The great manufacturing tradition of the Asian continent is reflected in more than two hundred lots that constitute the auction dedicated to Asian Works of Art the next 23 October 2023.
In the broad range of areas, genres and historical periods, this event finds its common denominator in the excellent provenance of the works on offer, especially in the plentiful section devoted to China.
An interesting collection of antique vases stands out, including a late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Hu-shaped vase in cloisonné enamel (€ 1,500 - 2,000) and a small monochrome porcelain bowl bearing the Yongzheng mark, made in the period between 1723 - 1735 (€ 1,000 - 1,500).
Two examples of Famille Rose vases, one in the shape of a Tianqiuping vase from the Republic period (1912-1949) bearing the immortal symbol of the 'nine peaches' (€ 1,500 - 2,000) and the other in the form of a large baluster embellished with festive symbols referring to the animal and plant world (€ 1,800 - 2,000). Both of them prove a splendid example of elegance and finery.
Lot 1112
Hu-shaped vase made of cloisonné enamels with a globular body with flared neck resting on a tall widened foot.
The decorative motif is divided into horizontal segments with volutes of lotus flowers and the shoulders are adorned with a pair of bronze lion masks with bronze pendant rings.
China, late Ming dynasty (1368-1644) 17th century.
Estimate € 1,500 - 2,000
Lot 1033
Large Tianqiuping porcelain polychrome vase of Famille Rose, decorated with the nine peaches motif and rested on a wooden base.
China, Republic period (1912-1949).
Estimate € 1,500 - 2,000
Also in the field of porcelain there are two plates with dragons' patterns from the Guangxu period (1875-1908): one blue China decorated with the typical imperial topos of the hunt for the flaming pearl (€ 800 - 1,200) and the other one bowl-shaped of the Famille Rose with its lively symphonies of polychrome flowers (€ 2,200 - 2,400).
The iconography of the dragon is once again enhanced in the Ning-Xia carpets collection. A 19th-century example embellished with interlaced silver-plated and copper threads. It was destined, as the inscription on one of the heads indicates, to the Palace of 'Supreme Harmony' (€ 1,600 - 1,800). There is also an example of a Ning-Xia carpet from a later period which is characterised by rich symbolism and polychromy (€ 1,500 - 2,000).
Lot 1067
Large polychrome porcelain basin, Famille Rose. It has a yellow base decorated with dragons and floral motifs. It bears the Guangxu mark.
China, Qing dynasty, Guangxu period (1875-1908).
Estimate € 2,200 - 2,400
Lot 1064
Ning-Xia carpet. It is decorated with a dragon in the center with shades of blue, white and green with five-toed legs on a brick-red field.
The decoration is enhanced by four opposing dragons in pairs and Chinese symbols of long life.
Bordered with stylized sea waves under the sacred mountain.
China, early 20th century (290x280 cm).
Estimate € 1,500 - 2,000
Related to the religious theme, it is the sculptural nucleus represented in the catalogue by beautiful Taoist deities, one of which is in gilded bronze from the late Ming Dynasty (€ 2,000 - 3,000), one carved in spiny green nephrite jade resting on a moulded wooden throne (€ 800 - 1,000) and a Tibetan Lama in gilded bronze supported by detailed engravings (€ 2,500 - 3,000).
Worthy of special mention is the monumental honey-brown Rootwood, which shows the virtuoso Chinese 'scholars' rock' technique on a larger scale (€ 3,000 - 4,000).
Lot 1106
Taoist divinity seated, in gilded bronze elegantly dressed in a draped robe.
His right hand rests on one leg and the other in the act of smoothing his beard, on a moulded wooden base.
China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
Estimate € 2,000 - 3,000
Lot 1056
A Tibetan-Chinese gilt bronze figure of Lama.
18th century (h cm 16.5).
Estimate € 2,500 - 3,000
Lot 1144
Monumental Rootwood moulded in the shape of an irregular 'Scholars'-rock' marked by time with large openings,
curves, perforations and protuberances. The wood is a honey-brown colour.
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912) 19th/20th century.
Estimate € 3,000 - 4,000
Lastly, providing a curious insight into the myths of the 'Rising Sun' are the 129 concertina album prints made by the famous artists of the Utagawa school in the mid-19th century: Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Hiroshige (€ 2,200 - 2,400).
Lot 1018
Concertina album containing 129 prints in vertical oban form by artists of the Utagawa school of the mid-19th century:
Kuniyoshi (1798-1861), Kunisada (1786-1865), Hiroshige (1797-1858) and others.
Many of the prints form diptychs and triptychs that are inspired by the story of Prince Genji, others belong to series of single prints still inspired
by the Genji Monogatari and others portrayed the poetic anthology The Hundred Poets.
Japan, Edo period (1603-1868).
Estimate € 2,200 - 2,400