A MUGHAL GILT AND ‘GEM’-INLAID JADE STEM CUP, INDIA, 18TH CENTURY 印度十八世紀蒙兀兒鎏金嵌寳高足杯Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價The deep flared sides raised on a tall slender foot with a wide flat base, intricately incised with floral motifs. The body with a central bulbous section in gilt bronze with carved decorations and fine enamels, framed by beaded bands inlaid with ruby-red and emerald-green glass beads. The base is further embellished with gilt bronze and turquoise enamel bowstrings.Provenance: From an old Danish private collection.Condition: Good condition overall, with a minute nibble on the rim, natural fissures, a natural hairline crack on the foot with traces of adhesive, minor losses to the inlays. The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which have developed into small hairline cracks over time.Weight: 124 gDimensions: Height 10.5 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 September 2006, lot 22 Price: USD 28,800 or approx. EUR 40,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare Mughal pale greenish-white jade ‘gem’-inlaid ewer and cover, 17th/18th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related style of inlay. Note the larger size (22.5 cm).Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 24 October 2007, lot 203 Price: GBP 13,700 or approx. EUR 28,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Mughal enameled and gold-wire inlaid jade mirror, India, 19th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related style of inlay. 印度十八世紀蒙兀兒鎏金嵌寳高足杯高足杯外壁雕刻的花卉圖案繁複精美。杯體中央是鎏金銅，飾有精美琺瑯，四周鑲嵌紅寶石和翠綠色玻璃珠。 底座鎏金銅和松石綠色琺瑯。 來源：丹麥私人舊藏。 品相：整體狀況良好，邊緣有輕微磕損，自然裂痕，足部自然細微裂紋，有粘合劑痕跡；鑲嵌物有輕微缺損。帶有天然内沁和裂隙的玉料，隨著時間的推移，其中一些已經發展成細小的裂紋。 重量：124 克 尺寸：高10.5 厘米 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：紐約佳士得，2006年9月19日，lot 22 價格：USD 28,800（相當於今日EUR 40,000） 描述：十七至十八世紀蒙兀兒青白玉杯和蓋 專家評論：比較非常相近的內嵌設計。請注意尺寸較大 (22.5厘米)。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：倫敦蘇富比，2007年10月24日，lot 203 價格：GBP 13,700（相當於今日EUR 28,500） 描述：十九世紀印度蒙兀兒嵌金琺瑯玉鏡 專家評論：比較非常相近的內嵌設計。
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AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE MINIATURE CLOISONNÉ HAT STAND, JIAQING 嘉慶掐絲琺瑯花卉紋帽座Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Opinion: This splendid little ‘hat stand’, the perfect receptacle for the finest and smallest brushes, belongs to a rare group of miniature cloisonné scholar’s objects, examples of which only seldomly come up for auction. However, the present lot even stands out from this illustrious group, with its unusually fine enameling, naturalistic subject matter, and the extremely rare hat stand form, including the hallmark apertures.China, 1796-1820. Of cylindrical form, the turquoise ground finely decorated in bright enamels and gilt wire with butterflies and crickets amid leafy sprays of blossoming peony, chrysanthemum, plum, and hibiscus, all framed by a ruyi-head band below the rim and a leafy lappet border above the foot, the body further pierced with quatrefoil apertures. The interior of turquoise enamel. The rim, foot, and base of gilt bronze.Provenance: From a noted English private collection, acquired in the 1970s, and thence by descent to the last owner. Condition: Excellent condition with minor old wear and manufacturing irregularities.Weight: 50.8 gDimensions: Height 5.8 cmHat stands made from porcelain first appeared at the beginning of the Jiaqing reign (1796-1820) and were originally conceived as unusually tall, cylindrical vessels only. But commencing later in the Jiaqing period, and through to Daoguang and Tongzhi, these tall vessels were equipped with a number of distinct apertures cut into the body, promoting a flow of air and thus assisting in the removal of odors from the hat, which was placed on top of the vessel. From Guangxu (1875-1908) onwards the apertures slowly disappeared again.The decoration of butterflies and various flowers offers opportunities for symbolic and auspicious meaning. For example, the combination of a butterfly and plum blossom signifies a quest for blissful love. In Daoism, butterflies represented the freedom of the soul.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 June 2011, lot 3874Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 24,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare miniature cloisonne enamel brushrest, Qianlong periodExpert remark: Note the small size (3.5 cm)Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 May 2007, lot 1423Price: HKD 144,000 or approx. EUR 25,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A rare pair of miniature cloisonne enamel scroll weights, Qing dynasty, 18th centuryExpert remark: Note the small size (5.7 cm)嘉慶掐絲琺瑯花卉紋帽座中國，1796-1820年。圓柱體。帽傘上近口沿處裝飾如意雲頭紋一周，腹部主題紋飾為蝴蝶紋理、勾連紋、卷草紋、如意雲頭等紋樣。松石綠地，鎏金靚麗，光彩照人。 專家注釋：這件精美絕倫的小“帽架”，屬於稀有的迷你景泰藍文人藏品，很少見。其琺瑯異常精美，傳統題材，極為罕見的帽架形式，包括用來熏香用的小孔。 來源：英國知名私人收藏，上世紀七十年代前購買，保存至今直到家族最後一位主人。 品相：狀況極好，有輕微的磨損和製造瑕疵。 重量：50.8克 尺寸：高5.8厘米 帽座最初為瓷器，最早出現於嘉慶年間（1796-1820年），初期為異常高大的圓柱形器。從嘉慶後期開始，直到道光和同治，開始在帽架上鏤空，内置熏香，從而有助於去除帽子上的氣味。從光緒（1875-1908）開始，這些孔又慢慢消失了。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港佳士得，2011年6月1日，lot 3874 價格：HKD 150,000（相當於今日EUR 24,500） 描述：乾隆時期小型掐絲琺瑯筆擱 專家評論：請注意尺寸非常小 (3.5厘米) 。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港佳士得，2007年5月29日，lot 1423 價格：HKD 144,000（相當於今日EUR 25,500） 描述：清代十八世紀一對小型掐絲琺瑯紙鎮 專家評論：請注意尺寸非常小 (5.7厘米)。
AN ARCHAISTIC BRONZE ARROW VASE, LATE SONG TO EARLY MING DYNASTY 宋末至明初仿古貫耳銅壺Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert's note: The patina on this vessel is predominantly artifical, as expected from an ancient archaistic bronze. In fact, it is a masterpiece of patina-imitation, is itself now at least half a millennium old, and thence has also acquired a natural patina of ist own. This of course make its distinction from entirely naturally grown patinas even harder to discern.China, 13th-14th century. Finely modeled, the slender pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot, the shoulder flanked by a pair of tubular lug handles. Well cast to the exterior with archaistic designs, the upper body and shoulder with pendent cicada leaves enclosing taotie and ruyi motifs below a band of interlocked dragons, each against a leiwen ground. The foot with two small apertures.Inscriptions: To the interior of the neck, ‘[…] zhi bao hu’ (‘The precious hu by […]’).Provenance: London trade.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting flaws, few minuscule nicks and tiny dents. The bronze with a fine, dark patina overall with distinct malachite and cuprite encrustations.Possibly minor touchups. Weight: 3,408 gDimensions: Height 31.5 cm Literature: Ulrich Hausmann, Anmerkungen zur Problematik des Archaismus der späteren chinesischen Bronzen in Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ostasiatische Kunst, Mitteilungen Nr. 5, Berlin, October 1993, page 24.Auction result comparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 7 October 2014, lot 3384Price: HKD 325,000 or approx. EUR 46,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A bronze archaistic arrow-handled vase, Song/Yuan dynastyExpert remark: Compare the related pear-shaped form and archaistic decoration.Auction result comparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 7 October 2014, lot 3394Price: HKD 212,500 or approx. EUR 30,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A bronze archaistic pear-shaped vase, Yuan/early Ming dynastyExpert remark: Compare the related pear-shaped form and archaistic decoration. 宋末至明初仿古貫耳銅壺中國，十三至十四世紀。粗頸，腹部豐滿，兩側各有一筒狀的中空圓形直耳，圈足。外壁仿古圖案，頸部蟠虺紋理，其下蟬紋，內有獸面紋和如意紋，雷紋地。足有兩個小孔。專家註釋：這件器皿上的銅鏽包漿主要是人造的，正如許多仿古的青銅器。 事實上，它本是一件仿銅綠包漿的傑作，但經過500年後，也自然生成了包漿。 這使得人造與完全自然生長的包漿更加難以辨別。款識：頸部內側："[......]製寶壺"（"珍貴的壺由 […]製） 來源：倫敦古玩交易。 品相：狀況極好，有輕微磨損和鑄造缺陷，少量微小刻痕和凹痕。青銅整體呈現細膩的深色包漿，並帶有紅綠銅鏽結殼。可能有小修補。 重量：3,408 克 尺寸：高31.5 厘米 文獻：Ulrich Hausmann，《Anmerkungen zur Problematik des Archaismus der späteren chinesischen Bronzen in Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ostasiatische Kunst》，Mitteilungen Nr. 5，柏林，1993年10月，頁24。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港蘇富比，2014年10月7日，lot 3384 價格：HKD 325,000（相當於今日EUR 46,000） 描述：宋 / 元銅饕餮紋貫耳壺 專家評論：比較相近的梨形和仿古設計。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港蘇富比，2014年10月7日，lot 3394 價格：HKD 212,500（相當於今日EUR 30,000） 描述：元 / 明初銅蟬紋鋪首耳瓶 專家評論：比較相近的梨形和仿古設計。
A SUPERB BRONZE FIGURE OF A DRAGON, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, CHINA, 770-256 BC 西元前770-256年青銅龍Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Published: Friedrich Georg Zeileis, Von Shang bis Qing - Dreieinhalb Jahrtausende Chinesischer Bronze (From Shang to Qing – Three and a Half Millenia of Chinese Bronze), 1999, page 318, no. 118. Finely cast as a dragon standing foursquare with the head turned back. The elegantly curved tail with a curled tip, the body with raised and finely incised S-scroll, clouds, and spiral designs. The bronze with a solid and naturally grown, rich patina with malachite and cuprite encrustation.Provenance: Sotheby’s London, 1995. Friedrich Georg Zeileis, acquired from the above, according to his publication, Von Shang bis Qing - Dreieinhalb Jahrtausende Chinesischer Bronze (From Shang to Qing – Three and a Half Millenia of Chinese Bronze), 1999, page 318, no. 118. Dr. Friedrich Georg Zeileis (b. 1939) is a retired physician who built an important collection of ancient Chinese jades and bronzes. He was also a pianist and composer, and published several books, as well as catalogs of his substantial art collections, including fine Chinese jades and bronzes. Condition: Remarkably well preserved, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, minor losses, some nicks, scratches, signs of weathering and erosion, soil encrustations. Fine naturally grown patina overall, with small areas of faint cuprite and various shades of malachite green.Weight: 288.2 g Dimensions: Length 16 cmLiterature comparison: Compare a near identical bronze in the form of a dragon, 16.2 cm long, in the collection of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S2012.9.2118.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28 July 2022, lot 3031 Price: HKD 352,800 or approx. EUR 41,500 converted at the time of writing Description: A rare bronze figure of a winged tiger, Eastern Zhou dynastyExpert remark: Note the much smaller size (11 cm)Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christies New York, 22 March 2013, lot 1233 Price: USD 62,500 or approx. EUR 72,500 converted at the time of writing Description: A Very Rare Bronze Tiger-Form Applique, Late Eastern Zhou Dynasty, 5th-4th Century BCExpert remark: Note the much smaller size (11.1 cm)
A SMALL BRONZE TORTOISE SEAL, MING DYNASTY OR EARLIER 明代或更早龜鈕銅印Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert’s note: Tortoise seals are known from as early as the Qin dynasty and increased in popularity during the Han dynasty where they were cast in gilt bronze and gold, see a Han version illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Seals in the National Palace Museum, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 43.China, 1368-1644 or earlier. Of rectangular form, surmounted by a naturalistically cast tortoise standing foursquare, the head slightly raised, the carapace finely incised. The base cast with a two-character inscription.Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, fine copper-red patina and verdigris, encrustations, minor nicks and losses.Provenance: From an old private collection in Budapest, Hungary, acquired in the local trade before 2000.Weight: 38.9 gDimensions: Length 2.8 cm The slow movement of the tortoise symbolizes steadfastness and immutability, thus images of tortoises were popular surmounting pillars and personal seals, often depicted supporting stone tablets or books containing the edicts of emperors (see Terese Tse Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 226).The seal face inscription: For the first character we may be looking at a word that has the root character for ‘tongue’. It's hard to get a feeling for the exact word since the characters are so stylized, but the word for tongue is the basis for other words like ‘poetry’, ‘decree’, ‘sovereign’, etc. The second character, depending on context, can be translated anywhere from ‘fragrant’, ‘reputation’, or ‘words carrying weight’. The seal face thus could translate anywhere from ‘fragrant words’ in a scholarly context to ‘official decree’ in a more political context.Literature comparison: Compare a silver tortoise seal, 2.1 cm long, dated 1600-1625, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1982.203.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 12 April 2018, lot 31 Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 19,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A silvered-bronze ‘tortoise’ seal, Ming dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related form of the seal and modeling of the tortoise. Note the silvering and larger size (5.5 cm). 明代或更早龜鈕銅印中國，1368-1644年或更早。長方形印，上有龜鈕，頭部微微抬起，龜甲上刻有紋理，小龜栩栩如生。二字印文。 專家注釋：龜鈕印早在秦朝就已為人所知，在漢代則越來越受推崇，大多用鎏金銅和金鑄造，參見《see a Han version illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Seals in the National Palace Museum》中的漢代例子，東京，1976年，圖 43。 品相：品相良好，大面積磨損、細小的紅綠色包漿、結殼、輕微刻痕和缺損。 來源：來自匈牙利布達佩斯的一個私人舊藏，2000 年之前在當地購得。重量：38.9 克 尺寸：長2.8 厘米文獻比較： 比較一件的1600-1625年龜形銀印，長2.1 厘米，收藏於大都會藝術博物館，館藏編號1982.203。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港佳士得，2018年4月12日，lot 31 價格：HKD 150,000（相當於今日EUR 19,000） 描述：明鎏銀銅龜鈕方印 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形。請注意鎏銀和尺寸較大 (5.5 厘米)。
AN INSCRIBED ARCHAISTIC BRONZE CENSER, GUI, CINA, 18TH CENTURY 十八世紀青銅簋Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價The gently rounded body flanked by a pair of stylized kui dragon handles with pendent extensions, the body cast with a band of taotie masks separated by raised flanges against a key-fret ground, above a similarly cast band of S-shaped snakes with ruyi-form heads to the foot. The interior is inscribed with four characters and the recessed base with a raised cross-hatched design.Inscriptions: To the interior, ‘bo zuo yi’ (‘bronze made for the duke’).Provenance: New York trade. By repute acquired from a noted estate in Long Island, NY.Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, traces of age and usage, some casting irregularities, small nicks and losses, light scratches. The bronze with a rich, solid, naturally grown, dark patina with scattered malachite encrustations.Weight: 952.7 gDimensions: Width 16.9 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Near identicalAuction: Sotheby’s London, 10 November 2017, lot 365Price: GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 29,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A bronze incense burner, gui, Qing dynasty, Qianlong periodExpert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, and size (16.5 cm). Note the identical inscription to the interior. 十八世紀青銅簋方唇外侈，弧腹下收，高圈足似底座般抬高簋身，配一雙垂珥夔龍耳。外壁浮雕獸面紋，空白處以細刻規整的雷紋為地。此爐器仿西周青銅簋，造型古樸穩健。 銘文: 伯作彜 來源：紐約古玩交易，據説購於紐約長島知名舊藏。 品相：狀況極好，有磨損、老化和使用痕跡、一些鑄造缺陷、小劃痕和缺損、輕微劃痕。青銅具有自然且堅固的深色包漿，有孔雀石結殼。 重量：952.7 克 尺寸：寬 16.9 厘米 拍賣結果比較： 形制：幾乎相同 拍賣：倫敦蘇富比，2017年11月10日，lot 365 價格：GBP 18,750（相當於今日EUR 29,500） 描述：清乾隆銅饕餮紋簋式爐 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形、鑄造風格和尺寸(16.5 厘米)。請注意相同的銘文。
AN OCTAGONAL AGATE MORTAR, CHINA, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) OR EARLIER 明代或更早八角瑪瑙研鉢Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價The thick shallow sides faceted to the exterior and rounded to the interior, supported on a flat octagonal base and rising to a flat rim. The translucent stone of a gray tone with deep red and dark speckled inclusions.Provenance: From the personal collection of J. J. Lally, New York, USA. With two labels from J. J. Lally, each inscribed with the number ‘4378’. James J. Lally is a renowned antique dealer and expert, recognized as one of the greatest scholar-dealers of Chinese art, who has been a leader in the field for more than 40 years. After graduating from Harvard College and Columbia University, Lally joined Sotheby’s where he held many positions within the Chinese art department. In 1970 he served as the director of Chinese works of art at Sotheby’s in New York and Hong Kong, and by 1983 was named president of Sotheby’s in North America. In 1986 he founded his namesake gallery, J. J. Lally & Co., at 41 East 57th Street in New York – just a few blocks away from the MoMA, to provide advisory services for keen collectors. Lally fondly recalls the moment, not long after he opened his gallery, when a young man walked through the door with a Shang Dynasty gong—a bronze vessel shaped like a gravy boat—decorated with a dragon and tiger and in beautiful condition. It was, Lally described, “one of the most important objects I ever had in my hands.” The young man said he had inherited it from his father and was not really interested in Chinese art himself. He wanted to buy a sailboat and wondered if the gong was valuable enough to pay for that. “I was very happy to tell him that it was valuable enough to buy two sailboats,” Lally noted. The gallery helped to establish New York as a major center of commerce for Chinese art and allowed Lally to concentrate on his own specific interests, particularly early ceramics, ritual bronze vessels, archaic jade carvings and sculpture. Lally brought a learned approach to his work, publishing detailed, scholarly catalogs that have remained important reference guides within the field. This meticulous approach continued when he produced his own exhibitions and catalogs. Giuseppe Eskenazi, dubbed the “Godfather of Chinese Antiques,” and one of the world’s most esteemed Chinese art dealers, also spoke highly of Lally for his achievements in the industry, alongside William Chak from Hong Kong, and the Marchant family from London. In the spring of 2023, Christie’s and Bonhams conducted single owner sales of Lally’s collection which broke several auction records.Condition: Condition commensurate with age, showing expected wear, traces of extensive usage over the centuries, small chips, some losses and fissures, and natural inclusions to the stone.Weight: 433 g Dimensions: Diameter 10.4 cmLiterature comparison: For related agate objects, dating to the Liao dynasty, see Refined Cultural Relics from the Exhibition of the Civilization of the Liao River Valley, Liaoning Provincial Museum, page 176.With a padded silk box and cover. (2) 明代或更早八角瑪瑙研鉢研鉢成八角形，弧壁，淺缽，八角形平底。素面無紋，半透明的灰色瑪瑙，帶有深紅色和深色斑點的內沁。 來源：紐約 J. J. Lally私人收藏，J. J. Lally留下兩個標籤，上面都寫著 ‘4378’。James J. Lally是一位著名的古董商和專家，被公認為中國藝術最偉大的儒商之一。四十多年來，他一直是該領域的領導者。從哈佛大學和哥倫比亞大學畢業後，Lally加入蘇富比中國藝術部門並擔任多個職位。1970年，他擔任紐約和香港蘇富比中國藝術品總監，並於1983年被任命為蘇富比北美區總裁。1986 年，他在紐約東 57 街 41 號（距現代藝術博物館僅幾個街區）創立了同名畫廊 J. J. Lally & Co.，為收藏家提供諮詢服務。Lally深情地回憶起藝廊開張不久，一位年輕人拿著商代銅器（刻有龍虎圖案的青銅器皿，狀態良好）走進門的那一刻。“這是我手中最重要的物品之一。” 這位年輕人說，他是從父親那裡繼承的，他自己對中國藝術並不真正感興趣。 他想買一艘帆船，不知道這銅器是否值錢。”我很高興告訴他，它的價值足以購買兩艘帆船，” Lally告訴他。該藝廊幫助紐約成為中國藝術的主要商業中心，並使Lally能夠專注於自己的興趣，特別是早期陶瓷、青銅禮器、古代玉雕和造像。Lally為出版了詳細的學術目錄，這些目錄至今仍然是該領域的重要參考，他被譽為“中國古董教父”。全球最受尊敬的中國藝術品經銷商之一的Giuseppe Eskenazi 與香港的 William Chak 和倫敦的 3月ant 家族一樣，也高度評價了 Lally的成就。 2023年春季，佳士得和邦瀚斯對拉利的藏品進行了拍賣，打破了多項拍賣記錄。 品相：有磨損與使用痕跡，小缺口、一些缺損和裂縫，以及石料的天然內沁。 重量：433 克 尺寸：直徑 10.4 釐米 絲內襯蓋盒。 (2)
A BRONZE HALBERD BLADE, GE, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTYPlease note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 770-221 BC. Crisply cast as a pointed blade issuing from a slotted shaft and pierced for attachment at three points, the end pierced with a rectangular aperture.Provenance: Dutch trade. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, minor signs of weathering and erosion, small nicks, nibbling to edges, and light scratches. The with a fine, naturally grown patina with malachite encrustations.Weight: 610.6 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Length 22.1 cmMounted to an associated metal stand. (2)Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 5 November 2009, lot 5 Price: GBP 3,000 or approx. EUR 6,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A fine bronze halberd blade, Eastern Zhou dynasty Expert remark: Compare the related form with three apertures along the shaft and another to the back. Note the size (25.5 cm).
A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE BOMBÉ CENSER, CHINA, 17TH-18TH CENTURY 十七至十八世紀灑金銅爐Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Heavily cast, the compressed globular body supported on a gently spreading foot rising to a wide flaring rim, flanked by two loop handles with pendent tabs, the exterior and base covered with prominent splashes of gilt. Some of these splashes show minuscule gold nugget grains, which have not completely molten away in the firing. The recessed base cast with an apocryphal six-character da Ming Xuande nianzhi within a rectangular reserve.Provenance: From a private collection in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom. Nicholas Pitcher, London, acquired from the above.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Few light scratches. The bronze with a superb, naturally grown honey-brown patina.Weight: 616.3 gDimensions: Width 12.7 cm (across handles) Auction result comparison: Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s London, 5 November 2019Price: GBP 37,500 or approx. EUR 56,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gilt-splashed bronze censer, 17th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related form, gilt-splashed decoration, and apocryphal reign mark. Note the size (20 cm).Auction result comparison: Type: Closely relatedAuction: Sotheby’s London, 3 November 2021, lot 163Price: GBP 11,970 or approx. EUR 16,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gold-splashed bronze censer, Qing dynasty, 17th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related form, gilt-splashed decoration, and apocryphal reign mark. Note the size (17.1 cm). 十七至十八世紀灑金銅爐造型莊重典雅，厚口平直微敞，垂腹豐腴，兩側置戟耳，圈足。爐身灑金。圈足内寄托款“大明宣德年製“。 來源：英國科茨沃爾德的私人收藏；倫敦Nicholas Pitcher，購自上述收藏。品相：狀況非常好，有輕微磨損和鑄造不規則，輕微劃痕。青銅具有精美的自然蜜棕色包漿。 重量：616.3 克 尺寸：寬 12.7 厘米(雙耳之間) 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：倫敦佳士得，2019年11月5日 價格：GBP 37,500（相當於今日EUR 56,500） 描述：明末清初灑金銅爐 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形、灑金裝飾和仿款。請注意尺寸(20厘米)。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：倫敦蘇富比，2021年11月3日，lot 163 價格：GBP 11,970（相當於今日EUR 16,500） 描述：清十七世紀 灑金銅雙耳爐 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形、灑金裝飾和仿款。請注意尺寸(17.1厘米)。
AN AGATE BOWL, SONG DYNASTY, CHINA, 960-1279 宋代瑪瑙碗Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Finely carved, the shallow rounded sides raised on a thick foot and rising to an everted rim, the luminous translucent stone is superbly polished and shows natural swirls and ripples of pale grey to deep honey tones with scattered dark inclusions. With a magnificent surface polish, rendering an unctuous feel to the surface overall.Provenance: From the personal collection of J. J. Lally, New York, USA. With two labels from J. J. Lally, each inscribed with the number ‘4154’. James J. Lally is a renowned antique dealer and expert, recognized as one of the greatest scholar-dealers of Chinese art, who has been a leader in the field for more than 40 years. After graduating from Harvard College and Columbia University, Lally joined Sotheby’s where he held many positions within the Chinese art department. In 1970 he served as the director of Chinese works of art at Sotheby’s in New York and Hong Kong, and by 1983 was named president of Sotheby’s in North America. In 1986 he founded his namesake gallery, J. J. Lally & Co., at 41 East 57th Street in New York – just a few blocks away from the MoMA, to provide advisory services for keen collectors. Lally fondly recalls the moment, not long after he opened his gallery, when a young man walked through the door with a Shang Dynasty gong—a bronze vessel shaped like a gravy boat—decorated with a dragon and tiger and in beautiful condition. It was, Lally described, “one of the most important objects I ever had in my hands.” The young man said he had inherited it from his father and was not really interested in Chinese art himself. He wanted to buy a sailboat and wondered if the gong was valuable enough to pay for that. “I was very happy to tell him that it was valuable enough to buy two sailboats,” Lally noted. The gallery helped to establish New York as a major center of commerce for Chinese art and allowed Lally to concentrate on his own specific interests, particularly early ceramics, ritual bronze vessels, archaic jade carvings and sculpture. Lally brought a learned approach to his work, publishing detailed, scholarly catalogs that have remained important reference guides within the field. This meticulous approach continued when he produced his own exhibitions and catalogs. Giuseppe Eskenazi, dubbed the “Godfather of Chinese Antiques,” and one of the world’s most esteemed Chinese art dealers, also spoke highly of Lally for his achievements in the industry, alongside William Chak from Hong Kong, and the Marchant family from London. In the spring of 2023, Christie’s and Bonhams conducted single owner sales of Lally’s collection which broke several auction records.Condition: Superb condition with expected old wear, few small areas with inclusions along the foot and rim which have been slightly smoothened.Weight: 127.3 gDimensions: Diameter 9.8 cm With a padded silk box and cover. (2)Literature comparison:Compare a closely related bowl of similar color, dated to the Southern Song period, 9.5 cm diameter, in the collection of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, object number B60J6. Compare a related bowl of similar form, dated to the Song dynasty (960-1279), 17.8 cm diameter, in the collection of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, object number B60J159.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 597Price: GBP 13,750 or approx. EUR 15,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Pale Grey Agate Flower-Form Bowl, China, Possibly Southern Song DynastyExpert remark: Note the size (12 cm diameter).Auction result comparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 31 May 2017, lot 3141Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 21,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Agate Oval Stem Dish, Song Dynasty (960-1279) Expert remark: Note the size (15.7 cm).
A COPPER-RED GLAZED ‘HAITANG’ VASE, QING DYNASTY, DAOGUANG PERIOD 道光銅紅釉海棠口瓶Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 1821-1850. The compressed baluster vase stands on a splayed foot. The four lobes of the vase give its characteristic crabapple shape as the neck rises from its globular body to an everted rim. The recessed base is glazed with a finely crackled guan-type glaze. Covered overall in a rich and absolutely opaque copper-red glaze.Provenance: Collection of Alfred Julius Forkel, and thence by descent in the same family. The base with three old labels, ‘656263,’ ‘1020,’ ‘69/19,’ and the neck with two labels, ‘V’ and ‘69/19’. Mentioned in the inventory of the collection, section V, Nr. 19, and described there as “Tao-Kuang Sang de Boeuf”. Alfred Julius Forkel (1873-1934) was born in Bavaria to Johann Wilhelm Forkel and Anna Dorothea Forkel. During his life, Forkel worked as a merchant and later as an officer with the Imperial German Navy. His travels as a merchant and as a naval officer took him across the globe. During his time in China, he assembled a large collection of Chinese porcelain and ceramics. Condition: Good condition with expected old wear and firing irregularities. A small chip to the rim and base, minor pitting, light scratches, and glaze recesses.Weight: 2,777 g Dimensions: Height 39.5 cm The form of this four-lobed vase supported by a broad foot rim directly references the crabapple (haitang), which could be combined with other emblems to create auspicious rebuses. Its second character, ‘tang’, is homophonous with the character for ‘hall’ and, by extension, ‘the family home’. For examples of Imperial objects of the Qing court of related haitang shape, see a bamboo tray at Bonhams Hong Kong, 24 November 2012, lot 323 (see fig. 1), and a pair of gilt bronze and cloisonne jardinieres at Bonhams London, 8 November 2012, lot 250 (see fig. 2). 道光銅紅釉海棠口瓶中國，1821-1850年。海棠口瓶，侈口，溜肩，豐胸，圈足外撇。瓶身施凹陷的底座施有銅紅色釉，底足露胎，足内釉面開片。 來源：Alfred Julius Forkel 收藏，源自同一家族。底座有三個舊標籤 “656263”、“1020”、“69/19”，頸部有兩個標籤 “V”和“69/19”。在藏品清單中提到，第 V 節，19號，描述為 “Tao-Kang Sang de Boeuf”。Alfred Julius Forkel（1873-1934 年）出生於巴伐利亞，父親是Johann Wilhelm Forkel，母親是Anna Dorothea Forkel。Forkel曾是一名商人，後來成為德意志帝國海軍的一名軍官。 因爲工作遠古他走遍了全球。在中國期間，他收藏了大量中國瓷器和陶瓷。 品相：狀況良好，有磨損，邊緣和底座有小缺口、輕微凹坑、輕微劃痕和釉面凹陷。 重量：2,777 克 尺寸：高39.5 厘米
A GE-TYPE SOFT-PASTE WASHER, QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD 乾隆款及年代仿哥窯纏枝蓮紋筆洗Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 1736-1795. Finely potted with rounded sides rising from a tapered foot to an incurved mouth encircled by a key-fret decorated rim, the exterior molded with lotus blossoms and foliage bordered by registers of archaistic scroll, covered overall with a thick ivory-white glaze suffused with an irregular network of dark and transparent crackle. The countersunk base impressed with a six-character seal mark da Qing Qianlong nianzhi and of the period.Provenance: From the estate of Stuart and Phyllis Moldaw. The collection featured a comprehensive range of early Chinese porcelain as well as a noted group of Buccelatti and Puiforcat silver. Stuart G. Moldaw (1927-2008) was a retail pioneer and billionaire who founded Ross Stores. He was also a generous philanthropist who served on the boards of several nonprofit agencies, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art,. President Bill Clinton appointed him as a public delegate to the U.S. Mission at the United Nations in 1993 and chairman of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars in 1996.Condition: Good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities, including glaze recesses, pitting and firing cracks. Few minor shallow chips to edges, occasional light scratches, few tiny hairlines to rim (probably inherent to firing).Weight: 982.7 gDimensions: Diameter 23 cm This rare brushwasher with a crackle-type glaze of a faint ivory tone stands as a refined example of Qianlong period archaism. Porcelains of this type, made in imitation of imperial Ding wares from the Song dynasty and clearly influenced by earlier bronze vessels, were prized by the Qianlong Emperor.Expert’s note: 'Soft-paste' porcelain has the addition of a powdered white clay to the porcelain body, which is called hua shi (slippery stone). This results in a lightweight ware that can be crisply molded and incised with intricate designs. It was significantly more expensive to produce than a standard kaolin porcelain body.Auction result comparison: Type: Near-identical Auction: Sotheby’s, Hong Kong, 7 April 2010, lot 1923 Price: HKD 200,000 or approx. EUR 33,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A ge-type soft-paste washer, seal mark and period of Qianlong Expert remark: The two washers are nearly identical in form and decoration, and a comparison of the marks also shows a nearly identical seal, with possibly the same mold used for the seal impression. The glaze is slightly more gray than on the present lot and the crackle includes golden threads. 乾隆款及年代仿哥窯纏枝蓮紋筆洗中國，1736-1795 年。 製作精美，唇沿，圓腹，圈足。洗上緣一周回紋，外壁飾纏枝蓮紋，通體施厚厚的象牙白釉，釉色泛著淡淡的青色，不規則開片。圈足内刻有“大清乾隆年製”六字篆書款。 來源：來自 Stuart 和 Phyllis Moldaw 的收藏，該收藏包括早期中國瓷器以及一組著名的 Buccelatti 和 Puiforcat 銀器。 Stuart G. Moldaw（1927-2008年）是一位零售業先驅和億萬富翁，他創立了 Ross Stores。 他還是一位慷慨的慈善家，曾在多個非營利機構的董事會任職，其中包括舊金山現代藝術博物館。 比爾·克林頓總統於 1993 年任命他為美國駐聯合國代表團的公共代表，並於 1996 年任命他為白宮總統學者委員會主席。 品相：狀況良好，有輕微磨損、製造不規則、釉面凹陷、凹坑和燒製裂紋，邊緣有輕微的淺缺口，局部有輕微劃痕，邊緣有輕微細紋。 重量：982.7 克 尺寸：直徑 23 厘米 拍賣比較： 形制：幾乎相同 拍賣：香港蘇富比，2010年4月7日，lot 1923 價錢：HKD 200,000（相當今日EUR 33,500） 描述：乾隆款及年代仿哥窯筆洗 專家註釋：比較兩件外形相同的筆洗和裝飾，相似的款和印。釉色較本拍品略顯灰白，裂紋中含有金絲。
A COPPER-INLAID BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL AND COVER, HU, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTYPlease note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert’s note: For further research and a comparative analysis with published examples in major institutions, see Charles D. Weber, Chinese Pictorial Bronze Vessels of the Late Chou Period. Part III, published in Artibus Asiae, volume 29, number 2/3, 1967, pages 115-192. In this publication, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of pictorial bronze vessels from the late Zhou period and suggests that this type of decoration originated from Huixian, Henan province, from the 6th into the early 5th century BC.To properly evaluate the current lot, it is essential to compare it with the related examples found in the Fogg Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (see literature comparison). These institutions possess vessels attributed to significant tombs in the vicinity of Huixian. These vessels share several identical pictorial elements with the present lot, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram. These pictorial elements also serve as a basis for dating the current lot, as referenced in fig. 70 of Weber’s work, where the sinuous feline pictograms suggest a manufacture date of 500 B.C.Furthermore, page 151 of Weber's work highlights a pertinent observation. During the late Zhou period, pictorial decoration on these types of vessels was arranged irrespective of the placement of handles. Consequently, handles were often affixed over a portion of the pictorial representations, partially covering the design. This alignment further strengthens the connection of the present lot to the published examples, suggesting that it is not only closely related, originating from the same period and region, but also having a strong possibility of it originating from a neighboring site.China, late 6th-early 5th century BC. Superbly cast, the globular body supported on a tall spreading foot and rising to a waisted neck with a flared mouth, the shoulder set with two small lug handles. The body is finely inlaid with copper in five registers depicting geometrically arranged designs of pairs of birds, felines, and deer within lozenge borders which also encircle the foot, the body further interspersed by elaborate ruyi-like designs, the mouth and rim of the cover with line borders. The similarly decorated domed cover surmounted by a loop finial. The vase has retained its original cover for well over two millennia, which makes it exceedingly rare.Provenance: From a noted private collection in Southern California, USA.Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, expected minor casting flaws, small nicks and losses, light scratches. Magnificent patina overall, the copper inlays naturally patinated to a distinct auburn color, the bronze with malachite encrustations and lustrous hues of cuprite.Weight: 2,496 gDimensions: Height 34 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s, New York, 21 March 2002, lot 70 Price: USD 23,500 or approx. EUR 36,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare copper-inlaid bronze wine jar, hu, Eastern Zhou dynasty, late 6th-early 5th century BCExpert remark: Compare the closely related form and inlays. Note the size (39.7 cm).Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s, New York, 23-24 September 2021, lot 705 Price: USD 32,500 or approx. EUR 32,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare copper-inlaid bronze ritual wine vessel, hu, Warring States period (475-221 BC)Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and inlays. Note the size (45.7 cm) and the obvious condition issues.Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.由于Drouot平台拍品叙述的长度限制，我们移除了中文叙述，完整中文叙述请至www.zacke.at查看
A RARE AND IMPORTANT MONGOLIAN ‘LONG LIFE AND BOUNDLESS TERRITORIES’ GILT-BRONZE SEAL, DEPICTING A BIXIE, YUAN DYNASTY 元代蒙古辟邪鈕鎏金銅印Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert’s note: The seal face is inscribed in Phags-pa, the Mongolian square script, indicating that this seal once belonged to a consort prince.China, 1279-1368. Finely cast, the rectangular seal surmounted by a recumbent bixie with long scrolling wings lying flat against its back and furcated tail. The face with round bulging eyes, showing finely incised pupils, neatly applied scrolling brows, a broad snout, and curling horn, the mouth agape revealing sharp fangs and tongue.Inscriptions: The seal face: ‘Long life and boundless territories’.Provenance: French trade. Acquired from a private estate in Paris. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with significant ancient wear from extensive handling, as well as signs of weathering and corrosion, encrustations, scratches, nicks. Expected casting irregularities. The seal base possibly with minor old fills. The bronze is covered overall in a rich, naturally grown patina with distinct cuprite and malachite encrustations. All consistent with circumstances of burial.Weight: 814.2 g Dimensions: Size 4.4 x 6.4 x 6.4 cmLiterature comparison: Compare a bronze seal, also cast with a four-character inscription in Mongolian Phags-pa script and dated to the Yuan dynasty, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, image number K1A001822N000000000PAB.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 28 November 2018, lot 2983 Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt-bronze square seal, Yuan dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related inscription in Mongolian Phags-pa script, as well as the related manner of casting and gilding. Note the smaller size (4.8 cm). 元代蒙古辟邪鈕鎏金銅印中國，1279-1368年。長方形印章上，一隻辟邪成臥姿，長長的捲曲翅膀平放在它的背部，尾巴分叉。大眼圓睜，眉毛濃密彎曲上揚，口鼻寬大，角捲曲，嘴巴張開，露出鋒利的獠牙和舌頭。 款識：萬壽無疆 來源：法國古玩交易，購於巴黎私人遺產。 品相：狀況良好，大量使用造成的大面積磨損，有風化和腐蝕、結殼、劃痕、刻痕，鑄造不規則。印底座有小舊修補。青銅整體上覆蓋著細膩的自然包漿，並帶有明顯的紅綠結殼，均為長期埋於土裡的關係。 重量：814.2 克 尺寸：4.4 x 6.4 x 6.4 厘米 文獻比較： 比較一件元代銅印，還鑄有蒙古文八思巴四字銘文，收藏於台北故宮博物院，圖像編號K1A001822N000000000PAB。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港佳士得，2018年11月28日，lot 2983 價格：HKD 150,000（相當於今日EUR 19,500） 描述：元鎏金銅印 專家評論：比較非常相近的印文（八思巴文），以及相近的鑄造風格和鎏金。請注意尺寸較小 (4.8 厘米)。
A SILVERY BRONZE EIGHT-LOBED ‘PHOENIX AND BIRDS’ MIRRORPlease note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, Tang Dynasty (618-906). Of lobed form, cast at the center with a domed knob encircled by two phoenixes and two birds, the raised rim with butterflies and floral sprays.Condition: Fine condition, commensurate with age, extensive wear, weathering, corrosion, nicks, losses. Superb, naturally grown patina with extensive malachite encrustation. Provenance: Collection of Dr. Walter Rieder (1890-1986), thence by descent. Old inventory labels ‘RIE.1976.311’ and ‘9’ to the mirror. A copy of an old handwritten note by Dr. Rieder, describing the piece as ‘2 Birds, 2 Kilin [sic!] (?) & ornamental pattern’. The padded box inscribed, noting that the piece was a goodbye present from 1938 from the trade commissioner Yamamoto. Dr. Walter Rieder served in the Swiss East Asia Mission (SOAM) in Qingdao, Shandong Province, between October 1930 and December 1951. The mission specialized in educational, literary, and philanthropic work and Dr. Rieder was in fact, not a theologian or missionary, but a teacher of mathematics, physics, and science to high school students attached to the SOAM. His guiding principles were 'Creating understanding between different cultures' and 'Building bridges between East and West'. While in Qingdao, Dr. Rieder collected a wide variety of Chinese art. The objects in the collection thus offer a unique window into the type of antiques that were on the market in Qingdao in the second quarter of the 20th century. As well as demonstrating his passion for Chinese art, his collection also reveals the personal friendships Dr. Rieder forged with local artists, some of whom he knew from his teaching activities. Dr. Rieder had a scholarly approach to studying his collection. Alongside many of his objects, meticulous notes can sometimes be found detailing his art historical commentaries. The collection was hence Dr. Rieder's gateway to the history and culture of China. Objects from the collection were exhibited at the Kunsthaus in Interlaken, Switzerland in 2006 and 2018.Weight: 195 gDimensions: Diameter 9.7 cmWith a padded box bearing a dedication mark of being a present in 1938. (2)Auction result comparison:Compare a related silvery grey bronze eight-lobed mirror, Tang dynasty (618-907), sold at Christie’s New York in Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections on 24 March 2011, lot 1268, for USD 8,125.
A GILT AND TURQUOISE-INLAID COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF GREEN TARA, DENSATIL STYLE, TIBET, 14TH CENTURY 十四世紀西藏銅鎏金嵌綠松石綠度母，丹薩替風格Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Elegantly cast, seated in lalitasana on a double-lotus base with beaded edges, her pendent right leg supported by a separate lotus blossom stemming from the base. Her right hand held in in varadamudra extending down her leg and her raised left holding a lotus stem which curls around her hand and arm coming to full bloom at the shoulder. Provenance: From an old German private collection.Condition: Remarkably well-preserved condition. Old wear, predominantly from centuries of worship within the culture, with some rubbing and minor losses to gilt. Minimal casting flaws, nicks and dents, occasional light scratches. Losses and possible replacements to inlays. Warping and dents to seal plate. The bronze with a fine, naturally grown, smooth patina overall.Weight: 908.1 g Dimensions: Height 16.2 cm She is clad in a dhoti neatly incised with rows of floral designs and a finely beaded hem, and richly adorned with a foliate crown, beaded necklace, belt, armlets and bracelets, and pendent earrings, all with fine turquoise inlays. Her serene face with sinuously-lidded downcast eyes below elegantly arched brows, her full lips forming a calm smile, her hair pulled up into a high chignon and falling elegantly in a twisted strand over her right shoulder and back. Heavily cast gilt copper alloy figures of this type are characteristic of the Densatil style, a Kagyu monastic complex in central Tibet, southeast of Lhasa, which has long been considered one of the great treasures of Tibet. Founded in the late 12th century, it enjoyed generous patronage and was lavishly decorated during a period of expansion from circa 1360 until the early 16th century. The monastery was known for eight extraordinary memorial stupas symbolizing Buddha's first teaching in Benares. These stupas were called tashi gomang, meaning ‘many doors of auspiciousness,’ and were multi-tiered copper-alloy structures filled with deities such as the present example, standing more than ten feet tall and resplendent with inlays of semiprecious stones. Prior to the destruction of Densatil during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1978), eight of them dating between 1208 and 1432 stood in the monastery’s main hall.Expert’s note: Close stylistic parallels can be drawn between the present work and a number of gilt bronze sculptures produced by Newari craftsmen for the Densatil Monastery. Chief among the diagnostic traits that can identify a work from Densatil are the convexly stepped eyebrows and the precisely incised double-lined eyelids and lips. For example, compare a gilt bronze Padmapani figure, Densatil, 14th century, at Bonhams Paris, 14 June 2022, lot 44, from the Claude de Marteau collection.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 21 April 2021, lot 12 Price: HKD 4,002,500 or approx. EUR 483,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt copper alloy figure of Tara, Tibet, Densatil style, circa 14th century Expert remark: Compare the related style, subject, manner of casting, and modeling with similar pose and hand gestures, and adornments with similar turquoise inlays and fine beading. Note the similar size (17 cm).
A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE ‘GOURD AND BUTTERFLY’ SNUFF BOTTLE, CHINA, 18TH CENTURY 十八世紀白玉瓜瓞綿綿鼻烟壺 Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Exquisitely carved from a pebble in the shape of a gourd, decorated in high relief with leafy branches encircling butterflies and melons. The translucent stone is of a fine white hue with distinct russet veining and clouding, and scattered icy inclusions.Provenance: Spink & Son, London, United Kingdom, 1989. Collection of Joseph (1938-2005) and Bella Shapiro (1941-2011), acquired from the above and thence by descent in the same family. A copy of a signed invoice from Spink & Son Ltd., addressed to J. Shapiro, dated 27 February 1989, and dating the present lot to the 18th century, accompanies this lot.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, light nibbling, and a microscopic nick to the mouth. The jade has natural inclusions and fissures, some of which may have developed into minuscule hairline cracks.Stopper: Glass with a bronze collar and metal spoonWeight: 66.1 gDimensions: Height incl. stopper 70 mm, Diameter neck 12 mm and mouth 4.4 mm The butterfly (die) and gourd (gua) form the pun ‘guadie’, a rebus for ‘ceaseless generations of descendants’. In addition, because the gourd has a long stem bearing fruits of all sizes, each containing many seeds, it is itself an apt symbol for fertility. The subject matter of gourds was popular at the Imperial court and appears on a wide range of imperial enamels on glass, metal, and porcelain.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28 November 2019, lot 502 Price: HKD 118,750 or approx. EUR 15,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A carved white and russet jade ‘gourds’ snuff bottle, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century Expert remark: Compare the related form with a butterfly and scrolling vines and the similarly colored pebble. Note the different stopper and the smaller size (63 mm). 十八世紀白玉瓜瓞綿綿鼻烟壺白玉質，溫潤厚實，局部帶有金黃沁色。雕琢為飽滿瓜果形，頂部開口，掏膛精細。外壁藤蔓攀延纏繞，連綿不絕，大小瓜葉錯落掩映，葉脈清晰細膩。金黃沁色處雕蝴蝶。一派生機勃勃之感，寓有「瓜瓞綿綿、子孫滿堂、福康永享」吉祥之意。整體質地細膩，表現出枝葉繁茂，瓜果鮮嫩的光澤品相，且大小適中，渾圓飽滿，適於掌中把玩。 來源：英國倫敦Spink & Son, 1989年；Joseph (1938-2005) 與 Bella Shapiro (1941-2011) 收藏，購於上述一浪，保持存在同一家族至今。隨附一份Spink & Son Ltd出具給J. Shapiro的發票副本，時間為1989年2月27 日，並斷代為十八世紀。 品相：狀況極好，有輕微磨損、磕損，口部有微小的刻痕。玉石有天然的紋理和内沁，其中一些可能發展成細裂紋。 壺蓋：銅托片和金屬勺子的玻璃 重量：66.1 克 尺寸：含蓋高 70 毫米，頸部直徑12 毫米與壺口直徑4.4毫米拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：香港蘇富比，2019年11月28日，lot 502 價格：HKD 118,750（相當於今日EUR 15,000） 描述：清十八至十九世紀白玉瓜形鼻煙壺 專家評論：比較相近的外形 ，以及有蝴蝶、捲曲的藤蔓和類似顏色的卵石。請注意不同的壺蓋和尺寸較小 (63 mm)。
A BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA, NEPAL, 14TH-15TH CENTURY 十四至十五世紀尼泊爾佛陀銅像Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Heavily cast seated in dhyanasana with the right hand lowered in bhumisparsha mudra and the left on the lap, wearing a long-flowing robe, the folds gathering below the feet, the serene face with downcast eyes, a sharp nose, the mouth with a gentle smile, flanked by elongated ears, the hair in tight curls surmounted by an ushnisha. The bronze with a rich, smooth, naturally grown patina with malachite encrustations.Provenance: An important European private collection, the base with an old collector’s label, ‘Buddha Nepal 10th C.’ Sotheby’s Paris, 16 June 2022, lot 112. A German private collection, acquired from the above.Condition: Good condition with old wear and minor casting irregularities, tiny dents, small nicks, light scratches, and few microscopic losses. The base is pierced with two holes to the front and one hole to the back.Weight: 427.6 g (excl. stand)Dimensions: Height 11 cm (excl. stand) and 15 cm (incl. stand) With an associated fitted wood stand. (2)Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 16 November 2022, lot 60 Price: EUR 32,760 or approx. EUR 34,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare large bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha Tibet, ca. 14th century Expert remark: Note the larger size (27 cm) and that this figure comes from the same provenance as the present lot. 十四至十五世紀尼泊爾佛陀銅像釋尊結全跏趺坐於蓮花座之上，左手置腹前，施禪定印，右手施觸地印；頭頂高肉髻，螺髮密集，頂嚴寳珠，分明嚴整。眼長眉彎，雙目低垂，呈微笑慈悲和善之態；身著單肩袈裟，袒露前胸，胸襟束帶繫結，衣紋俐落流暢。自然包漿豐富。 來源：歐洲重要私人收藏，底部有一藏家標籤，可見 ‘Buddha Nepal 10th C.’；巴黎蘇富比，2022年6月16日，lot 112；德國私人收藏，購於上述拍賣。 品相：狀況良好，有磨損和輕微鑄造不規則、微小凹痕、小刻痕、輕微劃痕。底座前面有兩個孔，後面有一個孔。 重量：427.6 克 (不含底座) 尺寸：高 11 釐米 (不含底座) 與15 釐米 (含底座) 木製底座 (2) 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：巴黎蘇富比，2022年11月16日，lot 60 價格：EUR 32,760（相當於今日EUR 34,500） 描述：西藏約十四世紀銅釋迦牟尼佛坐像 專家評論：請注意尺寸較大 (27 釐米) ，以及來源和本拍品相同。
A BLUE AND WHITE MING-STYLE FLOWER-HOLDER, QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD 乾隆款及年代仿明代風格青花花插Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert's note: In an article discussing an exhibition by S. Marchant & Son by D. S. Freedman, "Qing Mark and Period Monochrome and Two-coloured Wares", Arts of Asia, May-June 1992, p. 147, related examples of similar form are referred to as “lotus pod bulb pots,” an understandable but quite unique description. The author further explains that blue and white designs may fall under the category of monochromes as they feature a one-color design on a white ground. These differing taxonomies from the 1992 article to today are quite notable, leaving ample room for undiscovered pieces that may still be hidden in private and public collections.China, 1736-1795. Superbly potted, the compressed pear-shaped body supported on a short foot and rising to a waisted neck surmounted by a slightly domed top in the form of a lotus pod pierced with three circular apertures. The exterior is exquisitely decorated in shades of cobalt blue with lotus blossoms and auspicious blooms borne on leafy scrolling vines, above a lappet band encircling the foot and below a band of floral sprays below the top, which is similarly decorated with lotus scroll, all framed by neatly applied double-line borders.The recessed base with an underglaze-blue six-character seal mark da Qing Qianlong nianzhi and of the period. Provenance: From a private family collection in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. Condition: Superb condition with only minor wear and minimal firing irregularities, the interior with some traces of use.Weight: 252.9 g Dimensions: Diameter 8.4 cm, Height 6.5 cmVessels of this form, variously described as ‘flower holders’ or ‘incense holders’, have been recorded from both the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods. The shape was likely inspired by a type of jarlet, made in bronze and pottery, which was popular during the Tang dynasty (see a sancai-glazed pottery jar from the Erwin Harris collection at Christie’s New York, 16 March 2017, lot 877). The Qing potters took this design to new heights with variations in glazes from simple, crackled monochromes to brilliant turquoise examples with slip-molded decoration. While the size of the Qing form tended to remain small, usually under 9 cm, this should not allow them to be overshadowed by larger porcelain works of the period. The compact size would have allowed for easier handling and transport, making them suitable for personal devotion, private altars, and carrying during travel, creating a sense of intimacy and personal connection when using incense to cultivate a relationship with the divine realm. There are few other porcelain works that one could take on a pilgrimage so easily.Literature comparison:For two related examples of similar form, see Robert Jacobsen, Ye Peilan, and Julian Thompson, Imperial Perfection: The Palace Porcelain of Three Chinese Emperors, Kangxi - Yongzheng - Qianlong, Hong Kong, 2004, pp. 240, nos. 74 & 95. Celadon-glazed examples of similar form are illustrated in Monochrome Porcelain, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 37, Hong Kong, 1999, no. 187, and Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994, vol. 2, no. 869.Auction result comparison: Type: Near identical Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 16 June 2022, lot 204 Price: EUR 30,240 or approx. EUR 31,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A small blue and white 'floral' vase, Seal mark and period of Qianlong Expert remark: Compare the near identical form, decoration, and size (8.3 cm). Note that the present lot boasts an even more accomplished decoration as well as a stronger mark. Also note that this lot has a faint 1.5 cm hairline in the glaze between two of the holes on top of the vase, whereas the present lot is in perfect condition.Auction result comparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s, Hong Kong, 30 May 2022, lot 2715Price: HKD 2,016,000 or approx. EUR 239,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A carved celadon-glazed flower-holder, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the periodExpert remark: Both this example and the current lot have an extremely compressed form, and while the overall decoration is noticeably different, the molded decoration of the celadon example closely follows the underglaze blue decoration of the current lot. Note the size (7.8 cm).
AN IMPERIAL CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘LOTUS’ BOTTLE VASE, QIANLONG FIVE-CHARACTER MARK AND OF THE PERIOD 乾隆五字款及年代御製銅胎掐絲琺瑯蓮紋瓶Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Published: Galerie Zacke, Feines Altes Kunsthandwerk aus China und Japan, Vienna, 1989, pl. 4a-c, nr. 4c.China, 1736-1795. The ovoid body supported on a slightly spreading foot, surmounted by a gently waisted slender neck, the shoulder with a gilt-bronze band, the rims also finely gilt. Neatly decorated in bright enamels with stylized lotus blooms borne on leafy scrolling vines between ruyi-head bands, the foot encircled by C-scrolls, all reserved on a turquoise ground. The base incised with a five-character mark Qianlong nianzhi yin and of the period.Provenance: Anton Exner (Vienna 1882 – 1952 Vienna). By descent to Walter Exner (Vienna 1911 - 2003 Bad Wildungen). Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 1989. An Austrian private collection, acquired from the above.Condition: Presenting very well and in fine condition commensurate with age, with old wear and expected manufacturing irregularities, including pitting and dark spots. Minor losses to enamels with associated old fills, one dent with an old repair.Weight: 165.2 gDimensions: Height 11.8 cm Based on its size and shape, this vase was made to hold incense instruments. These types of small cloisonné vases, censers, and instruments (luping sanshi) which were made for the burning of incense had an additional character below the reign mark and were made for the Qianlong court. Some scholars have suggested that the fifth character under the Qianlong mark could have been a way to number the large group of objects in the correct order, see H. Brinker and A. Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, New York, 1989, pp. 74-79.Small cloisonné vases such as the present lot were particularly popular during the reign of Qianlong and are known to have adorned the Sanxitang (The Hall of Three Rarities), a tiny studio next to the Imperial bedchamber in the Yangxindian, as illustrated for example in The Life of Emperor Qianlong, The Macau Museum of Art, Macau, 2002. The present vase displays the ornate aesthetic and technical mastery that characterizes Imperial cloisonné wares of the High Qing period, with the characteristic vibrant colors of the enamels and the elegant execution of the linework of the cloisons only achieved during this period.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 May 2013, lot 2057 Price: HKD 300,000 or approx. EUR 39,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Small Cloisonne Enamel Bottle Vase, Qianlong Incised Four-Character Mark and of the Period (1736-1795)Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and incised Qianlong reign mark. Note the similar size (12.3 cm).Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 23-24 September 2021, lot 931 Price: USD 15,000 or approx. EUR 15,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A small cloisonne enamel bottle vase, Qianlong four-character incised mark in a line and of the period (1736-1795), with an additional character MingExpert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and five-character Qianlong reign mark. Note the similar size (12.7 cm). Also note that this lot has a dent to the center of the red lotus with some loss to enamels.
A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE ‘BIRD’ FINIAL, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY 東周錯銀銅鳥形頂飾Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 4th-3rd century BC. Well cast and finely decorated with neatly applied silver inlays, the elegantly formed bird with a long curved neck and beak, finely incised wings, and fanned-out tail feathers, supported on a straight hollow tube.Provenance: London trade. Acquired from a private estate, where it was kept for a rather long period, according to family repute. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Wear and corrosion, casting flaws, some losses, nicks, scratches. The bronze with a rich, naturally grown patina with cuprite and malachite encrustations.Dimensions: Height 5 cm Literature comparison:Compare a related later bronze bird finial, 7.4 cm high, dated to the Han Dynasty, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number F1916.337. Compare a related silver-inlaid bronze bird-shaped finial, 7.8 cm high, dated to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, 4th-3rd century BC, included in the exhibition Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1990, cat. no. 81.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 19 January 2023, lot 3037 Price: HKD 100,800 or approx. EUR 11,500 converted at the time of writing Description: A silver-inlaid bronze ‘bird’ staff finial, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period Expert remark: Compare the related form with similar hollow base and patina with cuprite encrustations. Note the size (6.5 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 16 March 2017, lot 871 Price: USD 10,625 or approx. EUR 12,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A silver-inlaid bronze bird-form finial, Warring States period Expert remark: Compare the related modeling with a similar curved beak. Note the size (7 cm). 東周錯銀銅鳥形頂飾中國，西元前四至三世紀。這隻造型優雅的鳥，鑄材精良，裝飾精美，銀鑲嵌整齊，頸部和喙長且彎曲，精雕細琢的翅膀和張開的尾羽，腹部連接空心直管。來源：倫敦交易。根據家族聲譽，由私人遺產購得，在家族中保存了相當長的一段時間。品相：狀況良好，與年齡相稱。磨損和腐蝕，鑄造缺陷，一些損失，刻痕，劃痕。具有豐富的自然生長銅綠，帶有紅綠色結殼。尺寸：高5厘米文獻比較：比較一件相近的漢代青銅鳥形頂飾，收藏於史密森學會國家亞洲藝術博物館，高 7.4 厘米，館藏編號F1916.337。比較一個相近的西元前4-3世紀的東周時期銀鑲嵌青銅鳥形頂飾，高7.8厘米，收錄於展覽《中國古代和鄂爾多斯青銅器》，香港藝術館，1990年，圖錄編號81。拍賣結果比較：形制：相近拍賣：香港蘇富比，2023年1月19日，lot 3037價格：HKD100,800 （相當今日EUR11,500）描述：東周時期戰國時期銀鑲嵌青銅「鳥」杖頂端專家評論：比較相近的外形與類似的空心底座，以及銅綠與銅石結殼進行。注意尺寸 （6.5 厘米）。拍賣結果比較：形制：相近拍賣：紐約佳士得，2017年3月16日，lot 871價格：USD10,625 （相當今日EUR12,500）描述：戰國時期銀鑲嵌青銅鳥形頂端專家評論：比較相近的模型與類似的彎曲喙。注意尺寸 （7 厘米）。
A MASSIVE AND LARGE ARCHAISTIC BRONZE VASE AND COVER, FANGHU, MING DYNASTY 明代大型仿古方壺Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 1368-1644. Heavily cast, of rounded square section, the baluster body supported on a tall spreading foot, the shoulder and neck applied with phoenix-form handles, the sides and edges with narrow flanges. The body decorated with taotie masks below a band of kui dragons, the shoulder with a band of pendent stiff leaves below further taotie masks to the neck, the foot with taotie masks flanked by ruyi-cross designs, all against diapered key-fret grounds. The similarly decorated cover surmounted by a large finial. Expert’s note: The present archaistic bronze vase is exceptional for its massive size, which makes it exceedingly rare.Provenance: From the estate of Anthony Powell, London, United Kingdom. Anthony Powell (1935-2021) was a British costume designer who brought deep research to his work in both theater and film. His costume designs for John Gielgud's production of The School for Scandal (1963) earned him a Tony Award. Powell collaborated on movies with Steven Spielberg and Roman Polanski and won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, including 1978’s Death on the Nile. He was an avid collector of fabrics and trimmings as well as Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian works of art. Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, traces of use, shallow surface scratches and casting flaws. Some nicks and dents, minor losses, the lower body on the backside with obvious cracks. Naturally grown dark patina overall.Weight: 20.4 kg Dimensions: Height 74 cmAuction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 11 September 2019, lot 805 Price: USD 27,500 or approx. EUR 30,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A massive bronze beaker vase, Ming dynastyExpert remark: Compare the archaistic design and diapered key-fret grounds. Note the size (64.8 cm).明代大型仿古方壺中國，1368-1644年。壺身厚重，圓角方形截面，高足，肩部和頸部鳳凰形耳，側面和邊緣有窄凸緣。壺身夔龍帶下飾饕餮紋，肩飾蕉葉紋，下系饕餮紋至頸項，足部飾饕餮紋，兩側飾如意十字紋。壺蓋相同紋飾。 專家注釋：仿古青銅瓶體型碩大，極為難得。 來源：英國倫敦Anthony Powell收藏。Anthony Powell (1935-2021年) 是一位英國服裝設計師，他對戲劇和電影作品進行了深入研究。他為 John Gielgud 製作的The School for Scandal(醜聞學校 ,1963) 設計的服裝為他贏得了托尼獎。Powell與史蒂文斯皮爾伯格和羅曼波蘭斯基合作拍攝電影，並獲得三項奧斯卡最佳服裝設計獎，包括 1978 年的《尼羅河之死》。他熱衷於收藏織物和飾物以及中國、印度和東南亞的藝術品。 品相：狀況良好，有磨損、使用痕跡、表面劃痕和鑄造缺陷。一些劃痕和凹痕，輕微缺損，背面下半部有明顯裂紋。整體自然包漿。 重量：20.4 公斤 尺寸：高 74 厘米 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：紐約蘇富比，2019年9月11日，lot 805 價格：USD 27,500（相當於今日EUR 30,000） 描述：明銅舖首活環四方出戟大尊 專家評論：比較仿古設計和雷紋地。請注意尺寸 (64.8 厘米)。
A BRONZE CENSER, YUE SHANG MARK, QING DYNASTY 清代銅爐，月尚款Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 1644-1912. The heavily cast compressed globular body with lobed sides modeled with beast mask handles, all supported on a short spreading foot and rising to a broad everted rim. The bronze with a golden-brown patina.Inscriptions: To the base, a two-character mark ‘Yue Shang’.Provenance: From the private collection of a European gentleman.Condition: Very good condition with expected wear and casting irregularities, light scratches, small nicks, and remnants of a dark lacquer varnish.Weight: 1205.8 gDimensions: Width 9.7 cm (across handles) 清代銅爐，月尚款中國，1644 年至 1912 年。重胎，爐口外翻，兩側有獸面輔首，爐身蓮花口狀，短圈足。銅爐帶有金棕色包漿。款識： 月尚 來源：歐洲紳士私人舊藏。 品相：狀況極好，有磨損和鑄造不規則、輕微劃痕、小刻痕和深色清漆殘留物。 重量：1205.8 克 尺寸：寬 9.7 厘米 (雙耳之間)
A FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN 'BATS AND CHIMES' SNUFF BOTTLE, LATE QING DYNASTY 清末粉彩蝙蝠玉磬鼻煙壺 Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 19th – early 20th century. Of flattened pear-shaped form raised on a short oval foot with shoulders sloping to a waisted neck with a gilt lip. The body symmetrically decorated on each side with a bronze chime suspended from an iron-red bat, above a stylized lotus spray, surrounded by leafy tendrils bearing flowers. The narrow sides with stylized flowerheads, all reserved on a bright and remarkably even turquoise ground. The neck encircled by interlocking ruyi heads and the foot by a band of scroll.Provenance: Marsha Vargas, Xanadu Gallery, San Francisco, United States, April 2008. Collection of Kim Green, no. 110, acquired from the above in Los Angeles, USA. A copy of the original collector’s notes for the present lot written by Kim Green, detailing the purchase from Marsha Vargas on 26 April 2008, accompanies this lot. Note that in these collector’s notes, the present lot is dated to the Republic period. Xanadu Gallery was established in 1979 by Marsha Vargas in San Francisco and offers antiquities and art from Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. The gallery continues to this day and is located in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building off Union Square. Kim Green was a trained geologist and geochemist, serving as director of the Office of the Chief Scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With her profound understanding and affection for snuff bottles and their unique tactile attributes, she built a deliberately limited and exclusive collection that she cherished intimately.Condition: Superb condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, includind pitting and dark spots. The base with light scratches. Displaying remarkably well. Matching stopper!Stopper: Gilt porcelain (matching)Weight: 44.7 gDimensions: Height including stopper 61 mm. Diameter neck 15 mm and mouth 9 mm. The base with an apocryphal iron-red four-character seal mark Qianlong nianzhi.The central lotus blossom signifies purity, as it rises unsullied out of muddied water, and the bat (fu) symbolizes good fortune and happiness. 清末粉彩蝙蝠玉磬鼻煙壺中國，十九世紀至二十世紀初。扁平，縮頸，斜肩，鼓腹，橢圓圈足，壺口鍍金。鼻煙壺松石綠色釉地粉彩描繪，頸部一周如意紋，正面飾紅色蝙蝠，嘴裏啣著玉磬，其下為纏枝蓮紋。側面也有纏枝蓮紋。 來源：美國舊金山Marsha Vargas，Xanadu 藝廊，2008年 4 月；美國洛杉磯Kim Green 收藏，編號 110，購自上述收藏。該拍品隨附由Kim Green寫的本拍品的原始收藏筆記副本，詳細介紹了 2008年 4 月 26 日從Marsha Vargas處購買的拍品。 請注意，在這些藏家筆記中，本拍品的年代為民國時期。Xanadu 藝廊由 Marsha Vargas 於 1979 年在舊金山創立，提供來自亞洲、大洋洲和拉丁美洲的古董和藝術品。該藝廊一直延續至今，位於聯合廣場附近歷史悠久的弗蘭克·勞埃德·賴特大樓內。Kim Green 是一位經驗豐富的地質學家和地球化學家，擔任美國農業部首席科學家辦公室主任。因爲她對鼻煙壺有著深刻理解和情有獨鈡，她建立了一個十分獨特的收藏。 品相：狀況極佳，有輕微磨損和製造不規則，包括麻點和黑點。底座有輕微劃痕。配套壺蓋！ 壺蓋：陶瓷鎏金 重量：44.7 克 尺寸：含蓋高61 毫米. 頸部直徑15 毫米 及壺口直徑9 毫米 圈足内礬紅釉四字寄托款“乾隆年製”。
A BRONZE ‘TIGER’ HALBERD BLADE, ZHONGHU GE, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, WARRING STATES PERIOD 東周戰國虎紋中胡銅戈Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Published: Religion and Ritual in Chinese Art, Michael B. Weisbrod, Inc., New York, USA, 8 December 1987, no. 12, page 40.China, 480-220 BC. Finely worked with an elongated triangular blade (yuan) flaring gently into the flat blade guard. Cast in relief with the profile of the ferocious feline with a gaping mouth, baring fangs, and an extended long curling tongue, all in high relief. The ears and forelimbs bent with the body incised on the shank. The end of the yuan pierced with two rectangular chuan (apertures), the tang (nei) with a circular chuan. A rectangular tang with foliate incisions projects from the guard ending in a double curve ‘E’-shaped edge.Provenance: Michael B. Weisbrod, New York, USA. The private collection of an American north-east collector, acquired from the above, c. 1987-1988. Michael B. Weisbrod is a noted scholar of Chinese art, who has published extensively on the subject over a time span of more than 50 years. In 1972, Michael joined his father Dr. Gerald Weisbrod’s Asian art gallery in Toronto, Canada. The father-and-son team opened their New York location on Madison Avenue in 1977, and during the next 45 years the gallery held a significant number of exhibitions, selling to museums and private collectors across the globe, eventually adding further locations in Shanghai and Hong Kong.Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, weathering and erosion, nicks and cracks, shallow surface scratches, possibly minor old fills. Fine, solid patina with distinct malachite and cuprite encrustations. Presenting remarkably well overall.Weight: 396.4 g (excl. stand)Dimensions: Length 27.4 cm With a modern stand. (2)The ge dagger-axe was found in burials from the early Shang through the Warring States period. It came to be a ritual object and a part of the requisite ceremonial paraphernalia of a courtier. According to James Menzies, by the early Western Zhou, “its inclusion in the attire of nobles and officials at all formal functions may be presumed”; and in addition to other Shang and Western Zhou rituals, it may have been used in ceremonial war dance, celebrating the Zhou conquest of the Shang (Menzies, the Shang Ko, pp. 314-316). The ge was also frequently pictured on bronze vessels possibly as a clan emblem.Although the tiger appears on blades of the late Shang and early Western Zhou periods, the feline and the shape of the tang on the present lot indicate a product of a different culture. Manufacture of ge with triangular blades discontinued in the Central Plains area of China by the middle Western Zhou period. The type seems to have persisted in the kingdoms of Ba and Shu in modern Sichuan province through the Warring States period. Many of these excavated ge from this area have E-shaped tang which did not appear among the Shang or Western Zhou blades. Tigers are frequently seen as motifs on the various types of ge and other weapons of the Ba-Shu area. This may be related to the legend that when Lin Jun, first ancestor of the Ba tribe, died, his soul was transformed into a white tiger.Literature comparison:Compare profile tigers similar to this lot which are reproduced in Tong Enzheng’s “Investigations of the bronze ge from Southwest China” (Kaogu Xuebao 1979, no. 4, pp. 442, fig. 1:6, pp. 447, fig. 3; see also Wenwu 1976 no. 3, p. 41 fig.2 and pl. I, no. 6; Wenwu 1976 no. 7, p. 82-85; Kaogu 1986 no. 11, pp. 986, fig. 6). Compare with a Zhonghu Ge with tiger pattern, China, unearthed at Dubaishu, Pixian County, Chengdu City, Warring States period, 475 - 221 BC, bronze Sichuan Provincial Museum Chengdu, China, accession number DSC04243.
A SET OF TWELVE JADE AND GILT-BRONZE ‘AUSPICIOUS BEASTS’ BELT PLAQUES, LIAO DYNASTY 遼代一組十二件鎏金銅神獸紋玉腰帶牌Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, c. 10th-12th century. Each jade belt plaque is carved in high relief with an animal or mythical beast, depicting a dragon, qilin, phoenixes, lion, tiger, bear, and cranes, and set within a bronze fitting. Each jade plaque and bronze fitting is pierced with a slit. The smoothly polished jades are of a celadon tone with russet inclusions. The bronze fittings are covered in a fine, naturally grown patina with malachite and cuprite encrustations.Provenance: From an old private collection in Vienna, Austria. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, traces of use, small losses, minor nicks here and there, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations.Scientific Analysis Report: An examination of the bronze components of the present lot was conducted by the Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum für Archäometrie using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, micro energy dispersive X-Ray fluorescence analysis, and lead test analysis. These tests found that the bronze fitting of the largest belt plaque was made from a tin-lead-bronze alloy in which no modern components of any kind could be detected. Conversely, it was also found that the sample contains trace elements that are typical of ancient metal alloys. The report concludes that the tests found absolutely no evidence of modern manufacture of the present lot. A copy of the examination report, no. 16-024, dated 25 February 2016, accompanies this lot.Weight: 747 g (total) Dimensions: Size 8.5 x 4.2 cm (the largest) and 4 x 3 cm (the smallest) With a silk storage box. (13)Khotan in the Tarim basin had rich jade stores during the Tang dynasty. The jade was fashioned into ornaments such as women’s comb tops and decorative plaques for belts worn by senior officials. The use of such plaques had its origin in the Tang dynasty, when the emperor presented jade-decorated belts to the nobility and senior members of the government as part of their official costume. The jade plaques in this set are carved in high relief with images of animals and mythical beasts.Literature comparison: Compare a related set of ten decorative belt plaques, dated to the Tang dynasty, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1992.165.22a–j. Compare a related group of three gilt-bronze mounted jade belt fittings, two with similar slits as found on the present lot, dated to the Liao dynasty, in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, record number BATEA : 451. Compare a related celadon jade plaque carved with a crane, dated to the Western Liao dynasty (of the Qara Khitai based in Central Asia who were originally refugees from the Liao dynasty), circa 12th-13th century, in the British Museum, registration number 1880.3611.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 1 June 2023, lot 319 Estimate: HKD 600,000 or approx. EUR 69,000 converted at the time of writing Description: A set of eleven white jade ‘musicians and dancers’ belt plaques, Tang dynasty Expert remark: Compare the related forms and manner of carving with similar high relief. Note that the lot comprises eleven white jade belt plaques (the largest 5.2 cm long), dated to the Tang dynasty.
A VERY LARGE ‘ROBIN’S EGG’ ENAMELED AND GILT PORCELAIN FIGURE OF AMITAYUS, QIANLONG TO JIAQING PERIOD 乾隆至嘉慶時期爐鈞釉描金無量壽佛坐蓮像Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 1736-1820. Heavily potted, seated in dhyanasana on a cloth draped over a rectangular plinth with a shaped recessed gilt panel above a dragon emerging from crashing waves. His hands are lowered in dhyana mudra and holding an alms bowl. He is wearing long flowing robes opening at the chest adorned with a beaded jeweled necklace. His serene face with heavy-lidded eyes, gently arched brows, a circular urna, and bow-shaped lips. His hair elegantly falling in tresses over the shoulders and piled up into a topknot surmounted by a jewel behind the foliate tiara. The cloth, base, robe, hair, and jewels enameled in robin’s egg with details picked out in turquoise and blue. The face, torso, hands, feet, tiara, and dragon gilt. Provenance: From an old German private collection, acquired in the 1970s and 80s. Thence by descent. Condition: As expected, the tips of the tiara, topknot, fingers, earrings and dragon’s horns are restored to perfection. Further with glaze recesses, flaking and abrasions. Microscopic remnants of pigment which indicate that the figure was painted at some stage. Gilt porcelain figures of such a large size are usually restored to a much wider extent, due to their fragility, and it is therefore exceedingly rare to find one in such a well-preserved state overall.Weight: 5,156 g Dimensions: Height 43.5 cmExpert’s note: Gilt porcelain figures of bodhisattva were produced from the Qianlong period onwards. The inspiration for such figures may have come from Ming dynasty bronze prototypes, such as the Xuande period gilt-bronze figure currently in the Berti Aschmann Foundation, Museum Rietberg, illustrated in On the Path to Enlightenment, Zurich, 1995, no. 72. An unmarked example, dated to the Xuande period, is in the V&A collection, no. 275&A-1898.Literature comparison: For a related example from the Malcolm MacDonald collection, no. DUROM.1969.358, and now in the Oriental Museum, University of Durham, United Kingdom, see Ireneus Legeza, A Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Malcolm MacDonald Collection of Chinese Ceramics, London, 1972, p. 122, no. 72. Another enameled porcelain figure of a bodhisattva is illustrated by Lou Pin-heng, Precious Treasures of My Humble House, Taipei, 1988, pg. 54, no. 12Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 17 September 2013, lot 52 Price: USD 68,750 or approx. EUR 80,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An unusual enameled and gilt-decorated figure of a bodhisattva, Qing dynasty, 18th / 19th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related robin’s egg enamels, gilt decoration, and face. Note the related size (40 cm). Note the different pose and base. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 29 May 2008, lot 578 Price: HKD 960,000 or approx. EUR 169,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare enameled figure of a kneeling bodhisattva, QianlongExpert remark: Compare the closely related robin’s egg enamels, gilt decoration, and face. Note the much smaller size (29 cm) as well as the different pose and base.
A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF GUANYIN, 18TH CENTURY 十八世紀鎏金觀音銅像Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China. Seated with legs crossed in dhyanasana on a lotus base with beaded rim, the hands in vitarkamudra, dressed in loose robes elaborately decorated with floral borders and opening at the chest to reveal a floral necklace, the face with downcast eyes framed by elongated earlobes suspending moveable circular earrings, the hair tied into a high chignon and partly covered by a cowl. The open base with three clips.Provenance: Dutch trade. Condition: Very good condition with some old wear and minor casting flaws, few small losses, nicks and dents. The base unsealed.Weight: 166.5 g Dimensions: Height 12 cmExpert’s note: Note the moveable ribbed earrings, a feature which is rather uncommon and thus should be considered rare. Auction result comparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s London, 11 November 2011, lot 1481Price: GBP 28,750 or approx. EUR 40,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gilt bronze figure of Guanyin, 18th centuryExpert remark: Compare the related pose and fine incision work. Note the slightly larger size (15.5 cm).Auction result comparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Sotheby’s Paris, 10 December 2019, lot 148Price: EUR 16,250 or approx. EUR 17,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A small gilt-bronze figure of Guanyin, Ming DynastyExpert remark: Compare the related pose and fine incision work. Note the slightly larger size (15.6 cm).十八世紀鎏金觀音銅像中國。觀音雙腿交叉盤坐於聯珠蓮花座上，手結安慰印；頂戴化佛冠，髮髻披衣巾，身著開襟袍服，頸部佩戴瓔珞；雙眼微垂，佩戴耳環。底座未密封。 來源：荷蘭古玩交易。 品相：狀況極好，有一些磨損和輕微鑄造缺陷，小缺損、刻痕和凹痕。底座未密封。 重量：166.5 克 尺寸：高12 厘米 專家注釋：請注意耳環可活動，十分少見。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：倫敦佳士得，2011年11月11日，lot 1481 價格：GBP 28,750（相當於今日EUR 40,100） 描述：十八世紀鎏金觀音銅像 專家評論：比較相近的姿勢和精緻雕刻。請注意尺寸較大(15.5 厘米)。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：巴黎蘇富比，2019年12月10日，lot 148 價格：EUR 16,250（相當於今日EUR 17,000） 描述：明代鎏金銅觀音坐像 專家評論：比較相近的姿勢和精緻雕刻。請注意尺寸較大(15.6 厘米)。
AN ARCHAISTIC SILVER AND GILT-INLAID BRONZE VESSEL, POU, CHINA, 17TH CENTURY 十七世紀錯金銀銅郶Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價The large apple-shaped vessel supported on a short stem raised on a flared foot and from there to a tapered rim. The body finely decorated with four panels of elaborate taotie masks with dragon and phoenix heads in high relief, neatly embellished with silver and gilt inlays, against a leiwen ground, all above similarly cast pendent cicada leaves with scroll decorations, below a band of floral diaper. The bronze with a fine dark patina, with malachite and cuprite encrustations to the interior.Provenance: Belgian trade. Condition: Expected wear and weathering, substantial corrosion to the interior and base, wear to inlays, cracks, flaking, losses, and light scratches.Weight: 8 kg Dimensions: Height 27.6 cm Literature comparison: Compare a related pou vessel illustrated in Christian Deydier’s book Chinese Bronzes, Fribourg, 1980, pp. 204. Compare a related archaistic bronze vessel dated to the late Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century, 23 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1988,1007.1.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 15 September 2018, lot 1077 Price: USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 18,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An inlaid archaistic bronze vessel, pou, Ming dynasty Expert remark: Compare the related form, albeit with different decoration and inlays. Note the related size (26.4 cm). 十七世紀錯金銀銅郶圓口、深腹、圈足。器身飾有四幅高浮雕饕餮面具、龍鳳首，錯銀鎏金，雷紋地，腹部飾蟬紋。銅郶有著細膩的綠色包漿，內部有紅藍結殼。 來源：比利時古玩交易。 品相：有磨損和風化、內部和底座腐蝕、鑲嵌磨損、裂紋、剝落和輕微劃痕。 重量：8 公斤 尺寸：高27.6 厘米 文獻比較： 比較一件相近的瓿 ，見《Christian Deydier’s book Chinese Bronzes》，Fribourg，1980年，頁204。比較一件相近的明末十六至十七世紀仿古瓿，23 厘米高，收藏於大英博物館，館藏編號1988,1007.1。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：紐約蘇富比，2018年9月15日，lot 1077 價格：USD 16,250（相當於今日EUR 18,000） 描述：明銅仿古紋嵌石瓿 專家評論：比較相近的外形，儘管不同的裝飾和鑲嵌。請注意相近尺寸(26.4 厘米)。
AN ARCHAISTIC BRONZE VESSEL, FANGDING, CHINA, 17TH CENTURY 十七世紀方鼎式銅爐 Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價The rectangular body raised on four tall legs issuing from beast masks, the flat everted rim surmounted by two upright loop handles. Finely cast to each side with taotie masks divided by notched flanges below a band of stylized dragons with ruyi-form heads and S-shaped bodies against a leiwen ground.Provenance: From an English private collection and thence by descent.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting flaws, small nicks, light scratches, traces of use. The bronze covered with a fine dark patina.Weight: 1,910 gDimensions: Height 23 cm Literature comparison:Compare a related bronze prototype fangding from the Shang dynasty, 24 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1981,0530.1.Auction result comparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 22 August 2019, lot 150Price: USD 9,375 or approx. EUR 10,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A Chinese archaistic bronze, fangding, late Qing dynasty, 19th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related fangding form, manner of casting, and taotie motif. Note the smaller size (15.8 cm). 十七世紀方鼎式銅爐長方形，方鼎，獸面紋高足，扁平的外翻邊緣上方有兩個直立的環形手柄。 兩側均精雕細琢，獸面紋，龍紋，龍頭呈如意形，身體彎曲，雷紋地。 來源：英國私人收藏，家族傳承。 品相：狀況極好，有輕微磨損和鑄造缺陷、小刻痕、輕微劃痕、使用痕跡。細膩的深色包漿。 重量：1,910 克 尺寸：高 23 厘米文獻比較： 比較一件相近的商代方鼎，高24厘米，收藏於大英藝術博物館，館藏編號1981,0530.1。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：紐約佳士得，2019年8月22日，lot 150 價格：USD 9,375（相當於今日EUR 10,000） 描述：十九世紀清代末期方鼎 專家評論：比較非常相近方鼎的外形，鑄造風格和饕餮主題。請注意尺寸較小(15.8厘米)。
AN INSCRIBED HALF OF A BRONZE TIGER TALLY, EASTERN HAN DYNASTY 東漢半片銅虎符Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Expert’s note: According to Ch'i-kuo k'ao, pp. 366-67 (Chapter 12, ‘The Penal Law of Wei’), “He who steals a tiger tally will be executed and his house and property confiscated.” The fact that only one half remains of this tiger tally, however, indicates that someone indeed once risked their life to snag this highly important object which could decide the fates of entire wars, possibly to disrupt the enemy’s chain of command.China, 25-220 AD. Cast in the form of a recumbent tiger with the mouth open, inscribed along the curvature of its neck and down its back, a single aperture for suspension in its twisting tail. The dynamic posture of the tiger, as if it were ready to pounce on its enemy, shows swirling indentations from casting, symbolizing its muscular legs.Inscription: To the tiger’s neck and back, ‘Si Gong […]’, likely referring to a government office.Provenance: A private collection in Vienna, Austria. Galerie Zacke, Vienna, before 1998. Collection of Maria and Johannes Nickl, acquired from the above and thence by descent in the same family. A copy of the original invoice from Galerie Zacke, addressed to the Nickls, dating the present lot to the Warring States period, and stating a purchase price for the present lot of ATS 14,500 (or approx. EUR 1,900 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing), accompanies this lot. Maria (1926-2022) and Johannes Nickl (d. 2020) lived in Vienna, Austria, and were ardent collectors of Asian, Buddhist, and Egyptian works of art. They were highly active in Vienna’s tightknit Asian art trade and assembled most of their collection during the 1980s and 1990s, frequently buying from Galerie Zacke and later Galerie Asboth. The couple were also noted museum patrons and their names are still found on the Ehrentafel (‘Roll of Honor’) of the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Museum of Fine Arts Vienna) today.Condition: Good condition. As expected, typical wear and weathering commensurate with age, encrustations, nicks, scratches, minor casting flaws. Fine, dark, smooth, and naturally grown patina with malachite encrustations.Weight: 126 gDimensions: Length 9.4 cm The tally played a significant role in ancient warfare. The Historical Records by Sima Qian document a story that the state of Qin besieged Handan, the capital of the state of Zhao, in 257 BC, and Zhao requested aid from the neighboring state of Wei. The King of Wei asked the senior general Jin Bi to lead 100,000 soldiers to save Zhao. However, Jin was afraid of Qin's power and halted the offensive. Lord Xinling, son of the King of Wei, was determined to save Zhao and requested that Lady Ru, the king's concubine, steal the tiger-shaped tally from the king's bedroom. She succeeded. Seeing the tally, the soldiers obeyed orders and finally rescued Zhao.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 March 2022, lot 49 Price: USD 50,400 or approx. EUR 49,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An inscribed section of a bronze tiger tally (Hufu), Eastern Han dynasty Expert remark: This lot also comprises a tiger tally half. Note the size (7 cm).
A LARGE BRONZE MIRROR WITH A 37-CHARACTER INSCRIPTION, HAN DYNASTY, CHINA, 206 BC-220 AD 漢代長樂銘文銅鏡Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Inscription: ‘Yelian tonghua qing er ming, yi zhi weijing, yi wenzhang, changsheng yishou qu buxiang, yutian changjiu er riguang, qianwan sui xi leweiyang’ (The bronze mirror we made is clear and shiny. With such a mirror, you will be blessed with a long life, and it will ward off bad luck. We wish you a long life as long as heaven and earth, and eternal joy and happiness).Expert’s note: Inscribed bronze mirrors with bullet proof provenance, such and extensive and detailed inscription, and in such excellent condition overall, must be considered as exceedingly rare.The central knop rising from quatrefoil lotus petals, encircled by an eight-pointed star, surrounded by ancient cult symbols and decorated with an outer band holding the 37-character inscription in high relief, all within a sawtooth border on the rim. The circular bronze with a rich, naturally grown patina with malachite and cuprite encrustations.Provenance: Galerie Themis, Brussels, April 23, 1952 (according to an ancient family ledger inspected by Cabinet Portier, Paris, France, during their appraisal of the complete de Strycker estate; this ledger remains in the possession of the de Strycker family and may not be copied). Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, acquired from the above and thence by descent in the same family. The obverse with two old labels, one reading ‘MBR no. 174 Epoque Han. 20630. Chine,’ and the accompanying display stand with two inscriptions on the reverse. Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the Institute of Metallurgy at the Université Catholique de Louvain, and one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. After World War II, he made large contributions to France’s post-war recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Chinese works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). In 1964, the couple lent 174 objects from their collection to the Belgian city of Leuven’s museum for an exhibition titled Oude kunst in Leuvens Privébezit (‘Old Art in Private Collections in Leuven’), and in 1967, they lent around thirty Japanese objects to the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels for their exhibition Kunst van Japan im belgischen Privatverzameingen (‘Japanese Art in Belgian Private Collections’).Condition: Superb condition with only minor old wear and some weathering, encrustations, scratches to the rim, and nicks, all exactly as expected from an ancient bronze mirror. Magnificent, naturally grown patina with fine cuprite and malachite encrustations.Weight: 875.2 (excl. stand)Dimensions: Diameter 18.4 cmWith a fitted wooden display stand wrapped in fabric, dating to around 1952. (2)Literature comparison:Compare a closely related bronze mirror, 14 cm diameter, dated to 2nd-1st century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S 2012.9.1756. Compare a related bronze mirror, 13 cm diameter, dated 2nd-1st century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number 2012.9.2103. Compare a closely related bronze mirror, 18.8 cm diameter, dated to the Han dynasty, in the British Museum, registration number 1957,1119.1.Auction result comparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 20 March 2015, lot 718Price: USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A bronze circular mirror with inscription, late Western to early Eastern Han DynastyExpert remark: Note the near-identical size (18.9 cm) and design, showing a different inscription.Auction result comparison: Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 22 March 2012, lot 1425Price: USD 122,500 or approx. EUR 152,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A silvery bronze circular mirror with inscription, Western Han dynastyExpert remark: Note the size (19 cm).
A RARE WHITE MARBLE CARVING OF A PHALLUS, WESTERN HAN DYNASTY 西漢漢白玉玉勢 Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價China, 206 BC-8 AD. The realistically carved elongated phallus is decorated with rings along the shaft and with a cross-hatched decorative band at the base. The base has a domed recess inside that is pierced horizontally for suspension. This recess has a second aperture that extends to the tip of the phallus.Provenance: Bonhams, Hong Kong, December 16th, 2022, lot 351. Note that Bonham’s experts originally dated this lot to the Tang dynasty.Condition: Good condition commensurate with age. Signs of wear, weathering, and erosion. Minor nicks and losses. Soil encrustations overall, issuing from an extended period of burial. These encrustations cannot be easily removed, and they have left distinct marks to the mineral. The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which have developed into hairline cracks. Fine, naturally grown golden-brown patina overall.Weight: 431.7 g Dimensions: Length 18.9 cm Expert’s note: Similar to the few known phallus sculptures from ancient China, the heavy encrustation from extensive burial is evidence of its (eventual) use as a grave good. The elaborate carving with great attention to detail and the two apertures, one for suspension and one for added realism, suggest the elite status of the person with which this was buried. Phallic objects carved from stone, or cast from metal or terracotta, are common subjects of any major ancient culture. Throughout time, the phallus was seen as an emblem of life and procreation. Not only did it have the power to induce fertility, but it also had an equally important role as an auspicious emblem which would ward off diseases. The practice of castration and the employment of court eunuchs, likely established in China during the Sui dynasty, added a secondary role of model phalli: the restoration of manhood after death (court eunuchs would be buried with their detached genitalia). However, this multifaceted subject remains somewhat of a taboo, which has contributed to relatively scarce publications about ancient Chinese erotic sculpture.Phalluses of various materials, believed to be associated with fertility rites, have been made in various prehistoric cultures in the Yellow River basin. Later in the Shang dynasty, when pictographic language emerged, the character zu (ancestor) closely resembled the male sexual organ, indicating the significance of the male role in ancient Chinese ancestry.Literature comparison: Compare two similar bronze phallus excavated from a tomb in the Dayun Mountain, Xuyi, Jiangsu, dated to the Western Han dynasty, in the Nanjin Museum, included in the exhibition Tomb Treasures: New Discoveries from China’s Han Dynasty, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, 17 February-28 May 2017. Compare two bronze V-shaped double-phalli, excavated in the tomb of Prince Zhongshan (Liu Sheng), dated to the Han dynasty, published in Mancheng Han mu Fajue Baogao (Excavation Report of the Han Dynasty tomb at Mancheng), Beijing, 1980, vol. 1, pp. 100. The former was unearthed together with a pair of matching stone pebbles, illustrated ibid., vol. 2, pl. LXI, fig. 2.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 29 April 2022, lot 3670 Estimate: HKD 140,000 or approx. EUR 16,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A bronze phallus, Han dynasty Expert remark: Note the similar wrinkle-like rings at the top of the shaft. Note the size (17.2 cm).
A BRONZE ‘TIGER’ TALLY WITH A SILVER-INLAID INSCRIPTION, MING DYNASTY 明代銅錯銀虎符Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價Inscription: To the tiger’s back, ‘yu Guiyang Taishou wei hufu zuo jia er’ (for Grand Warden in the Guiyang county as a tiger tally, left jia second).China, 1368-1644. Well cast, the identification device splitting open in two matching halves, cast in the form of a crouching tiger with a broad rounded-square head and short upright tail, its face detailed with a flattened snout, slender eyes and curling ears. Its tucked limbs and haunches picked out with incised whorls, neatly inlaid in silver wire with an eleven-character inscription along the spine.Provenance: New York trade. Condition: Good condition with wear and casting irregularities, encrustations, signs of weathering and erosion, few minuscule nicks. The right half with ‘china’ faintly incised on the head. The bronze with a rich, naturally grown patina with malachite, cuprite, and azurite encrustations.Weight: 533.5 g Dimensions: Length 11.8 cm Tiger tallies, originating from the late Warring States period, were important tokens for the rulers to confer military power upon their regional ministers. The two halves of the tallies were normally held separately by the emperor and the marshals. A valid military command issued by the court had to be accompanied by the emperor’s half of the tally. The reunion of the two halves allows the local marshal to ensure the legitimacy of the command and mobilize the armies in the name of the emperor. Auction result comparison: Type: Near-identical Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 October 2013, lot 3298 Estimate: HKD 100,000 or approx. EUR 15,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An inscribed bronze ‘tiger’ tally, Ming dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related design, pose, and inlaid inscription. 明代銅錯銀虎符中國, 1368-1644年。兩虎匍匐於地，“臣”字圓眼，雙耳葉形卷狀，全身雖寥寥數刀，則顯肌肉飽滿，尾巴短而粗壯，四足向前彎曲呈臥狀。製作精良，工藝考究。款識：與桂陽太守為虎符左甲二 來源：紐約古玩交易。品相：狀況良好，有磨損和鑄造不規則、結殼、風化和侵蝕跡象，少量微小的刻痕。右半邊頭上隱約刻有“CHINA”字樣。 青銅有自然包漿，有紅綠色結殼 重量：533.5 克 尺寸：長11.8 厘米 虎符是古代皇帝調兵遣將用的兵符，用青銅或者黃金做成伏虎形狀的令牌，劈為兩半，其中一半交給將帥，另一半由皇帝保存，只有兩個虎符同時使用，才可以調兵遣將。拍賣結果比較： 形制：幾乎相同 拍賣：香港蘇富比，2013年10月8日，lot 3298 估價：HKD 100,000（相當於今日EUR 15,000） 描述：明銅鑄「虎符」 專家評論：比較非常相近的設計、姿勢和款識。
Chinesische stehende Weituo Wächterfigur, Hände im Andjalimudra vor der Brust, mit Helm und Rüstung auf Felsensockel, Bronze mit Resten kalter Goldfassung und rotem Lack, Ming Dynastie 16./17.Jh., H. 20cm, Schalkragen z.T. abgebrochen, Provenienz: ehem. Slg. Otto Johannsen/ Lübeck (1882-1960)
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