Lay's Auctioneers
Lot 13
A Chinese gilt bronze censer and cover, late Ming Dynasty. Xuande mark, with elephant mask handles, the body with dragons amongst clouds in high relief, with pierced cover and scroll feet, height 15.5cm, width 19cm, depth 15.5cm.The Vandekar family established their internationally renowned antiques dealership in Amsterdam before moving to London in 1916. They specialized in the decorative arts of the 17th-20th century with a particular interest in 18th-19th century European and Chinese ceramics. In the 1970s and 80s, Michael Beard worked as a ceramics expert in the London showroom of Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, travelling internationally to trade shows and antiques fairs, and helping with the launch of the New York branch of Vandekar in 1982. There is no surprise that he leaves in his estate some beautiful examples of porcelain, ceramics, and objets d’art. When Michael retired to Cornwall around 1988 he settled at first in St Ives, where he became a prominent patron of the arts and a devoted member of the Old Cornwall Society. On his death he has left a collection boasting some fine examples of Cornish painting, sculpture, studio pottery, and decorative chinoiserie. No damages. Weight of censer body 1702 grams. Weight of cover 318 grams.
