For our upcoming 2019 Autumn auction, the Ceramics and Works of Art department is proud to present a total of six dedicated sales with nearly 800 lots in total, spanning a wide range of categories, including imperial Chinese porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, ancient ceramics, Republic period porcelain, jades, bronzes, lacquer works, textiles, scholar's objects, Buddhist art and objects of curiosity. These spectacular examples of Chinese antiquities are gathered from exceptional collections from around the world; it is truly a rare opportunity for all to witness the tremendous artistic achievements representing different periods throughout the history of China.
‘Ancient Chinese Ceramics from the Tang to the Song Dynasty’ contains around 60 remarkable examples of iconic ceramic pieces from various well-known ancient kilns. They represent a culmination of years of connoisseurship from various countries worldwide including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and from the West, acquired in the 1990s from celebrated collectors and antique dealers such as Eskenazi Ltd., J. J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art, Hirano Kotoken Asian Art, Chang Wei-Hwa & Co., and miscellaneous famous dealers of the Hong Kong antique trade. The star-piece of this auction is a rare white-glazed seated figure of a lion, dated to the 7th century of Sui to early Tang dynasty. Extensively published twice in 1984 and 2008, this exquisitely rare gem was originally acquired by the late Sir William Aykroyd (1865-1947) from Christie’s London on 20 May 1968 (lot 525), and was subsequently passed through the prestigious hands of Eskenazi Ltd. of London and J. J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art of New York. It is an absolute honour and a pleasure for such a marvelous piece to resurface at our auction.
‘Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art’ comprises around 500 lots of imperial porcelain, jades, Buddhist art and scholar’s objects; every single relic presented in this auction is carefully selected by our team of specialist, ensuring its rare and fine quality. One of our outstanding highlights is a pair of doucai ‘longevity’ dishes from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735), which is rich with impeccable provenance and widely published and exhibited internationally. Another exceptional piece is the rare carved cinnabar lacquer ‘peony’ circular box and cover from the Yongle period: it’s astonishing layers of fine details and workmanship epitomises the extraordinary achievements of the imperial Orchard Workshop, an object of desire for the finest of collectors.
‘The Art of Connoisseurship: The Tang Family Collection of Porcelain from the Republic Period’ is a dedicated single owner collection of 22 sets of porcelain works preserved and inherited by descent within the Tang family of Hong Kong for generations. Tang senior was born in the 1950s and migrated from Shunde to Hong Kong to expand his family business of textile manufacturing. He fathered three sons who took passion in Chinese antiquities, especially in the subject of late Qing dynasty imperial porcelain in their early days; focusing more so in Republic period porcelain in their later years. Gradually they built a formidable and well-known collection in featuring mainly works by the Eight Friends of Zhushan, including the top lot in this auction is an impressive set of four porcelain ‘figures in landscape’ plaques by Tian Hexian, as well as other works by Wang Qi and Wang Dafan.
‘Curio: The Beauty of Chinese Antiquities’ is a newly introduced themed auction for this Autumn 2019. The concept of this auction revolves around the notion of ‘beauty’ across the entire spectrum of Chinese antiquities throughout the history of China. It encourages the study and appreciation of beauty ranging from the perspective of daily encounters to the splendours of the Ming and Qing dynasty imperial court. Boasting 91 pieces of exclusively selected specimens, the auction includes ancient gold and bronze metalwork from the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, stone sculptures, objects of scholarly pursuits and intriguing natural formations. The auction will surely excite our most distinguished clients with eccentric tastes.
‘Exquisite Beauty of Archaic Jade Carvings from a San Francisco Private Collection II’ is the highly anticipated second part to the successful sale held last Autumn 2018, which achieved a remarkable 100% sold white glove sale. This fall, we are privileged to once again be offering 46 pieces of carefully selected archaic jade carvings from a deceased private estate in San Francisco. We sincerely hope to reprise our pass accomplishment with the support from our most distinguished clients and collectors.
‘Heavenly Rites: Fine Chinese Jade Carvings’ is a culmination of 73 lots of jade carvings from various owners. These remarkable jade carvings transcend through time, representing the different eras of Chinese history. The diversity of selection and reliable source of these precious stone is sure to encapsulate the interest and attention of collectors and dealers alike.
A Rare White-Glazed Seated Figure of a Lion
Sui - Early Tang Dynasty, 7th Century
Provenance:
Sir William Aykroyd (1865-1947), Dorset, England
Christie's London, 20 May 1968, lot 525
Eskenazi Ltd., London
J. J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art, New York
Literature:
Anthony du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics, Christie's Limited, 1984, p.48, pl.5
Chinese Ceramics and Stone Sculpture, Eskenazi, London, 2008, p.36, pl.11
Note:
The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. Thermoluminescence test no. C207n86 is consistent with the dating of this lot
21.5 cm high
A Small Sancai-Glazed Rectangular Pillow
Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907)
Provenance:
Acquired in Hong Kong prior to 2000
11.3 cm long
A Longquan Celadon Conical Bowl
Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279)
Provenance:
Acquired in Hong Kong prior to 2000
14.2 cm diam.
A Carved Yaozhou Celadon ‘Peony’ Foliate-Rimmed Vase, Zun
Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127)
Provenance:
A Hong Kong private collection, acquired in the 1990s
12 cm high
A Rare Yaozhou Celadon Vessel, Zhadou
Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127)
Provenance:
Acquired from Castle of Antiquities Co. Ltd, no. 7689
18.5 cm diam.
A Fine Ru-Type Bottle Vase
Qianlong Six-Character Sealmark and of the Period (1736-1795)
Provenance:
Formerly in the collection of Mr. Shao Xunmei and Ms. Sheng Peiyu, and thence by descent within the family
14.5 cm high
A Fine Clair-De-Lune Glazed Brush Washer
Kangxi Six-Character Mark and of the Period (1662-1722)
Provenance:
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 1984, lot 472
11.5 cm diam.
A Green-Enameled ‘Dragon’ Jar
Yongzheng Six-Character Mark and of the Period (1723-1735)
Provenance:
Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 October 2001, lot 829
18 cm high
A Fine and Rare Large Doucai Jardiniere
Qianlong Six-Chararcter Sealmark and of the Period (1736-1795)
Provenance:
An Italian private collection
33 cm diam.
A Doucai ‘Floral’ Bowl
Yongzheng Six-Character Mark and of the Period (1723-1735)
15 cm diam.
《Qing Porcelain from a Private Collection》,Eskenazi,倫敦,2012年,編號(hào)8
A Pair of Doucai ‘Longevity’ Dishes
Yongzheng Six-Character Marks and of the Period (1723-1735)
Provenance:
Sotheby's London, 8-9 July 1974, lot 441
T. Y. Chao collection
Sotheby's Hong Kong, The T. Y. Chao Private and Family Trust Collections of Important Chinese Ceramics and Jade Carvings: Part I, 18 November 1986, lot 140
Shimentang collection
Exhibited:
Ming and Ch'ing Porcelain from the Collection of the T. Y. Chao Family Foundation,
Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1978, cat. no. 64
Qing Porcelain from a Private Collection, Eskenazi Ltd., London, 2012, cat. no. 8
Literature:
Ming and Ch'ing Porcelain from the Collection of the T.Y. Chao Family Foundation,
Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1978, cat. no. 64
Qing Porcelain from a Private Collection, Eskenazi Ltd., London, 2012, cat. no. 8
Each, 20.6 cm diam.