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Click here to subscribeMahogany longcase clock, hood with swan neck pediment, turned supports, short door flanked by quarter columns, box base with rosewood inlay, boxwood and ebony stringing throughout, 14" arch painted dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and date dials, eight day movement striking on a bell, height 229cms.
A WWII Gun Battery Bell from Graemsay, Scapa Flow, marked Graemsay 1943, believed to have been recovered from one of the HMS battleships that sank within the Scapa Flow area the clapper is present, there are no obvious signs of cracks/cracking to the bell, the dimensions are approx diameter 32.5cm and height is approx 33cm
A large vaseline glass conservatory lily Vase,by James Powell & Sons, late 19th century, with a scalloped top and white stripes, on bell-shaped, swirled base,158cm highThis is exceptionally large, the few others previously sold being much smaller.For a comparable example, see Sotheby's sale 5 March 2014 'The Private Collection of the Late Stanley J. Seeger', lot 55.Also: Liberty 2004 Exhibition no. 37.
A French gilt bronze clock garniture, late 19th century, the porcelain dial inscribed 'Le Roy et Fils, Palais Royale No.1059', striking the half hour on a bell, the case with cherub musicians and rams' heads and porcelain panels,44cm high, anda pair of candelabra,each with five sconces, two with flaming torch plugs, and mounted with porcelain panels,42cm high (3)
A pair of wall lights, of early 18th century style, with engraved and silvered glass with twin light fittings, 62cm high (2)Literature: An 18th century pair was purchased by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, York House, St. James from Messrs. Phillips of Hitchin, May 1937. From these, a further four lights were reproduced, one pair going to HRH Duke of Gloucester, the other pair remaining with Messrs. Phillips of Hitchin and can be seen in Edward Wenham's 'Old Furniture for Modern Rooms', plate 4, published by Bell & Sons Ltd., 1939.
A George III Oak Long Case Clock, the arched hood with tuned pilasters above an arched door, the base with ogee bracket feet, the brass dial inscribed George Brown Beverley with Roman and Arabic numerals and with subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture and with strike silent, the two train movement with anchor escapement striking on a bell
A Late 19th Century/Early 20th Century Rare Guere Luwusegle Mask. Luwusegle is the name the villagers give this mask, which means "ghost mask". It comes out during ceremonies for every generation's celebration to chase/drive evil spirits away and purify the village, a powerful mask in the village. The brass bell on top wears the "Poro Society" markings, the piece originates from Bangolo (Kouibly) and is made from wood, brass, animal furs, rear human hair, animal hair and feathers, it measures approx. 12 ins (30 cm) tall, 8 ½ ins (22 cm) wide and 7 ins (18 cm) deep.
A Collection of Pewter: A cylindrical container having a raised bell shaped top with screw-in lid surmounted by a pendant ring handle, 13 ins (33 cms) high (handle up), 4¼ ins (11 cms) in diameter. A round pewter pail with swing handle on cherub head mounts, and a dished cover stamped with TP touch mark, 10½ ins (27 cms) high (handle up) 8½ ins (21.5 cms) in diameter. An inkstand of rectangular form with a hinged compartment on one side; the other side partitioned with inkpot and pounce pot, 1¾ ins (4.5 cms) high, 6¼ ins x 4¾ ins (16 cms x 11.5 cms). Three tankards with ring turned decoration: one a quart, the smaller two a pair with scroll handles, 4½ ins (11.5 cms) high
A Large 18th Century French Bronze Mortar with dark green patination. The ring moulded body with two cast head handles protruding either side and a small cast fleur-de-lis emblem, and oval foundry stamp with a bell encompassed by name Jacques Ducray. The decorative rim band incorporating date L'AN 1737, ST.P, 10¼ ins (26 cms) high, 13¼ ins (34 cms) in diameter.
A German Rosewood and ebonised architectural Mantle Clock, ebonised finial to the pediment top with brass cross motif. Single pane door with half turned column detail revealing brass trimmed enamel face over chrome bell. On gilt trimmed shaped plinth base. 18 1/4'' high x 10 3/4'' wide x 5 1/4'' deep
Sixteen vintage plastic model kits comprising of Airfix 600th Scale HMS Belfast, Rike 1:40 German Sd.Kfz.250/10 both appear complete with instructions, Airfix Collectors Series British 10th Hassan (made) & Pyro Charles W Morgan Whaling Ship (made), Revell Phantom f-4J box, Frog Fairey Gannet, Revell Messerschmitt 4/10 A-2/V4, Hasegwa Bell UH-1D Iroquois (part built), Airfix F-4B Phantom II 72 scale (part built, appears complete), Douglas Skyraider & Bronco OV-10A (part built), Revell Hawker Hurricane Mk1 1:32, Revell Focke-Walf Fw200 Condor, Matchbox DH 82A/C Tiger Moth (incomplete), Revell Junkers JU88 & Fiat CR42 Falco and Hasegawa Cessna A-37A (part built)
Victorian Literature and Illustrated Poetry, a large collection of typical works, many in cloth gilt, few in leather bindings, engraved illustrations; to include a collection of various editions of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress; Hood's Poems, illustrated by Burkitt Foster; BELL (R), Golden Leaves, 2 vols, 1865, with grained boards; Tennyson, etc.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle; one with swags of chrysanthemum ornament and streamers, the other with four panels of flowers, fruit and vegetation. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 1.1 kg, 21-22cm (8 1/4 - 8 1/2"). [2] Fine condition, one lid chipped at rim, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle, panels of floral ornament and chrysanthemum borders. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 2 kg total, 29.5-30cm (11 3/4"). [2] Fine condition, one rim chipped, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle, panels of floral ornament and chrysanthemum borders. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 2 kg total, 29-29.5cm (11 1/2"). [2] Fine condition, one rim chipped, minor chips to bases, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle, panels of floral ornament and chrysanthemum borders. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 2 kg total, 30.5cm (12"). [2] Fine condition, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle, swags of chrysanthemum ornament and streamers. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 1.1 kg total, 21-23cm (8 1/4 - 9"). [2] Fine condition, light abrasion to one base, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
Kangxi Period, Late 17th century AD. A pair of blue and white glazed ceramic meiping vases, each with bell-shaped lid and knop handle, panels of floral ornament with birds. From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th century AD, recovered 2014. Accompanied by a copy of the initial wreck report plus a DVD on the wreck site and the material recovered. The Early Kangxi Shipwreck & Cargo Analysis of survey material and cargo samples from the wrecksite together indicate that the ship was engaged in exporting very high quality Chinese porcelain made in the 1660s, probably on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC"). The wares are predominately Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain, although multicoloured ceramics and utilitarian wares are also in evidence in the cargo. Some items are display wares while others were intended for use. The cargo included a large 'Gu'-shaped vase - a remarkable piece, illustrating a western square rigged merchant ship, by the flag almost certainly a Dutch Ship, and possibly representing the very ship that was to carry the cargo. Survey results suggested that this find is by far the highest quality Chinese antique shipwreck cargo from this period yet recovered in South East Asian waters. Chinese Early Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain The samples recovered from the shipwrecked cargo are exclusively Chinese ceramics, in the main blue and white porcelain, all assessed by experts to be excellent examples of early Chinese Kangxi in origin of a quality indicating they were manufactured in the famous porcelain centre of Jingdezhen in the Jiangsu Province. Jingdezhen kilns made porcelain over two millenia, since the Han Dynasty period. Jingdezhen kilns supplied the most artistically advanced ceramics to the world for centuries. Blue and white porcelain was the most famous product of Jingdezhen, and reached the height of its technical excellence in the early Ching Dynasty. The best examples of Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain are superb and rival any other Chinese blue and white wares produced during other periods. The shipwreck pieces recovered are typical of the highest quality blue and white of the Kangxi period, characterised by charming sophisticated designs. They also demonstrate a great technical expertise in the production of a brilliant under-glaze in sapphire blue, applied in five or six tones to produce a vibrant, dimensionally nuanced effect, together with a fine thin attractive white (or slightly bluish) silky glaze applied to a stark white and finely formed body. The very high quality cobalt blue colouring, distinctive on the early Kangxi period fine porcelains where it is referred to as 'gem blue' or 'kingfisher blue', is much purer and brighter than that of Ming Dynasty wares. The pieces provide an insight to range and quality of the wares carried by the ship, including some charming figurines as well as a delightful variety of vases, plates, bowls, bottles, jars, teapots, cups with saucers, and other items. Large pieces were uncommon during this period, their manufacture being made technically difficult by quality control requirements. Designs were sometimes based on Buddhist and Daoist themes, or sourced from illustrations of Ming stories such as 'The Three Kingdoms' or 'The Romance of the West Chamber', together with the dramas 'Xixiang Ji' and 'Wui Hu Zhuan'. Chinese Kangxi blue and white porcelain was increasingly varied and innovative in its designs. The influence of Dutch and other European shapes and designs were in evidence prior to and during the Kangxi period. The very high standards achieved early in Kangxi’s reign, evident in the samples recovered from the shipwreck, mark the high point of quality for Chinese blue and white ceramics. Quality declined in the later stages of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, as the huge demand for Chinese blue and white porcelain developed in both overseas and home markets, giving rise to a profusion of unregulated kilns. Quality was diluted by increased production volumes, and as the Ching Dynasty progressed, competition from mass-produced wares and the instability of the political environment debased the traditional fine porcelain industry. A DVD video accompanies each purchase showing many of the items offered in this auction in their initial state after recovery. 622 grams total, 19-20cm (7 1/2 - 8"). [2] Fine condition, some dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.
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