019 - 5 jan 2020

September 24, 2019, 2:35 am

≫ Next: A blue and white stand, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

≪ Previous: A Fine Diamond Ring

$

0

0

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar),  Portrait of a young woman, 1525), oil on beech wood, collection O. W. Klinckowström, Finnish National Gallery. Photo: Kansallisgalleria, Hannu Aaltonen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Helsinki- Renaissance Beauties is the first monographic exhibition in Finland on the oeuvre of the great German Renaissance master Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472−1553). The works on display include paintings and prints from the collections of European museums. The paintings in the collections of the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Portrait of a Young Woman (1525) and Lucretia (1530), are the only works by Lucas Cranach in Finland. They represent popular themes in the artist’s oeuvre: female portraits and beauties, both rendered in a personal and recognizable style. These works constitute the starting point for the exhibition.

Lucas Cranach the Elder workshop, Portrait of a Young Woman (Princess Emilia of Saxony?), before 1537, oil on beech wood. Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), Lucretia, 1528, oil on beech wood, Nationalmuseum, Tukholma, Stockholm. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), Lucretia, 1530, oil on beech wood, Finnish National Gallery. Photo: Kansallisgalleria, Hannu Aaltonen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), Lucretia, after 1537, oil on beech wood. Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), Venus and Cupid the Honey Thief, 1527, oil on beech wood. Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar),Venus and Cupid the Honey Thief, 1530, oil on beech wood. Staatliche Schlösser, Gärten und Kunstsammlungen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar) workshop, Adam and Eve, c. 1512, oil on lime wood. Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar) and workshop, Matched Lovers, c. 1530, oil on beech wood. National Gallery in Prague. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Younger (Wittenberg 1515–1586), Diana and Actaeon, c. 1550, oil on wood. Polo museale del Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Dido, 1547, oil on lime wood. Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), The Ecstacy of St Mary Magdalene, 1506, woodcut. Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar), Venus and Amor, 1509, woodcut. Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Cranach’s fascinating and enigmatic paintings have spoken to artists over the ages. Among the best-known examples are probably the interpretations by Picasso, represented in the exhibition by some prints.

A present-day perspective on the handsome jewellery depicted in Cranach’s works is offered by a number of impressive items created by German jewellery artists.

Pablo Picasso (Málaga 1881–1973 Mougins), Woman's Bust after Cranach the Younger, 1958, linocut. Finnish National Gallery. photo: Kansallisgalleria, Yehia Eweis. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Pablo Picasso (Málaga 1881–1973 Mougins), Venus and Cupid. 1949, aquatint, engraving and drypoint. FCollection: Jeppe Lahtinen. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Franziska Höhne, „reduction-hacked renaissance“, 2014, alumide, selective laser sintering, owned by artist. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Kerstin Mayer, „Perlenreif“, 2005, gold, sweetwaterpearls, owned by artist. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Svenja John, „Wittenberg 2014“, 2014, Polycarbonate, Makrofol®, owned by artist. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Mareen Alburg Duncker, „für Eva“, 2014, gold, figs, varnish, emerald, pearls, owned by artist. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum

Antje Bräuer, „Oversized“, 2014, beech plywood, steal, silver, owned by artist. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Georg Dobler, untitled, 2014, Silver, coral, plastic. Courtesy Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

A blue and white stand, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

September 24, 2019, 4:32 am

≫ Next: A blue and white sweetmeat' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

≪ Previous: 'Lucas Cranach – Renaissance Beauties' at Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Helsinki, 26 sep 2019 - 5 jan 2020

$

0

0

Lot 119 . A blue and white stand, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619); 24.8 cm, 9 3/4  in. Estimate 120,000 — 150,000 HKD (15,343 - 19,179 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's

of circular section, the openwork cabriole sides modelled with five cusped flanges alternating with five ruyi-shaped heads, all between two rings forming the top and base respectively, the sides decorated in underglaze blue with lingzhi scrolls and pairs of birds perched on fruiting and flowering branches, all above a band rendered with florets against a ground of stylised waves, the rim with beribboned bajixiang emblems flanking a central rectangular cartouche enclosing a six-character reign mark.

Note: A comparable stand in the Huaihaitang collection, also decorated with bajixiang and birds perching on branches, was included in the exhibition Enlightening Elegance. Imperial Porcelain of the Mid to Late Ming, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2013, cat. no. 112. It is suggested that this rare type of stand was related to religious rituals and was probably used to hold altar vases (pp. 354 and 356). 

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art from the Collection of Sir Quo-Wei Lee II, Hong Kong, 08 Oct 2019 

A blue and white sweetmeat' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

September 24, 2019, 5:24 am

≫ Next: A fine and rare Ming blue and white 'boys' octagonal box and cover, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the p

≪ Previous: A blue and white stand, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

$

0

0

Lot 120. A blue and white sweetmeat' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619); 18.4 cm, 7 1/4  in.. Estimate 120,000 — 150,000 HKD (15,343 - 19,179 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's

of circular section, the domed cover decorated with a medallion depicting a seated official with two attendants to his left whilst receiving two other officials, surrounded by a band of four lobed cartouches, each enclosing flowering branches and two birds, interrupted by a diapered ground of hexagonal motifs, the band similarly rendered on the sides of the box, all supported on a short foot, the interior of the box set with undulating flanges forming seven compartments simulating a floral bloom, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double circle, wood stand.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art from the Collection of Sir Quo-Wei Lee II, Hong Kong, 08 Oct 2019

---

A fine and rare Ming blue and white 'boys' octagonal box and cover, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the p

September 24, 2019, 5:38 am

≫ Next: A rare late Ming anhua-decorated blue and white 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619

≪ Previous: A blue and white sweetmeat' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

$

0

0

Lot 611. A fine and rare Ming blue and white 'boys' octagonal box and cover, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619). The box 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 700,000. Price realised HKD 537,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2002

The box is superbly painted in characteristic bright purplish-blue, alternating on the eight sides with two scenes of boys at play in balustraded gardens, the flattened cover of corresponding octagonal shape, similarly decorated with three boys playing in a garden, and surmounted by a finial moulded as a rabbit, all covered with a clear glaze of soft bluish tone, box.

Literature: Mayuyama, Seventy Years, Volume 1, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 958.

Note: The theme of 'boys' was popular in southern Song paintings, particularly those with small children at play by the Academy painter, Su Hanchen (active early 12th century). The imagery was especially appropriate in later periods, since it was good augury for the emperor to produce male heirs. Although this was something about which the Jiaqing emperor was particularly concerned, the popularity of this subject continued into the Wanli reign, where ceramic wares are found to be decorated with boys at play.

No other box and cover with this combination of form and pattern appears to have been published, although there are several examples of Wanli-marked vessels painted with the same decorative theme. Cf. the Wanli-marked blue and white dish in the Percival David Foundation featuring boys playing in a garden, included in the joint exhibition Ceramic Evolution in the Middle Ming Period, the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1994, and illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 55.

The shape of the present covered box is also very unusual and the most closely related Wanli-marked comparisons are decorated in the wucai palette: the first, a box and cover designed with ascending and descending dragons, sold in our London Rooms, 12 December 1977, lot 153; and the other with floral sprays, sold in these Rooms, 20 March 1990, lot 547.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 29 April 2002

A rare late Ming anhua-decorated blue and white 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619

September 24, 2019, 5:46 am

≫ Next: A very rare late Ming yellow-ground green and aubergine 'dragon' saucer, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619)

≪ Previous: A fine and rare Ming blue and white 'boys' octagonal box and cover, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the p

$

0

0

Lot 615. A rare late Ming anhua-decorated blue and white 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619); 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 100,000. Price realised HKD  95,600. © Christie's Image Ltd 2002

Painted in vibrant blue tones around the exterior to depict a dragon striding towards a phoenix with wings outstretched and streaming tail feathers above a band of lotus lappets around the foot, the interior with a confronted dragon and phoenix roundel within double circles, the cavetto decorated in anhua technique with two dragons striding amidst clouds, below a border of classic scrolls on the everted mouth rim (frits to mouth rim).

Christie's. The Imperial Sale, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 29 April 2002

A very rare late Ming yellow-ground green and aubergine 'dragon' saucer, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619)

September 24, 2019, 5:52 am

≫ Next: A very rare large late Ming wucai temple vase, Wanli six-character mark in a line and of the period (1573-1619)

≪ Previous: A rare late Ming anhua-decorated blue and white 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619

$

0

0

Lot 616. A very rare late Ming yellow-ground green and aubergine 'dragon' saucer, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619); 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 30,000 - HKD 50,000. Price realised HKD  119,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2002 

Of small size, the interior medallion enamelled with a green ascending dragon and an aubergine descending dragon contesting a 'flaming pearl' within a double circle border, the cavetto with floral sprays interspersed with fruiting sprigs, the reverse with three detached floral sprays, all against a mustard-yellow ground including the base bearing the enamelled reign mark (fine rim hairline).

Note: A similar 'biscuit'-enamelled Wanli-marked saucer of slightly larger size (10.8 cm.) from the Edward T. Chow Collection, was sold in Hong Kong, 19 May 1981, lot 439. A larger example of this pattern (20.7 cm. diam.), with exception of lingzhi-sprays on the cavetto, in the Baur Collection is illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in The Baur Collection, vol. 1, Geneva, 1999, no. 104 (A205).

Christie's. The Imperial Sale, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 29 April 2002

A very rare large late Ming wucai temple vase, Wanli six-character mark in a line and of the period (1573-1619)

September 24, 2019, 6:12 am

≫ Next: A late Ming wucai lobed 'dragon' box, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-1620)

≪ Previous: A very rare late Ming yellow-ground green and aubergine 'dragon' saucer, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619)

$

0

0

Lot 618. A very rare large late Ming wucai temple vase, Wanli six-character mark in a line and of the period (1573-1619); 26 7/8 in. (68.3 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 350,000 - HKD 450,000. Price realised HKD 573,600. © Christie's Image Ltd 2002  

The tall beaker vase is well painted around the bulbous mid-section with blue and yellow baskets of flowers, on the gently splayed lower section with flowers growing from ornamental rockwork, on the neck with a floral scroll and upright plantain leaves, and around the galleried rim with the reign mark in a cartouche against a classic scroll (minor glaze frits on rim and foot), box.

Note: The design of the present vase is very rare, with only a small number of comparable examples published. An identical vase is illustrated by A. du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics, Oxford, 1984, p. 170, pl. 1, and sold in our London Rooms, 11 December 1978, lot 111; while a smaller vase (32 cm. high) with the same pattern is in the Matsuoka Art Museum, Japan, illustrated in Mayuyama, Seventy Years, vol. 1, Japan, 1976, pl. 916. Compare also a variation on this vase, a Wanli-marked zun-shaped vase enamelled with flower baskets and dragons and phoenix, included in the exhibition Imperial Overglaze-Enamelled Wares in the Late Ming Dynasty, Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, 1995, and illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 27. 

Christie's. The Imperial Sale, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 29 April 2002

A late Ming wucai lobed 'dragon' box, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-1620)

September 24, 2019, 6:30 am

≫ Next: A very rare late Ming iron-red and underglaze-blue bowl, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-

≪ Previous: A very rare large late Ming wucai temple vase, Wanli six-character mark in a line and of the period (1573-1619)

$

0

0

Lot 1751. A late Ming wucai lobed 'dragon' box, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-1620); 5 7/8 in. (14.5 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 60,000 - HKD 80,000. Price realised HKD 427,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2007

Of lobed pentafoil form, each lobed panel painted around the exterior in vivid green, yellow and iron-red enamels on underglaze blue with confronting dragons amidst ruyi clouds contesting a 'flaming pearl', all above rockwork jutting out from turbulent waves, each panel enclosed within double squares.

Provenance: A Japanese private collection.

Note: Lobed boxes and covers with dragons include a pentagonal box from the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, exhibited at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, Imperial Overglaze-Enamelled Wares in the Late Ming Dynasty, 1995, and illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 29; and a hexagonal example in Beijing, illustrated in Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 32.

Compare also a smaller lobed Wanli-marked box and cover with 'dragon and phoenix' design sold at Christie's Hong Kong, Imperial Chinese Ceramics from the Robert Chang Collection, 28 November 2006, lot 1315. 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 27 November 2007

A very rare late Ming iron-red and underglaze-blue bowl, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-

September 24, 2019, 6:44 am

≫ Next: A blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620)

≪ Previous: A late Ming wucai lobed 'dragon' box, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-1620)

$

0

0

Lot 1572. A very rare late Ming iron-red and underglaze-blue bowl, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-1620); ½in. (11.5cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 200,000. Price realised HKD 319,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2007

Finely painted to the exterior with eight galloping fabulous animals including dragon-headed carp, a lion, a tiger, an oxen, a deer, and a pair of horses to either side of a winged dragon-headed serpent, repeated on the interior as a medallion, all framed by pencilled swirling and cresting waves reserved on a washed ground of iron-red enamel, box.

Note: Previously sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 October 1995, lot 710.

The bowl is yet another late Ming interpretation of whimsical early Ming motifs. Compare with a Xuande marked stemcup of this pattern, with winged mythical beasts reserved on an iron-red ground formerly in the collection of Dr. Ip Yee illustrated in Selected Treasures of Chiense Art, Min Chiu Society Thirtieth Anniversary Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1990, fig. 141. A very rare Chenghua stembowl of this pattern and colour combination from the collection of W.W. Winkworth and Mrs. Walter Sedgwick is illustrated by S. Jenyns, Ming Pottery and Porcelain, pl. 66a; and again by A. Joseph, Ming Porcelain, London, 1971, pl. 59. 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 27 November 2007

A blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620)

September 24, 2019, 9:12 am

≫ Next: A large blue and white 'Four Gentlemens' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

≪ Previous: A very rare late Ming iron-red and underglaze-blue bowl, Wanli six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1573-

$

0

0

Lot 1561. A blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620); 24cm., 9 1/2 in. Estimate HKD 250,000 — 300,000. Price realised HKD 307,500. Courtesy Sotheby's 

of well potted rectangular form with indented corners resting on a short foot, the cover with a rectangular panel enclosing two five-clawed dragons contesting a 'flaming pearl' amid cloud swirls and above rolling waves crashing against rockwork, surrounded by lotus blooms on meandering leafy stems above a keyfret band, the box decorated with a similar scrolling lotus meander below a keyfret band, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double rectangle.

Note: A similar, but slightly smaller box with two dragons in a quatrefoil panel on a cash diaper ground is in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, and is illustrated in the Catalogue of a Special Exhibition of Dragon-motif Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983, cat.no. 37.  Another similar box from the Falk Collection was sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2001, lot 144 and was later resold in these rooms 10th April 2006, lot 1675. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 09 Oct 2007

---

A large blue and white 'Four Gentlemens' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

September 24, 2019, 9:23 am

≫ Next: Diamond Pendent Necklace

≪ Previous: A blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620)

$

0

0

Lot 1562. A large blue and white 'Four Gentlemens' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619); 29.2cm., 11 1/2 in. Estimate HKD 250,000 — 300,000. Price realised HKD 307,500. Courtesy Sotheby's 

the deep rounded sides of the robustly potted bowl well-painted on the exterior in bright cobalt blue with the 'The Four Gentlemen' - prunus, pine, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each blooming from a stem twisted in the form of one of the characters fu (happiness), shou (longevity), kang (health), ning (tranquility), the interior left undecorated in white glaze.

Note: Compare a similar bowl  with the same decoration in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collections of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 35, Hong Kong, cat.no. 209.  A related bowl, dated the Mid-Ming period, in the Topkapi Saray Museum, decorated with 'Three Friends' of prunus, pine and bamboo with their roots twisted in the characters of shou (longevity), lu (prosperity), and fu (happiness), is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, vol. II, 1986, cat.no. 93. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 09 Oct 2007

Diamond Pendent Necklace

September 24, 2019, 9:45 am

≫ Next: A Fine Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace

≪ Previous: A large blue and white 'Four Gentlemens' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619)

$

0

0

Lot 1815. 15.08 carats Type IIa Diamond Pendent Necklace. Estimate 7,600,000 — 10,000,000 HKD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.08 carats, suspending from a row of alternating step- and brilliant-cut diamonds, to the similarly-set clasp terminating on a pear-shaped diamond, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 635mm, two extra links each length approximately 25mm.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 5201272979, dated 13 May 2019, stating that the 15.08 carat diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless; further accompanied by a diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

 

A Fine Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace

September 24, 2019, 9:59 am

≫ Next: Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure

≪ Previous: Diamond Pendent Necklace

$

0

0

Lo 1708. A Fine Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace. Estimate 7,000,000 — 9,000,000 HKD (893,130 - 1,148,310 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Comprising sixty-two graduated highly translucent jadeite beads of intense emerald green colour, to the clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 550mm.

Beads approximately 10.40 to 7.69mm.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate no. KJ 100617(1-3), dated 14 August 2019, stating that the jadeite tested are natural, known in trade as "A Jade".

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019

Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure

September 24, 2019, 10:04 am

≫ Next: A Very Fine Jadeite and Diamond Ring

≪ Previous: A Fine Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace

$

0

0

Lot 1787. Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure. Estimate 6,500,000 — 8,000,000 HKD (829,335 - 1,020,720 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Comprising: a necklace set with twenty-nine oval and cushion-shaped sapphires, decorated with brilliant-cut, marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds, length approximately 465mm; and a pair of pendent earrings of matching design, set with four oval and cushion-shaped sapphires, post and butterfly fittings; the sapphires weighing 128.75 carats in total, mounted in 18 karat white gold.

Accompanied by two Gübelin reports no. 19067220 and 19067221 / 1 and 2, both dated 19 August 2019, stating that the twenty-nine and four sapphires respectively, are of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. Also accompanied by SSEF Premium Appendix with report no. 107840, dated 25 June 2019, stating that the thirty-three sapphires are of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; further accompanied by SSEF Appendix letter stating ‘The described sapphire collection is highly attractive, as it assembles 33 sapphires of partly remarkable size…The sapphires have been carefully selected to match in colour and fine quality…The attractive and saturated blue colour of these sapphires is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements, which are typical and characteristic of the finest sapphires of Mogok…Assembling a matching selection of natural sapphires of Burma of this quality can be considered rare and exceptional.’

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019 

A Very Fine Jadeite and Diamond Ring

September 24, 2019, 10:09 am

≫ Next: A Unique Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring

≪ Previous: Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure

$

0

0

Lot 1804. A Very Fine Jadeite and Diamond Ring. Estimate 6,500,000 — 7,500,000 HKD (829,335 - 956,925 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with a highly translucent jadeite cabochon of emerald green colour, within a surround of oval diamonds, to the shoulders decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold, size 6¼.

Cabochon approximately 21.23 x 18.98 x 7.96mm.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate no. KJ 100528, dated 24 July 2019, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as "A Jade".  

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 07 Oct 2019