Lot 3273. A fine white jade bowl, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 4 ¾ in. (12 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 700,000. Price realised HKD 1,740,000© Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The bowl is carved with flaring sides rising to a slightly everted rim, supported on a circular ring foot. The material is of a semi-translucent, even white tone with mottling and a high finish.
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
Lot 3275. A white jade archaistic rectangular censer and cover, fangding, Late Qing dynasty-Early Republic period; 7 3/8 in. (18.8 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 160,000 - HKD 200,000. Price realised HKD 1,620,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The censer is carved in low relief on the thick sides with bands of archaistic decoration and on each cylindrical leg with a mask-like motif and square spirals above a pendent leaf. The wide, flat rim is surmounted by two openwork, squared scroll handles, and the cover has a finial carved as a lion and cub with a peony branch. The base is carved in low-relief with an apocryphal Qianlong four-character seal mark. The stone is of even, white colour; zitan box.
Provenance: A Japanese private collection, acquired before 1940, and thence by descent
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
Lot 3274. A white jade facetted baluster vase and cover, Late Qing dynasty-Early Republic period; 9 7/8 in. (25 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 120,000 - HKD 150,000. Price realised HKD 1,375,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
Of rectangular section, the vase has plain sides and two ruyi-shaped loop handles, each incised on the top with a Shoumedallion and suspending a loose ring, and the cover has a stepped finial. The pale greenish-white stone has some natural cloudy inclusions and is softly polished; zitan and hongmu stand, Japanese double wood boxes.
Provenance: A Japanese private collection, acquired before 1940, and thence by descent.
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
Lot 379. Two fine copper-red decorated 'sanduo' bowls, Yongzheng six character marks in underglaze blue and of the period (1723-1735), diameter 12 and 12.2. cm. Estimate CHF 50 000 / 80 000 (€ 46 300 / 74 070). Sold for CHF 60 000 © Koller
Copper red decoration under a transparent glaze with a bluish tinge. The three fruits of peach, pomegranate and kaki symbolize the three-fold fullness (sanduo). At the base, Yongzheng underglaze blue six-characters mark in double ring.
Provenance: Swiss private collection. By repute purchased in Japan in the 1950s. Hence by descent.
Note: A very similar pair sold at Christie's HK, June 01 2016, lot 3334.
Two fine copper-red decorated 'sanduo' bowls, Yongzheng six-character marks in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1723-1735). Sold for HK$1,000,000 ($129,297) at Christie's Hong Kong, June 01 2016, lot 3334. © Christie's Image Ltd 2016
(Cf. my post Two fine copper-red decorated 'sanduo' bowls, Yongzheng marks and period (1723-1735)
Koller. Asian Art: Himalaya, China - Wednesday 07 December 2016
Lot 353. A blue and white cylindrical vase with figural scenes. China, 17th century; Height 48 cm. Estimate CHF 12,000 / 18,000 (€ 11 110/16 670). Sold for CHF 48 000 © Koller
The under-glass-blue decor consists of a figural scene in a garden with banana trees, pastures and pines in front of mountains in the background. The scene is bordered by an inset with clouds and vegetation. Lancet leaves complete the decor on the lip.
Provenance: Old Swiss private collection.
Koller. Asian Art: Himalaya, China - Tuesday 06 May 2014, 10.00 AM
Lot 384. A large famille rose phoenix tail vase depicting the Eight Immortals, Yongzheng period (1723-1735), height 78 cm. Estimate CHF 8 000 / 12 000 (€ 7 410 / 11 110). Sold for CHF 40 000 © Koller
Baluster shape with funnel neck. Living representation of the Eight Immortals in fresh enamels. The scenery with colorful cloud bands is bordered by a powerful jaw, a symbol of longevity. Lip slightly rest. Wooden stand. Minor rim restorations.
Koller. Asian Art: Himalaya, China - Tuesday 29 October 2013
Lot 159. A magnificent bronze mirror with turquoise and gold inlays, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States, diameter 18 cm. Estimate CHF 30 000 / 50 000 (€ 27 780 / 46 300). Sold for CHF 35 000 © Koller
Bronze with turquoise inserts and gold exchange. Stylized kite decor on square basic structure, in the corners four circles, which appear again on the edge border. In the center small ring knob.
Koller. Asian Art: Himalaya, China - Tuesday 29 October 2013
Lot 172. A gilt cast-bronze figure of a seated bear, Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), height 5.7 inches. Estimate CHF 6,000 / 9,000 (€5 560/8 330). Sold for CHF 7 500 © Koller
Fire-gilt bronze. Figure of a stocky bear with fine details like the claws. His head slightly tilted forward, he sits on his hind legs, on which he supports the front paws. Gilding partially rubbed. Applies partly rubbed.
Purchased at Lempertz 7 June 2013, lot 153. Then from a German private collection, acquired in the 1980s at Offermann & Schmitz, Wuppertal, Germany.
Lot 174. A lacquered bronze figure of Guanyin seated in royal ease, Song dynasty (960-1279), height 16.5 cm. Estimate CHF 5,000 / 8,000 (€4 630 / 7 410). Sold for CHF 15 000 © Koller
Bronze with black lacquer and traces of gilding. The Bodhisattva of Mercy sits loosely lalitasana, the right arm resting on the knee. In the crown she wears Buddha Amithaba, whose emanation he holds. In this attitude, the figure is often referred to as water-moon Guanyin.
Provenance: Swiss private collection, inventorized 2005.
Note: For a very similar piece see the Freer Gallery of Art Washington D.C, inventory no. F1917.17a-b. Published in: H. Muensterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Tokyo 1967, plate 69.
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as the Water Moon Guanyin, Song dynasty, 960-1279. Bronze with gilding, 21.8 x 10.5 x 7.3 cm (8 9/16 x 4 1/8 x 2 7/8 in). Gift of Charles Lang Freer, Freer Gallery of Art, F1917.17a-b © 2017 Smithsonian Institution
Lot 540. A diamond and 18K gold elephant necklace, by René Boivin. Estimation : 20,000 - €30,000 € © Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
en or jaune et argent d'inspiration indienne, il est couvert d'un caparaçon d'apparat en or ciselé imitant la fourrure, incrusté de motifs de bothés, sertis de diamants jaunes et cognac et sommé d'un dais torsadéégalement serti de diamants blancs et cognac. La coiffe et le caparaçon retiennent des petits diamants sertis clos en pampille. Les pattes et les défenses sont en argent. Il est retenu par sa chaîne d'origine en or jaune torsadé. Ce modèle a été exécuté par la Maison Boivin à partir des années 1939. Signé. Dimensions : 5 x 4,5 cm environ. Longueur de la chaîne : 57 cm environ. Poids : 139,3 g (18K - 750/1000 et argent 925/1000).
Bibliographie : des modèles d'éléphants sont illustrés page 304 dans l'ouvrage René Boivin, Joaillier par Françoise Cailles, aux Editions de l'Amateur.
Importants Bijoux chez Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco, le 17 Juillet 2017 à 10h30, 15h et 18h
Lot 546. A multi-colored sapphires and 18K gold demi parure by René Boivin, comprising a pair of ears pendant and a bracelet. Estimation : 20,000 - €30,000 € © Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
en or jaune. Elle comprend un bracelet et une paire de clips d'oreilles au même modèle. Le bracelet en jonc bombé, est pavé de saphirs multicolores, interrompus de godrons d'or. Signés. Tour de poignet : 17 cm environ. Dimensions des boucles d'oreilles : 4 cm environ. Poids total : 143,5 g (18K - 750/1000).
Importants Bijoux chez Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco, le 17 Juillet 2017 à 10h30, 15h et 18h
Lot 550. A sapphire and multi colored sapphires three 18K gold brooch, by René Boivin. Estimation : 20,000 - €30,000 € © Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
en or jaune ciselé, figurant un arbre, les feuilles mobiles sont en saphirs multicolores sertis clos. Signée. Dimensions : 6 x 5 cm environ. Poids : 40,4 g (18K - 750/1000).
Note : Le modèle original, créé pour les 80 ans de Mme Boivin, symbolise la famille Boivin, les branches représentant les enfants.
Importants Bijoux chez Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco, le 17 Juillet 2017 à 10h30, 15h et 18h
Lot 538. A diamond, sapphire and 18K gold demi parure comprising a pair of ear clips and a brooch, by René Boivin. Estimation : 12,000 - €15,000 € © Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
en or jaune. Elle comprend une paire de clips d'oreilles et une broche figurant des fleurs épanouies. Le cœur boule est serti de saphirs et les pétales sont soulignés de diamants. Signée. Dimensions d'un clip d'oreille : 3,8 x 4 cm environ. Dimension de la broche : 4,5 x 4 cm environ. Poids total : 94,6 g (18K - 750/1000).
Importants Bijoux chez Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco, le 17 Juillet 2017 à 10h30, 15h et 18h
Lot 595. A ruby, South Seas and Tahiti cultured pearls, diamond and 18K gold bracelet, by René Boivin, circa 1980. Estimation : 8,000 - €12,000 € © Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
en or jaune. Maille souple soulignée de cabochons de rubis, perles de culture de Tahiti, perles de culture des Mers du Sud. Fermoir à clapet serti de diamants ronds. Signé. Dans son écrin d'origine de la Maison Boivin. Dimensions du bracelet : 18 x 3,5 cm. Diamètre des perles de culture : de 9,6 à 12,5 mm. Poids : 163,4 g (18K - 750/1000).
Bibliographie : un modèle est reproduit page 375 dans René Boivin Joaillier par Françoise Cailles aux éditions de l'Amateur, 1994.
Importants Bijoux chez Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco, le 17 Juillet 2017 à 10h30, 15h et 18h
Lot 3271. A yellow jade 'double lozenge' brush washer, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 8 3/8 in. (21.2 cm.) wide, box. Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000. Price realised HKD 1,125,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The washer is carved as double intersecting lonzenges, flanked by a pair of phoenix-head handles suspending loose rings. The sides, the interior and the base left undecorated. The stone is of an even yellowish-green tone with some faint natural inclusions.
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
Lot 3268. A spinach green jade lotus leaf-form libation cup, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century, 7 in. (18 cm.) long, box. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price realised HKD 1,000,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The cup is carved in imitation of a rhinoceros horn libation cup as a lotus leaf with undulating edges borne atop craggy rock that forms the base, from which also rise entwined stems of budding lotus blossoms. The exterior is further carved and pierced in high relief with a lotus pond scene; including two mandarin ducks holding together a sprig of lotus in their beaks, egrets perched on branches catching fish and a crab.
Provenance: A French private collection, acquired circa 2007
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
Lot 3108. A finely carved yellow jade 'Chilong' disc, Song-Ming dynasty (960-1644), 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 300,000 - HKD 500,000. Price realised HKD 812,500 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The disc is carved in low relief with a pair of sinuous chilong, arranged head to tail around the disc, each detailed with a long curling bifurcated tail. The slightly concave reverse is similarly incised with four three-clawed dragons, all between double-line borders. The sides are further carved in relief with three chilongdragons with bifurcated tails. The stone is of a greenish-yellow tone.
detail ot the reverse
Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall
KYOTO - Van Cleef & Arpels has shipped precious items from its heritage collection to Kyoto to establish a unique bond between high jewellery - an emblematic example of French savoir-faire - and the Millennial history of the traditional crafts in Japan.
Beautifully staged by the acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the exhibition is divided into three thematic areas designed to celebrate the beauty of handmade works of art emanating from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Parisian’s workshops and works made by Kyoto’s refined craftsmen. Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, was renowned for its elegant society and culture, attracting the country’s finest craftsmen to produce objects of exquisite beauty for their wealthy clientele.
The first section provides an overview of Van Cleef’s history, from the foundation of the Maison in 1906 to the present day, illustrating stylistic trends and exclusive production techniques developed by the Maison. Objects ranging from minaudières - sophisticated bejewelled evening bags bearing Van Cleef’s acclaimed “mystery setting” - to the mesmerising (and fully functional) Zip necklace, the 80 works on display reflect the spirit of this Parisian legend that was a second home to European royalty and countless aristocrats.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Model of the Varuna Yacht, circa 1907. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Pampilles earrings, 1923. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels Art, Deco brooch, 1930. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels, Bird cage, 1935. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Floating ribbon brooch, 1937. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Spanish ballerina clip, 1941. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Fuchsia clip, 1968. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels
In the second section, visitors will be treated to a compare and contrast session comprised of works by Van Cleef & Arpels and works by Japanese craftsmen. Outstanding handmade items are referred to as pieces of “transcendental workmanship” in Japan and are appreciated and valued as works of fine art. Clothing made with gold brocade, objects made using the lacquer technique known as maki-e and ceramics and cloisonné enamel comprise some of the 50 objects of Japanese crafts on display, placed alongside 100 works of high jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Wall hanging with wisteria and peacocks. Artist unknown. Circa 1905. Embroidery. Photo by Kimura Yoichi.
Bagatelle Minaudière, 1949. Gold, platinum, silver, rubies, lacquer, silk. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels
Pair of vases with butterflies and flowers of the four seasons by Kin'unken Inaba, Late 19th - early 20th century. Wired cloisonné. Photo by Kimura Yoichi.
Persimmon by Ando Rokuzan, ivory carving, early 20th century. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels Dragon clip dating from 1969. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Plate with lotus leaf and frog by Shoami Katsuyoshi, late 19th century. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Vase with carp by Shoami Katsuyoshi, metalwork late 19th century. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
The last section of the exhibition is devoted to works by contemporary Japanese artists alongside Van Cleef high jewellery.
Left: Tea caddy "Cosmos" by Hattori Shunsho, 2016. Lacquer on wood, maki-e inlay with wings of jewel beetle. Photo by Ezaki Yoshikazu - Right: Two leaves clip 1967. Platinum, gold, Mystery Set emeralds, diamonds. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Etincelles Minaudière case, 2006. Gold, onyx, diamonds. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Yuzendyeing kimono "Snow Dance" by Moriguchi Kunihiko 2016. Silk, yuzen dyeing. Photo © The Collection of the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto.
Moriguchi Kunihiko in his atelier. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Serenitatis necklace, 2010. Gold, sapphires, diamonds. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Tsumugi silk kimono "Autumn Mist" by Shimura Fukumu, 1961. Silk, pongee type weaving. Photo by Shikata Kunihiro.
Two leaves clip: 1967. Platinum, gold, Mystery Set emeralds, diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels Collection - Incense container paulownia design: Hattori Shunsho, 2014. Lacquer on wood, inlay with wings of Jewell Beetle. Photo Credit: Ezaki Yoshikazu – Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Mastery of an Art / Exhibition view at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Japan 2017. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Mastery of an Art / Exhibition view at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Japan 2017. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Mastery of an Art / Exhibition view at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Japan 2017. Photo © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Lot 1183. A fine and rare underglaze-blue-decorated, yellow-ground incised pear-shaped vase, Qianlong seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795), 7¾ in. (19.7 cm.) high. Estimate USD 300,000 - USD 500,000. Price realised USD 3,819,750 © Christie's Images Ltd 2013
The body is incised under an egg yolk-yellow glaze with a flaming pearl on each side being contested by a full-faced, five-clawed dragon rising above the pearl and a three-clawed dragon reaching for it from below as the two leap amidst clouds and flames bordered by slightly raised bands of leaf tips and lappets painted in underglaze blue, as are the bands of lotus sprays on the foot and at the rim, and the decoration on the highly stylized animal-head handles that may represent rhinoceros heads.
Provenance: Bertha Siegel Bleicher (1897-1986) Collection, Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned 1984.
Exhibited: Recent Gifts and Acquisitions, 10 February - 24 March 1985.
Note: Only one other Qianlong-marked vase of this rare combination of shape and decoration appears to have been published. Now in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, England, accession no. EA1971.37, it had been in the collection of the well-known English collector, George de Menasce, and was illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, The George de Menasce Collection, Part I, Spink, London, 1971, p. 44, no. 162. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1. Vase with dragons and clouds, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736 - 1795), porcelain, with underglaze painting in cobalt-blue, and incised decoration under a yellow glaze, 20 cm (height), with handles 14.5 cm (width), 14 cm (diameter), at foot 8 cm (diameter). Purchased, 1971., EA1971.37 © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
The stylized animal heads that form the top of the handles have sometimes been described as elephant heads but, with the single horn on top combined with the large eyes, they may be highly stylized rhinoceros heads. Variously decorated vases of this shape and with similar stylized handles which, however, have the addition of stationary rings 'suspended' from the handles, were also made during not only the Qianlong period, but also the Yongzheng period. A Yongzheng-marked example with a teadust glaze in the collection of Lord Cunliffe is illustrated by S. Jenyns in Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. CIV 2, and also included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition, The Ceramic Art of China, London, 1951, pl. 164, no. 242, where the heads on the handles are called elephant heads. One with a Qianlong mark, decorated in underglaze blue with flower scroll on the body and neck between decorative borders, in the Huaihaitang Collection, is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Ethereal Elegance, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 11 November 2007 - 30 March 2008, pp. 296-97, no. 101. Another Qianlong-marked soft paste porcelain vase of this latter type, with archaistic relief decoration under a white glaze, is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and illustrated by S. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1988, p. 264, no. 268.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 21 - 22 March 2013, New York, Rockefeller Cente
Lot 1206. A rare crackled 'apple-green'-glazed 'Chrysanthemum' teapot and cover, Yongzheng-Qianlong period (1723-1796), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) across. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 243,750 © Christie's Images Ltd 2013
The compressed body is molded with two broad bands of chrysanthemum petals radiating from the base of the shallow, similarly molded neck and from the similarly molded foot. The cover is molded en suite below the pierced finial. The exterior and base are covered with an apple-green glaze suffused with a network of fine dark crackle.
Provenance: Fong Chow (1923-2012) Collection, New York.
Note: A very similar ewer and cover, also without reign mark, which is dated to the Yongzheng period, is illustrated in Zhongguo guojia bowuguan guancang yangjiu congshu - ciqi juan, Qing dai, Shanghai, 2007, p. 110, no. 72. The shape and design continued into the Qianlong period, as represented by the celadon-glazed example with a Qianlong six-character seal mark, illustrated in An Exhibition of Important Chinese Ceramics from the Robert Chang Collection, Christie's London, 2-14 June 1993, no. 66, pp. 143-44.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 21 - 22 March 2013, New York, Rockefeller Center