Lot 2139. A rare carved ruby-red glass circular box and cover, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 180,000 - HKD 250,000. Price realised HKD 187,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The gently rounded cover is superbly carved in varying levels of relief with a sinuous kuidragon opposite a phoenix, their bodies composed of bifurcating lingzhi scroll encircling the sides of the cover. The exterior of the box is similarly carved with a pair of young chidragons surrounding the plain base.

Provenance: A San Francisco collection
Acquired in 2010 

Note: The extremely fine carving and motifs found on the present box relate very closely to two examples of Imperial carved ruby-red glass ewers bearing Qianlong reign marks. The first, carved with the same design of phoenix on one side and a dragon on the other is in the collection of C.P. Lin, illustrated in The Grandeur of Chinese Art Treasures: Min Chiu Society Golden Jubilee Exhibition, Hong Kong, 2010, p. 418, no. 272. The second, from the Shorenstein Collection, is decorated with dragons on both sides, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2928. A Qianlong-marked double vase, also decorated with pairs of opposing archaistic dragons and phoenix in the Andrew K. F. Lee Collection is illustrated in Elegance and Radiance - Grandeur in Qing Glass - The Andrew K. F. Lee Collection, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 280, no. 104.

The Qianlong Emperor's preference for ruby glass can be gauged from the fact that the first entries in the Palace Archives relating to glass in the first year of the Qianlong reign were for a bright red glass vase, a vase with red overlay kui dragons on clear glass and a vase with red overlay on opaque white glass as discussed in Luster of Autumn Water - Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, p. 74.

Christie's. Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 2310. An opaque turquoise glass tripod censer, Qianlong incised four-character mark within double squares and of the period (1736-1795); 4 3/8 in. (11.2 cm.) across. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 750,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The compressed body is raised on three truncated conical supports, with a pair of handles rising in curved loops from the rim. The glass is of a rich turquoise tone with purplish and greenish swirls and areas of darkening.

Note: The shape of this censer is based on bronze prototypes of the early Ming dynasty. Other glass censers of this shape, but of different colour, have also been published. One in the collection of the Palace Museum, of opaque pink colour, still fitted with its metal liner, is illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji - Gongyi meishu bian, 10, Beijing, 1987, pl. 254. Two others, of opaque yellow and opaque bluish-turquoise colour, in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, are illustrated in Elegance and Radiance, The Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, pp. 182-85, nos. 54 and 55, respectively.

Compare also to an opaque turquoise glass censer of this shape, formerly in the Shorenstein Collection and sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2919. 

Christie's. Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 2312. An imitation realgar glass wine cup, Qianlong incised four-character mark within double squares and of the period (1736-1795); 2 3/8 in. (6.1 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 687,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Lot 137. Diamond Bracelet, alternating cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamonds and emerald-cut diamonds weighing in total 72.96 carats. Estimate 1,000,000 — 1,500,000 USD. © Sotheby’s 

A cut-cornered rectangular step-cut Fancy Intense Blue diamond weighing 3.47 carats.

Accompanied by 22 GIA reports stating that the diamonds weighing from 4.60 to 3.01 carats are from D to G color, Internally Flawless to VS2 clarity.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, New York, 18 avr. 2018, 10:00 AM

Lot 136. Diamond Pendant-Necklace, suspending a pear-shaped diamond weighing 11.12 carats, D color, Internally Flawless, Type IIa. Estimate 900,000 — 1,200,000 USD. © Sotheby’s 

Suspending a pear-shaped diamond weighing 11.12 carats, topped by single-cut diamonds, the clasp highlighted with round diamonds, length 16½ inches.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 5171617292 stating that the diamond is D color, Internally Flawless, together with a letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, New York, 18 avr. 2018, 10:00 AM 

Lot 92. Grand plat en porcelaine bleu blanc à fond jaune, Dynastie Qing, fin du XIXE siècle; 48,1 cm; 18 7/8  in. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 €. Lot sold 22,500 €. Photo Sotheby's

peint au centre en bleu sous couverte sur un fond jaune citron d'une fleur épanouie stylisée entourée de quatre lotus dans leurs rinceaux feuillagés, se répétant sur le pourtour extérieur, marque à quatre caractères Chuxiugong en bleu sous couverte à la base.

Lot 2255. A pair of yellow and green enamelled 'Crane' dishes, Jiajing six-character marks and of the period (1522-1566); 7 1/8 in. (18.3 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price realised HKD 500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Each dish is potted with rounded sides flaring to an everted rim, the interior incised with a medallion of a trigram encircled by six cranes in flight amidst clouds within a line border. The crane and cloud motif are repeated as a frieze on the exterior, all highlighted in green against an egg yolk-yellow ground, box.

Provenance: Bluett & Sons, London.
Ralph M. Chait, New York, December 1964
Evelyn Annenberg Hall Collection
Sold at Christie's New York, 29 March 2006, lot 92.

Note: A Jiajing-marked dish of this design and size was included in the National Palace Museum exhibition, Good Fortune, Long Life, Health, and Peace: A Special Exhibition of Porcelains with Auspicious Designs, Taipei, 1995, p. 139, no. 62.

Christie's. Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 116. Colombian Emerald weighing 45.94 carats and Diamond Ring, Oscar Heyman & Brothers. Estimate 800,000 — 1,200,000 USD. © Sotheby’s

Accompanied by AGL report no. 1090729 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: minor, type: modern.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 17042019 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement.

Accompanied by GRS report no. 2017-058746 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 7183281100 stating that the diamond weighing 1.54 carats is H color, VS2 clarity.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 3185281077 stating that the diamond weighing 1.52 carats is G color, VS2 clarity.

Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Oscar Heyman & Brothers.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, New York, 18 avr. 2018, 10:00 AM 

Lot 90. Fancy Vivid Yellow-Orange Diamond weighing 5.02 carats Natural Color, VS2 clarity and Diamond Ring. Estimate 750,000 — 1,000,000 USD. © Sotheby’s

Accompanied by GIA report no. 11188054 dated June 23, 2000 stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow-Orange, Natural Color, VS2 clarity.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, New York, 18 avr. 2018, 10:00 AM

Lot 2268. A fine doucai'sanduo' wine cup, Yongzheng six-character mark within double circles and of the period (1723-1735); 2 3/4 in. (7.1 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 1,230,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The cup is of thinly potted conical form supported on a short foot, delicately enamelled on the exterior with fruiting sprigs of peach, finger citron, and lychee, forming thesanduo, in tones of lemon-yellow, two shades of green, russet and iron-red within underglaze blue borders, the interior with a central medallion enclosing a flowering rose on a curled thorny stem, Japanese wood box.

Provenance: A Japanese private collection, acquired in the early 20th century.

Note: The three types of fruiting branches combined together forms the 'Three Abundances', sanduo, and together they symbolise the wish for numerous sons, a long life and blessings.

Compare to a similar pair of cups also with Yongzheng marks illustrated in Chinese Porcelain, The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, pl. 98; and another pair from the Paul and Helen Bernat collection, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 15 November, 1988, lot 6. A single wine cup was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 May 2007, lot 1495.

Christie's. Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall

Lot 2270. A rare and finely enamelled doucai'Mythical horse' dish, Yongzheng six-character mark within double circles and of the period (1723-1735); 8 in. (20.2 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 1,500,000 - HKD 2,000,000. Price realised HKD 1,470,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The dish is painted on the interior with a mythical horse galloping over a turbulent sea, its back supporting a ribboned book on a saddle cloth, against craggy rocks rising out of breaking waves, all enclosed within the broad everted mouth rim decorated with scrolling clouds. The exterior is embellished with further swirling waves divided at each cardinal point with a craggy rock boulder. The edge of the mouth rim is gilded.

Note: The qilin is a very auspicious animal as it is said to live for a thousand years and to be the noblest of all animals and therefore to represent perfect goodness. It was believed to tread so lightly and carefully that it left no footprints and it damaged no living things with its hooves. The appearance of a qilin was supposed to be the sign of a virtuous ruler and the book on the back of the qilin symbolises knowledge and accomplishment. A similar dish also with gilded mouth rim is in the Beijing Palace Museum, illustrated in Porcelains in Polychrome and Constrasting Colours, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 238, no. 218. Dishes of this same pattern but without the gilding are published, compare to an example from the Chang Foundation, illustrated by J. Spencer, Selected Chinese Ceramics from Han to Qing Dynasties, 1990, no. 140; another from the Edward T. Chow Collection, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 19 May 1981, lot 560; and one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2012, lot 2197.

Christie's. Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall 

Lot 134. An Exquisite Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Estimate 700,000 — 900,000 USD. © Sotheby’s

Formerly from the Collection of Betsey Cushing Whitney. Sotheby’s New York, October 19, 1998, The Estate of Betsey Cushing Whitney, lot 91.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, New York, 18 avr. 2018, 10:00 AM

Lot 115. Diamond Ring weighing 13.70 carats D color, VS1 clarity, Tiffany & Co. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 USD. © Sotheby’s

The emerald-cut diamond weighing 13.70 carats, set between tapered baguette diamonds, size 5, signed Tiffany & Co., numbered S00804. With signed box.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 6197034624 stating that the diamond is D color, VS1 clarity. Together with the original working diagram stating that the diamond may be potentially Internally Flawless. 

Lot 86. Rare grand vase bouteille en porcelaine de la famille rose, Chine, Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle; 70 cm, 27 5/8 in. Estimate 50,000 — 70,000 €. Lot sold 780,750 €. Courtesy Sotheby's 2011.

la panse piriforme surmontée d'un long col tubulaire reposant sur un pied droit, le pourtour décoré des dix-huit lohans dont Subindha au-dessus de flots tumultueux tenant un rouleau à la main, Pindola monté sur un tigre féroce son anneau magique à la main, Vijraputra jouant avec son lionceau et Kanaka élevant son bol vers le ciel dans un paysage agrémenté de rocher, pin et lingzhi, au-dessus dans les nuages sont figurés entre autres Nagasena tenant son vase et Nantimitolo offrant la perle enflammée à un dragon rouge et or émergeant de la brume, peint sur le col du vase, un stupa apparaissant dans le lointain parmi des chauves-souris en vol, un numéro d'inventaire japonais peint en noir à la base et étiquette d'inventaire aux armes des Wendel de Lorraine et des Montiers-Mérinville ; fêle à la glaçure, la bordure du col légèrement rodée.

A rare and massive '18 luohans' famille rose bottle vase, China, Qing dynasty, 18th century

Note: The present vase stands out for its painterly design, fine and well preserved enamelling and its magnificent large size. It is the work of potters employed at the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, where vessels of such exceptional workmanship were made during the Qing dynasty. The subject matter of the 18 luohan is one that would have been specially commissioned by a devout Buddhist or to celebrate an auspicious occasion such as a wedding or birthday.  The design, painted against a white ground, is after scroll paintings where the motif is gradually revealed as the work is unfold.  By turning the vase, the viewer is introduced to the eighteen holy men, or sages, who have realized the Buddhist doctrine and have attained enlightenment. Generally depicted as elderly monks with shaved heads and loose robes, each lohan is identifiable by his individual attribute which he often carries or holds in his hand. Although occasionally worshipped as individuals, more frequently lohan were venerated in groups for their collective power.

Although no other similar example appears to be recorded, the painting style is comparable to that seen on a Qianlong lantern-form vase with the design of eight immortals, a similarly auspicious and celebratory theme used for birthdays, illustrated in Kangxi. Yogzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, pl. 31; and on another vase in the Palace Museum also decorated with the eight immortals published in Zhongguo taoci quanji, vol. 15, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 35. See also a smaller vase of upright shape, painted with the three Daoist star gods accompanied by several children, the figures dressed in beautifully coloured robes on a white ground, from the collection of H.M. Knight, sold in our London rooms, 12th May 1970, lot 124.

It is also worth comparing another large vase bearing a Daoist scene of immortals with Xiwangmu, from the collections of Viceroy Li Hongzhang, Alfred Trepnell and General Brayton Ives and illustrated in Edgar Gorer and J.F. Blacker, Chinese Porcelain and Hardstones, vol. II, London, 1911, pl. 215, sold at Christie's New York, 19th September 1996, lot 321, attributed to the Yongzheng and early Qianlong period.

Sotheby's. Arts d'Asie, Paris, 09 Jun 2011

Lot 181. Vase en porcelaine de la famille rose, Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Jiaqing (1796-1820); 33 cm, 13 in. Estimate 80,000 — 120,000 €. Lot sold 360,750 €. Courtesy Sotheby's 2011.

 la panse globulaire sous un long col évasé flanqué de deux anses ajourées en forme de chauves-souris, émailléà l'imitation des cloisonnés de fleurs de lotus encadrées de dragons et phénix dans des rinceaux stylisés sur fond turquoise, l'épaulement agrémenté de palmes et frise de grecques, le col souligné de têtes de ruyi et le pied de pétales stylisés, marque à six caractères à l'or à la base ; accident restauréà la bordure du col.

A turquoise-ground cloisonné style famille rose porcelain vase, China, Qing dynasty, Jiaqing mark and period (1796-1820)

Provenance: Vente Drouot Paris, Fraysse & Associés, 24 Mars 2010, lot 165.

A spectacular fancy vivid yellow diamond ring of 20.49 carats. Estimate: CHF 3,800,000 – 4,500,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

GENEVA.- Highlights from the Geneva Magnificent Jewels Sale to be held on the 16 May, will be touring and on public view in Christie’s flagship galleries in London (April 9 – 12) and New York (May 4 – 8). The sale will feature a selection of exceptional items with over 400 jewels on offer, ranging from diamonds to high-quality coloured stones, Art Déco, Retro and animal-themed jewellery. Among the top lots being toured is a spectacular fancy vivid yellow diamond ring of 20.49 carats (estimate: CHF 3,800,000 – 4,500,000) and an important late 19th century emerald and diamond necklace, by Tiffany & Co., circa 1880 (estimate: CHF 700,000 – 1,200,000), which was originally sold at Christie’s New York, over 20 years ago. Additional highlights include, a fancy intense purplish pink diamond ring (estimate CHF 3,500,000 - 5,000,000), a pair of Burmese sapphire earrings, by Bulgari (estimate: CHF 1,500,000 – 2,000,000), a pair of earrings, mounted with two emeralds of over 40 carats each, originating from the historic Muzo mines in Colombia (estimate: CHF 1,000,000 – 1,500,000) and a mid-20th century emerald and diamond brooch, Cartier (estimate: CHF 80,000 – 120,000). 

An important late 19th century emerald and diamond necklace, by Tiffany & Co., circa 1880. Estimate: CHF 700,000 – 1,200,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

A fancy intense purplish pink diamond ring of 8.52 carats. Estimate CHF 3,500,000 - 5,000,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

A pair of Burmese sapphire earrings of 22.77 and 21.42 carats, by Bulgari. Estimate: CHF 1,500,000 – 2,000,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

Art Déco, a movement which united East and West and formed with colour a synthesis of pure art and lasting luxury, will be a prominent fixture within the sale. Key highlights include a sapphire and diamond bracelet and a ruby and diamond bracelet, both designed by René Sim Lacaze for Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, circa 1939. Lacaze was one of the most important jewellery designer and artist of the twentieth century. He was incredibly influential as Head of artistic and creative design at Van Cleef & Arpels and played a major role in the development of European Art Déco style. Van Cleef & Arpels were also technical innovators during this period, creating the mystery setting, which allowed gemstones to be closely set together without the use of prongs so that no metal could be seen on the surface.  

Art-deco sapphire bracelet by René Sim Lacaze for Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, circa 1939. Octagonal step-cut sapphires, baguette and old-cut diamonds and platinum. Estimate: CHF 800,000 – 1,200,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

In keeping with the growing trend among collectors, Christie’s will be offering an exquisite selection of Retro jewels. In a period when materials were hard to come by, masculine, square lines were counterbalanced with bold 'cocktail' jewels, which were striking and dramatic. Designs substituted small and sparse precious gems with large semiprecious alternatives such as aquamarines and citrines. Jewellers revealed a fresh approach to themes of flora and fauna and created naturalistic fantasy amid the devastation of war. Key highlights include: a Retro sapphire and diamond bangle, by Boucheron, circa 1937 (estimate: CHF 80,000 – 120,000) and a Retro diamond 'Cadenas' wristwatch, 1940s, by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate: CHF 5,000 -7,000). 

Lot 9. Limoges, circa 1600, by Jean I Limosin, Man of Sorrows, painted enamel monogrammed I.L 11 x 8 cm; 4 1/3 by 3 in. Estimate 3,000 — 4,000 €. Lot sold 4,000 €. Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 101. An oval tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and gold piqué box, Naples, first half 18th century. Estimate 40,000 — 60,000 €. Lot sold 181,250 €. Courtesy Sotheby's.

with velums, mascarons, figures and exotic animals; (minor accident to the border of the cover). Haut. 6,5 cm., long. 16,5 cm., prof. 11,5 cm. ; Height 2 1/2  in., width 6 1/2  in., depth 4 1/2  in.

Related literature: G. de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor, Furniture, Clocks and Gilt Bronzes, vol. II, London, 1974, pp. 827-844
A. Gonzáles-Palacios, Il tempio del gusto: La Toscana e l'Italia Settentrionale, vol. II, Milan, 1984, pp. 231-234
Various authors, L'arte della tartaruga: le opera dei Museu napoletani e la donazione Sbriziolo-De Felice, Naples, 1995