18 karat gold, sapphire, diamond and cultured pearl bracelet. Photo courtesy Sotheby's.

The multi-strand bracelet composed of 170 cultured pearls measuring approximately 7.9 to 3.8 mm, the clasp of basketweave design set with two marquise-shaped diamonds weighing approximately .90 carat and round diamonds weighing approximately 1.25 carats, further set with round and calibré-cut sapphires, length 8½ inches, with French assay and maker's mark. Estimation 7,000 — 9,000 USD

PROPERTY FROM THE HOUDRY FAMILY COLLECTION, FRANCE

This bracelet bears a maker's mark for Davière, one of René Boivin's most well-known workshops.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. New York | 11 Dec 2013 - www.sothebys.com

A pair of sapphire and citrine flower brooches, by Taffin. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Comprising two flower brooches, each centering upon a cushion-cut sapphire, to the pear-shaped cabochon citrine petals, mounted in platinum. Each signed Taffin, nos. 317 and 318. Estimate: $30,000 – $50,000

With report CS 57542 A and B dated 24 October 2013 stating that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of this material would be classified as Ceylon (Sri Lanka). No gemological evidence of heat 

Christie's MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 10 December 2013. New York, Rockefeller Plaza - www.christies.com

An Yixing stoneware 'pine tree' brush washer, Signed Shi Ying. Photo courtesy Bonhams. 

Naturalistically and superbly potted to resemble a section of pine tree trunk, the exterior carved in high relief with a sturdy pine tree section on one side forming the handle, its gnarled branches extended with lush blooms of iconic pine tree leaves, the intricately carved tree bark vividly highlighted by the natural grain and crevices, the recessed base carefully incised with a series of kaishu inscriptions followed by the potter's signature, the stoneware of a dark brown colour with fine golden speckles all around. 12.7cm wide. Estimate HK$ 400,000 - 600,000 (€38,000 - 57,000)

Compare another two brush washers which also bear the signatures of Shi Ying: one in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, museum number B60 P1733, and the other from the E. Fowler Jr. Foundation Museum, illustrated by Terese T. Bartholomew, I-Hsing Ware, New York, 1977, pp.66-67, pl.43. 

According to the Ming dynasty connoisseur, Zhou Gaoqi (1596-1645) in his book, yangxian minghu xi: yaliu,(Collections of Yangxian Teapot: Scholars), p.4, Shi Ying is the hao of Jiang Bofu, who along with Ou Zhengchun, Shao Wenjin and Shao Wenyin were students of Shi Dabin. He was a friend of the scholar Chen Jiru (1558-1639) and because of his association with the literary circles he was discreet about being a potter, though his pieces were not commonplace.

Bonhams.MASTERPIECES OF YIXING STONEWARE FROM THE MR AND MRS JIMMY SHA COLLECTION. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 13:30 CST - www.bonhams.com 

An Yixing stoneware seated figure of Guanyin, Signed Shi Dabin. Photo courtesy Bonhams. 

Seated in a relaxed posture with the left leg pendant and right leg tucked underneath, the Goddess of Mercy with long hair neatly tied and gently falling over the shoulders, her visage with compassionate downcast eyes in deep contemplation, wearing a loose flowing robe incised at the hem and fastened at the waist, her left hand holding a string of prayer beads and the right resting atop two sutras, the rear with a series of dated dedicatory kaishu inscriptions followed by the potter's signature, the stoneware of a creamy coffee-brown colour with intense speckles of gold all around, fitted box. 10cm high. (2). Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 350,000 (€24,000 - 33,000) 

Provenance: Gong Xinzhao collection (1870-1949) (affixed label) 

Compare a similar but standing Yixing stoneware Guanyin also bearing the signature of Shi Dabin from the Chen Keli collection (1908- after 1985), illustrated by Lai Fulai and Chen Keli, Yangxian shaqi jingpin tupu, (An Illustrated Collection of Fine Stonewares of Yangxian), Taipei, 1985, pl.10, and another closely related Guanyin illustrated by Jan Shing-Hwa, I-Hsing Pottery, Taipei, 1982, p.165, where the author believed the sculpture was hand crafted by Shi Dabin. 

Bonhams.MASTERPIECES OF YIXING STONEWARE FROM THE MR AND MRS JIMMY SHA COLLECTION. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 13:30 CST - www.bonhams.com

Emerald, diamond and ruby watch-bangle, Chara Wen. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. 

The case modelled as an orchid flowerhead centring on a heart-shaped emerald weighing 4.87 carats, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut emeralds,petal rotated to reveal the circular diamond-set dial, the bangle accented by a heart-shaped cabochon ruby and numerous circular-cut emeralds and diamonds, the diamonds and emeralds together weighing approximately 37.00 and 19.50 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat white gold, quartz movement, water-resistant, dial, buckle and caseback signed, caseback also numbered CD0020, inner circumference approximately 150mm. Estimate 700,000 — 900,000 HKD

Accompanied by a GRS report numbered GRS2011-061983, dated 27 June 2011, stating that the 4.87 carat emerald is natural, of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement; also accompanied by a signed box. 

GIFT OF LOVE
Every piece of jewellery in itself is a creation bearing the kindest affection and sincere wishes; it is a ‘Gift of Love’. This is the concept behind each unique art piece meticulously crafted by designer Wen Wan Xin, founder and artistic director of Chara Wen Jewelry. Her works are always embedded with a heart-shaped Burmese ruby cabochon, sometimes immediately visible, other times hidden, to symbolize ‘love and joy’, which is also the meaning of ‘Chara’.

Sotheby's. Fine Timepieces & Jewels. Hong Kong | 06 Dec 2013 _ www.sothebys.com 

A fine and rare pair of huanghuali lamphanger chairs, dengguayi, 17th century. Photo courtesy Bonhams. 

Each rising to a subtly curved top rail with protruding ends, situated above slightly bent back posts ending in four sturdy feet at the lower base, the rectangular spine gently curved and exhibiting natural graining, the basket-weave seat within fixed borders, spandrels and stepped stretchers. Each: 116.8cm high. (2). Estimate HK$ 400,000 - 600,000 (€38,000 - 57,000)

See another huanghuali lamphanger chair in the Mrs Chen Mengjia collection, illustrated by Wang Shixiang in Classical Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1986, p.76, no.37. For several other examples of huanghuali lamphanger side chairs sold at auctions, see Christie's, New York, 19 September 1996, lot 74. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST 

A huanghuali waisted corner-leg side table, banzhuo, 17th century. Photo courtesy Bonhams. 

The tri-panel at the upper surface set within a rectangular frame and separated by a grooved border, the narrow waist with thumb-grooved edges supported above a lightly beaded skirting and four feet, forming a square section terminating in hoofed ends and with humpback stretchers at the sides. 92cm x 47cm x 85cm high. Estimate HK$ 500,000 - 800,000 (€48,000 - 76,000) 

For an 18th century table of very similar form, see C. Evarts, Liang Yi Collection: Huanghuali, Hong Kong, 2007, p.121, no.43; And for a huanghuali example of this form in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum dated to the late Ming dynasty, see Craig Clunas, Chinese Furniture, London, 1988, p.48, no.33A; See also a huanghuali side table dated to the 18th century in similar form, sold at Bonhams San Fransisco, 24 June 2013, lot 1157. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST

Impressive diamond ring. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. 

Centring on a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 11.33 carats, to a stylised mount set with oval rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the shoulders, the diamonds together weighing approximately 2.30 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 6. Estimation 7,000,000 — 8,500,000 HKD 

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2125219311, dated 23 January 2013, stating that the 11.33 carat diamond is E colour, Internally Flawless clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. 

Sotheby's. Fine Timepieces & Jewels. Hong Kong | 06 Dec 2013 _ www.sothebys.com 

Diamond ring. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. 

Centring on a heart-shaped diamond weighing 10.32 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 5½. Estimation 5,500,000 — 6,500,000 HKD

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2145850248, dated 25 July 2012, stating that the 10.32 carat diamond is D colour, Internally Flawless clarity; further accompanied by 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. Fine Timepieces & Jewels. Hong Kong | 06 Dec 2013 _ www.sothebys.com 

A fine zitan corner-leg waistless table, tiaozhuo, 17th century. Photo courtesy Bonhams.

Finely worked in austere and elegant rectangular form with the top panel enclosed within a frame separated by a groove and complete with square braces, the corner legs set at right angles at the top all ending in four hooved feet. 69cm x 44cm x 80cm high. Estimate HK$ 400,000 - 600,000 (€38,000 - 57,000)

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST

Cartier Chinese Mythical Creature Mystery Clock. Photo courtesy Sotheby's.

A large, very rare and important yellow gold, diamond, rock crystal, smokey quartz, onyx and black agate mystery clock circa 1995 case No 220932 HPSR 0289. 

With mechanical nickel lever jeweled movement, housed in one of the two substantial black agate stepped bases, connected by a rectangular piece of smokey quartz, two double smokey quartz columns with gold, onyx and diamond set capitals surmounted by two carved smokey quartz Chinese mythical creature, one to each column and centered by a large gold circular casing in gold and smokey quartz, rock crystal dial with gold and diamond set Roman numerals on onyx background, case signed and numbered; height 32cm. Estimation 1,560,000 — 2,800,000 HKD 

Sotheby's. Fine Timepieces & Jewels. Hong Kong | 06 Dec 2013 _ www.sothebys.com 

Grand carreau de Damas, Syrie, Damas, Deuxième moitié du XVIe siècle, Empire Ottoman. Photo Boisgirard et Associés

Pâte siliceuse à décor peint sous glaçure incolore transparente.Hauteur : 25 ; Largeur : 25,5 cm. Estimation : 4 000 / 6 000 €

Ce beau carreau est décoré au centre d’un médaillon floral comportant œillets, tulipes et fleurs composites ; dans les écoinçons se trouvent des lèvres de Bouddha ainsi que des çintamani.
Ce grand carreau est un bel exemple des céramiques architecturales de Damas, à la palette caractéristique.
Un carreau de même type est conservé au Victoria and Albert Museum de Londres (Inv. 452-1901)

Boisgirard et Associés. Jeudi 28 novembre 2013. Drouot Richelieu - Salle 9 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris - http://www.boisgirard.com/

Probably Italian, late 16th-early 17th century, Finger ring. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 

gold, with a scalloped bezel set with an oval garnet - bezel: 14mm., 9/16 in. - ring size R. Estimation 4,000 — 6,000 GBP

Rings dating to the late 16th and early 17th centuries with similar oval shaped garnets are published by Chadour (op. cit., p. 218, nos. 710 and 711).

RELATED LITERATURE: A. B. Chadour, Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch collection. Forty Centuries seen by Four Generations, Leeds, 1994, p. 218, nos. 710 and 711

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM -www.sothebys.com

Carreau Iznik,Turquie, Iznik, circa 1530, Empire Ottoman. Photo Boisgirard et Associés

Céramique siliceuse à décor polychrome peint sous glaçure transparente. Hauteur : 25 ; Largeur : 24,3 cm. (Altération de la glaçure, éclats de surface, petits bouchages). Estimation : 4 000 / 6 000 €

Provenance : ancienne collection Lagonico

Ce carreau est inscrit d’un losange centré d’une palmette entourée de fleurs.
Les quatre angles sont décorés de nuages tchi appartenant au répertoire décoratif chinois et que l’on retrouve sur les écoinçons de deux panneaux de la façade de la Sünnet Odasi du Palais de Topkapi.

Un carreau du même groupe est conservé au Victoria and Albert Museum de Londres (Inv. 508-1900).
Un autre carreau très proche conservé dans les collections du Sadberk Hanim Museum (SHM 4201) est publié dans : Bilgi, H. (2009) Dance of Fire - Iznik tiles and ceramics in the Sadberk Hanim Museum and Ömer M. Koç Collections, Istanbul : Vehbi Koç Foundation : Sadberk Hanim Museum, p. 92, N° 26.
Enfin, un autre carreau comparable est conservé au Musée du Louvre à Paris (AD5595).

Boisgirard et Associés. Jeudi 28 novembre 2013. Drouot Richelieu - Salle 9 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris - http://www.boisgirard.com/

Spanish, second half 16th century, Pendant crucifix. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 

the cross with a cartellino inscribed: INRI in black enamel, enamelled gold with pearls: 7.2cm., 2 7/8 in overall. Estimation 3,000 — 4,000 GBP

The goldsmith who made this beautiful crucifix has succeeded in creating a wonderful play of textures that would have captivated the Renaissance patron. In his attempt to represent a naturalistic cross, he has successfully employed several virtuoso techniques, which include enamelling the cut-off branches green and chasing the surfaces of the cross so as to resemble the grain of wood. A similar 16th-century gold pendant crucifix with naturalistic cross can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 260-1869), whilst the physiognomy of the corpus and the use of pearls compare with a 16th-century Spanish pendant, which is published by Muller (op. cit. p. 64). The cross with cut-off branches was one of the symbols of the Spanish Inquisition, similar branches appear on a Spanish processional cross dating from 1500 in the British Museum (inv. no. 1911, 0621.2)

RELATED LITERATURE: P. Muller, Jewels in Spain 1500-1800, New York, 2012, p. 64

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM -www.sothebys.com

Rare Carreau Safavide, Iran, Probablement Khwaja Rabi Mausoleum à Meched, circa 1620, Époque Safavide. Photo Boisgirard et Associés

Pâte siliceuse, à décor polychrome sous glaçure incolore transparente. Hauteur : 18 ; Largeur : 18 cm. Estimation : 3 000 / 4 000 €

Ce rare carreau de revêtement à décor en noir cobalt et turquoise porte un décor kaléidoscopique de feuilles saz et fleurs composites inscrites dans une étoile bleue.
L’inscription du pourtour est un extrait de hadith en calligraphie cursive.
Les carreaux de ce groupe qui évoquent les formes des carreaux ilkhanides sont des productions de la période safavide.
On trouve des carreaux de même décor sur des panneaux du Khwaja Rabi Mausoleum à Meched construit vers 1620.
Un carreau du même bâtiment est reproduit dans Curatola, G. (2010) Arte della civilta Islamica: la collezione Al Sabah, Kuwait, Milan : Skira, p. 147.
Un autre carreau en étoile de même décor mais sans inscription et attribué au même bâtiment (ici appelé Hadji Rabi) est publié dans : Allemagne, H.-R. (d’) (1911) Du Khorassan au pays des Backhtiaris, trois mois de voyage en Perse, Tome II, p. 130

Boisgirard et Associés. Jeudi 28 novembre 2013. Drouot Richelieu - Salle 9 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris - http://www.boisgirard.com/

Probably South German, mid to late 16th century, finger ring. Photo courtesy Sotheby's

gold, the square bezel with scrollwork, set with a glass paste replacement - bezel: 11mm., 7/16 in. ring size U. Estimation 3,000 — 5,000 GBP

The scrollwork decoration adorning the bezel of this charming ring is near-identical to that found on another ring which was sold at Sotheby's New York on 25 November 1986, lot 143, there catalogued as probably South German, third quarter of the 16th century. Note the same ram's horn type motifs flanking the short sides of the stone. Compare also with the late 16th-century ring published by Scarisbrick (op. cit., no. 158).

RELATED LITERATURE: D. Scarisbrick, Historic Rings. Four Thousand Years of Craftsmanship, Tokyo, New York and London, 2004, p. 67, no. 158

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM -www.sothebys.com

Miroir aux sphinx affrontés. Iran oriental ou Anatolie, Dynastie Seldjoukide, XIIe-XIIIe siècle. Photo Boisgirard et Associés

Bronze moulé. Diamètre : 11 cm. (Belle patine verte). Estimation : 1 200 / 1 500 €

Le sphinx ailé est un motif connu dans l’art islamique à partir du XIe siècle, et spécifiquement en Iran aux XIIe et XIIIe siècles. Associé au disque solaire dès l’époque achéménide, il est considéré comme un animal céleste, symbole de lumière éternelle.
Il n’est donc pas étonnant d’observer ce thème au revers d’un miroir dont le rôle est de refléter la lumière.
Le motif de l’axe végétal peut être interprété comme l’arbre de vie gardé par les sphinx, forces de lumière dans l’Au-delà.
Un exemple très proche est conservé au Musée du Louvre (Inv. OA 3945) et publié dans : Exposition Musée du Louvre (23 avril - 23 juillet 2001) L’Étrange et le Merveilleux en terres d’Islam, p. 141 et dans : Exposition Musée du Louvre (16 octobre 1989 - 15 janvier 1990) : Arabesques et jardins de Paradis - collections françaises d’art islamique, Paris : RMN, 1989, p. 270, N° 203.
Il porte l’inscription : « Gloire et pérennité, succès et splendeur, élévation et louange, félicité et grandeur, règne et développement, puissance et bienfaits à qui le détient, éternellement ».

Voir également : Melikian-Chirvani A. S. (1973) Le Bronze Iranien, Paris : Hemmerlé, Patie et Cie, pp. 36-37.
Deux autres exemples proches sont conservés au Victoria and Albert Museum de Londres (Inv. 928-1886 & 442-1887) et sont publiés dans : Melikian-Chirvani A. S. (1982) Islamic metalwork from the Iranian world, 8-18th centuries, Londres : the Victoria and Albert Museum catalogue, pp. 130-131.

Boisgirard et Associés. Jeudi 28 novembre 2013. Drouot Richelieu - Salle 9 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris - http://www.boisgirard.com/

French, circa 1600, finger ring. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 

the reverse of the bezel inscribed with the Jesuit symbol: IHS with a cross and two nails; enamelled gold, with a circular bezel set with rock crystal above a scene of the crucifixion in gold - bezel: 16mm., 5/8 in - ring size U. Estimation 4,000 — 6,000 GBP

The present ring finds a comparison in another gold ring with black enamelling and with a bezel set with rock crystal atop a scene of the crucifixion in the British Museum, London (inv. no. 1978,1002.105). This ring is catalogued as French, circa 1600, but is of noticeably lesser quality than the present very fine example. Another ring fitting the same description is mentioned by Dalton in his catalogue of the Franks Bequest (op. cit., p. 120, no. 779). The black enamel decoration finds comparisons in numerous late 16th- and early 17th-century rings, including on a gold and rock crystal signet ring sold at Christie's London on 9 October 2012, lot 385.

RELATED LITERATURE: O. M. Dalton, Catalogue of the Finger Rings in the Franks Bequest, London, 1912, p. 120, no. 779

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM -www.sothebys.com

Italian, Venice, 16th century, Incense boat. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 

painted and partially gilt enamel on copper; 11 by 31 by 11cm., 4¼ by 12 1/8 by 4¼in. Estimation 10,000 — 15,000 GBP

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 7 July 1988, lot 9

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM -www.sothebys.com