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Auction House:Sotheby'sNumber of lots recorded:330
Sale Title:The Connoisseur's Collection - Part 1Lots with images:288
Auction Location:MelbournePrices available:219
Date:27-May-2008
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A blue and white charger, Wanli period, the interior painted with insects and flowering plants growing beside rocks in an octagonal landscape medallion, within diaper borders, the shallow widely flared sides with radiating petal-shaped panels of ribboned precious objects alternating with flowering stems, 36 cm diameter. Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd, London. Compare with a similar dish illustrated by Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, pl. 11:107
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Two blue and white jars, Wanli period, each of squat globular form, decorated on the exterior with fruiting vine between formal borders around the base and shoulders, 16 cm and 15.5 cm high respectively
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A 'blance-de-chine' Dehua figure of Damo (Bodhidharma), 18th century, standing barefoot supported on a reed floating above the base of swirling waves, his hands clasped beneath the voluminous folds of his long layered robes, leaving his chest bare, his head slightly turned to one side with well defined features and penetrating gaze, the heavy brows and beard with tight curls, 25 cm high. Provenance: Compare with a similar figure of Damo illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, The Porcelain of Tehua…
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A 'blanc de chine' figure of Buddha, 19th / 20th century, wearing voluminous robes draped over both shoulders and falling in layered folds over a skirt tied at the waist with a long trailing sash, his chest bare revealing a beaded wan, 35.5 cm high. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd, London, The mark translates as 'reaching all, even the fishermen' known as the 'Fisherman' mark, which is mainly found on figures
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A 'blanc de chine' Dehua figure of Adam, 17th / 18th century, standing barefoot on a rockwork base, his arms crossed in front, both hands clasping the ends of the short skirt draped around his waist, his upper torso bare, his head facing forward with smiling expression, his hair combed back behind his ears and falling to his shoulders, 23 cm high. Provenance: Exhibited: Blanc-de-Chine
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A blue and white ‘Deer' bowl, Wanli period, with steeply rounded sides and barbed everted rim, painted in rich inky blue on the exterior with eight panels enclosing differently depicted spotted deer reserved against ornamental rockwork and leafy branches, the interior with similar panels of flowering stems radiating from a central deer medallion. Diameter 15 cm. Provenance: Compare with a bowl of similar design, illustrated by J. Harrison-hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum
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A blue and white vase, transitional period, of beaker form, the tall flared sides painted with a bird in flight above flowering plants and bamboo growing beside rocks in a continuous garden scene, above a frieze of cloud scrolls around the waist and a band of pendent stiff leaves extending towards the flared foot. Height 22 cm
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A blue and white vase, Kangxi period, of ovoid form standing on a high domed foot and surmounted by a cup shaped mouth with everted rim, the fluted sides attractively painted in bright cobalt blue with trailing flowering stems rising from a band of lotus petals, the neck and foot with floral and formal borders. Height 15.5 cm
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A blue and white jar and cover, Kangxi period, of ovoid form, the sides painted on the exterior in bright cobalt with fan-shaped panels enclosing birds perched on blossoming prunus boughs, alternating with tall vases of flowers among precious objects, the shoulders encircled with a frieze of scattered flower-heads, below the narrow mouth, the domed cover encircled with a similar frieze around a floral medallion. Height 17.5 cm. Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, May 1984, Lot 406
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A blue and white bottle vase, Kangxi period, the pear-shaped body tapering to a slender waisted neck, painted on the exterior with lappet-shaped panels enclosing flowering plants and rocks, within underglaze-blue borders, below bands of upright and pendent stiff leaves encircling the neck, 15 cm high
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A blue and white water dropper, Kangxi period, of Persian inspiration, the exterior painted with panels of flowering plants below a lappet border and zig-zag band, the slender tapering neck with further flowering stems rising to the narrow mouth, supported on a high flared foot pencilled with upright leaves above the brown-edged footrim, 18 cm high
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A blue and white 'Dragon' bowl, Qianlong period, the rounded sides with everted rim, decorated on the exterior with two dragons pursuing 'flaming pearls' interspersed with cloud scrolls, above a continuous band of crested waves and rocks, the base with four character hallmark reading Zhi Yuan Tang Zhi, 13.5 cm diameter. Provenance: Christie's London June 1996, Lot 92, The mark reads made for the Hall of vast remoteness.
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A copper-red 'Fish' stemcup, Kangxi period, the gently rounded sides flaring to the lipped rim, decorated on the exterior in a thickly applied rich copper-red with three stylised fish, two depicted facing each other, the remainder glazed in white, supported on a high solid splayed foot, apocryphal Xuande mark in underglaze-blue within a double circle in the centre of the interior, 9 cm diameter. Provenance: S. Marchant & Son, London
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A 'blance-de-chine' Dehua figure of hooded Damo (Bodhidharma), 17th / 18th century, standing supported on a reed floating above the base of swirling waves, one bare foot protruding from beneath the hem of his long flowing robes with skirt tied at the waist, the shawl draped over his head, leaving his chest bare and concealing his arms beneath the heavy folds, his bearded head turned to the side, his gaze lowered in fixed attention from beneath his tightly curled furrowed brows, 34 cm high
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A 'blanc-de-chine' Dehua figure of Guanyin, 19th / 20th century, seated in dhyanasana. Height 32.5 cm. Provenance: The mark is by the potter Xu Yun Lin who was part of the Xu family potters known for their elaborate details, light construction, hollow base and uniform milk white loose glaze. A Guanyin Buddha by the same potter is illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A 'blanc de chine' a equestrian group, 18th century, of Wen Chang the God of Literature riding on his horse, accompanied by his male and female servants, the god wearing his scholar's robe and high hat seated astride the horse with tasselled bridle and trappings, the servants of much smaller stature standing to either side of the rockwork base dressed in tunics and pantaloons carrying their master's writing materials and books, 22 cm high
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A 'blanc de chine' figure of Damo (Bodhidharma) 18th / 19th century, the bald ascetic seated in lalitasana, 22.5 cm high. Provenance: The mark translates as 'reaching all, even the fishermen' known as the 'Fisherman' mark
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An aubergine and green ‘Dragon' bowl, mark and period of Guangxu, the steep rounded sides springing from a straight foot to an everted rim, finely incised and enamelled in aubergine around the exterior with two dragons in pursuit of ‘Flaming pearls', among flames and cloud scrolls above a band of waves and rocks. All reserved on an emerald green ground, the interior and base glazed in white. Diameter 14.6 cm. Provenance: Sotheby's New York, 22nd
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A large pottery figure of a guardian, Han Dynasty, 80 cm high. Provenance: Christie's Melbourne, 25th and 26th March, 1996, Lot 261, The dating of this lot is consistant with the results of a thermoluminescence test no. W1960, University of Wollongong, September 1995
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A large bronze animal group, Meiji period, the elephant with ivory tusks, the trunk raised high and mouth open, one forepaw holding down a tiger, a second tiger climbing over its back. Height 53 cm
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A Japanese gold lacquer kobako and cover, Meiji period, of square form, the lid finely worked with a scribe with raised pen in readiness to commence his work, a young woman holding the slate with another man with drying brush and three onlookers, all dressed in elaborate gowns, the gold lacquer base with speckled interior and underside, with accompanying box, 10.5 cm long, 9.5 cm wide
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A Japanese four case gold laquer inro, Meiji period, 8.5 cm high, wood box. Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's Melbourne November 8th
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A fine lacquer Suzuribako, 18th / early 19th century, 28.8 cm long, 27 cm wide, original box bearing inscription. Provenance: Sotheby's Melbourne, 5 May 1988, Lot 402
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- Morikazu Kimura (1921-) A large glazed stoneware platter and two glazed stoneware dishes, the large circular low bowl, the interior with seven abstract circlular shapes in black to a purplish brown 'oilspot' glaze background, the exterior in black and brown, stamped makers mark, together with, 43 cm diameter, 27.5 cm diameter and 25.5 cm diameter respectively
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- Shigeo Shiga (1928 - ) vase, the vase of bottle shape with yellow speckled glaze over black glazed ground and brown rims, stamped mark, the rounded covered box with finely mottled green glaze with black stylised flower head design to lid, four circular plates decorated in a similar manner, stamped maker's marks and a small deep circular bowl in deep green with leaf motifs., 25 cm high, 23 cm high, 21 cm diameter and 15 cm diameter respectively
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A blue and white censer, Kangxi period, decorated with phoenix medallions alternating with cloud scrolls above a continuous lotus scroll, the shoulders with key fret border and the waisted mouth encircled with Buddhist emblems, applied metal loop handles, lingzhi. Diameter 23 cm
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A blue and white bowl, Kangxi period, well painted in bright cobalt blue, with alternating dragons and phoenix, interspersed with lotus scrolls, seal mark to the base. Diameter 20 cm
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A blue and white saucer dish, 18th century, decorated with writhing dragons and ‘Flaming pearls' amongst cloud scrolls, apocryphal six character Chenghua mark to the base; together with, 20 cm and 17.3 cm diameter respectively
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A 'blance-de-chine' Dehua cylindrical censer, Kangxi period, 12 cm and 14.5 cm diameter respectively the steep sides horizontally ribbed, standing on three bracket feet; together with for similar censers illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A 'blance-de-chine' figure of Guanyin, 18th / 19th century, standing barefoot on a cloud scroll base, wearing long flowing robes opened at the chest to reveal a beaded ruyi. Height 37 cm. Provenance: Compare with a figure of Guanyin sold in our New York rooms March 20th 2007 Lot 785; and a larger figure sold in our Hong Kong rooms October 8th 2007 lot 1028
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A 'blance-de-chine' Dehua figure of eve, 17th / 18th century, standing on a rockwork base, scantily clad with drapery around her waist held by both hands at the front, and trailing to the ground, her hair swept up from her forehead and dressed in a coil around a high chignon, her face with smiling expression. Height 23 cm. Provenance: Compare with another figure of eve, illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A 'Blanc-De Chine' Dehua figure of Guanyin, 18th century, seated in lalitasana. Height 23 cm. Provenance: The mark translates as 'Reaching All, Even the Fishermen' known as the 'Fisherman' mark and is mainly found on figures.Compare with a similar figure, illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A pair of 'blanc de chine' Dehua Buddhist lions, 17th / 18th century, 31 cm high each seated on its haunches, with one foreleg raised over a pierced ribboned brocade ball, one with her cub to the side, the large heads with bushy brows and open jaws holding fluttering ribbons in their teeth, each beast adorned with a collar of bells, the mane and spine applied with sprig-moulded locks of hair and smaller curls, the high rectangular plinths applied with flowering prunus boughs Compare with a pair of lions…
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An ivory-glazed sleeve vase, 18th / 19th century, the elegant tapering shouldered body applied with two lion mask and loop handles, beneath the short lipped mouth, covered overall with an ivory tinted glaze, 30.5 cm high
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A 'blance-de-chine' Dehua figure group of wen chang and kui xing, 18th / 19th century, standing on clouds rising above waves, the deity wearing flowing robes, tied with a long tasselled cord around the waist, his head covered with a cloth cap tied with a long sash falling over his shoulders, his face with well defined features in a slight smile and pierced for hair attachment, his assistant with left arm clasping him around the waist and his right extended in protection, his demon like face with heavy…
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A large blue and white sleeve vase, transitional period, of cylindrical form with waisted neck, the body finely painted with an official standing beneath a parasol, his attendants holding fans and banners to the side greeting a messenger bearing a gift, all within a fenced garden of rocks and plants, between incised borders and with a painted plantain leaf collar around the neck. Height 45.5 cm. Provenance: Compare with a similarly decorated sleeve vase sold in our London rooms, November 9th 2005, Lot 290
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A pair of blue and white dishes, Kangxi period, each decorated with blossoming prunus reserved on a blue ground, apocryphal six character Xuande marks to the base; together with, each 16 cm high
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A pair of miniature blue and white bottle vases, Kangxi period, decorated with flowers and rockwork, together with, 10 cm, 9 cm, 7 cm 15 cm, 8 cm and. Height 7 cm respectively
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An unusual blue and white vase, early Kangxi period, finely painted with a gathering of scholars drinking wine and painting, seated at a table in a garden setting, and with a long inscription, apocryphal six character Chenghua mark to the base. Height 26 cm
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A Doucai saucer dish, 18th century, the interior decorated with a stylised pomegranate tree in a central medallion within a fruiting branch of pomegranate, grape vine and blossoms around the cavetto, the base with apocryphal Chenghua mark, together with, 20.5 cm, 21 cm, 16 cm and 6 cm diameter respectively
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A white-glazed figure group, 18th / 19th century, of a maiden playing a musical instrument for her male companion, both seated at a table with two peaches resting on the top; together with, 15.5 cm and 13.5 cm high
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A group of five 'blance-de-chine' libation cups, 17th / 18th century, comprising a magnolia form cup, the sides with flowering prunus and magnolia in relief, gilt metal rim and handle; together with, 8.5 cm, 8 cm to 12 cm diameter respectively. Provenance: for gilt bronze mounted libation cups see P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A 'blanc de chine' figure of Xiwangmu, late 19th / early 20th century, 39.5 cm high the Immortal standing wearing long flowing robes, a long trailing scarf around her shoulders falling down to the square rockwork base, her left hand holding a lingzhi See a figure of Xiwangmu, illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, the Porcelain of Tehua in Fukien
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A 'blance-de-chine' figure of Guanyin, 18th / 19th century, seated on a high rockwork base with both legs pendent, wearing long flowing robes, tied at the waist and falling open at the chest to reveal a beaded necklace, her bare feet protruding from beneath her skirt, her hair swept up into a high chignon held with a pin, and small diadem centred with Amitabha Buddha, 39 cm. Provenance: The mark is by a potter from the He family who were the most significant family of Dehua potters.
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A 'blanc de chine' sleeve vase, Kangxi period, the tall slender body with short neck, applied at the shoulder with a pair of lion mask handles, the body incised on one side with an inscription in archaic script and with chrysanthemum and bamboo on the other, below key fret and cloud collar borders, covered overall with a creamy-white glaze, 36.5 cm
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A 'blanc-de-chine' figure of Doumu, 18th/19th century, seated with eighteen arms holding various ritual implements including a sun and moon, vase, rosary, lotus, axe and scroll, wearing loosely draped robes open at the chest to reveal a beaded lotus pendant and a shawl which falls down from the shoulders, the face with gentle smile, the hair drawn into a high chignon encircled by a diadem centred with Amitabha Buddha, 32 cm. Provenance: The mark translates as 'Reaching All, Even the Fishermen' known as the…
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A pair of 'blance-de-chine' figures of buddhist lions, 18th century, for use as taper holders, each seated with heads turned slightly to the side with jaws open holding a long ribbon, a collar of bells around its neck and applied with long mane and tail, one foreleg raised over a brocade ball, the high rectangular plinth supporting a taper holder; together with, 27 cm and. Height 21 cm respectively
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An impressive ivory-glazed figure of Damo (Bodhidharama), seated wearing a long robe draped over his left shoulder, leaving his chest bare, and falling in draped folds over the rockwork base, his long skirt tied at the waist with a bowed sash, his head with well defined features lowered with downcast gaze, his curly brows, and beard finely incised, his right hand holding a fan centred with a seated figure of Amitabha Buddha. Height 44 cm. Provenance: The mark is that of a potter from the He family of Dehua…
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A copper-red glazed saucer dish, seal mark and period of daoGuang, covered inside and out with a liver-red glaze, 20.5 cm diameter
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A copper-red double gourd vase, 18th century, covered overall with a rich red glaze of even tone, shading towards the narrow mouth with white glazed rim. Height 29 cm. Provenance: formerly in the collection of Sir Keith Murdoch
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A 'Teadust'-glazed vase, 18th / 19th century, of squat globular form with tall slightly flared neck, covered overall with a finely flecked olive-green glaze of even tone, 31 cm high
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Two green crackle-glazed bowls, late 19th / early 20th century, almost forming a pair, each bowl of widely flaring form; together with, 26 cm, 22.5 cm and 22.5 cm diameter respectively
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A ‘Famille-rose' punch bowl, Qianlong period, the sides decorated with family groups variously occupied in interior scenes, within gilt scroll borders; together with, 26 cm and 14 cm diameter respectively
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An unusual ‘Famille-Noire' Minyao bowl, mark and period of Qianlong, the sides with upturned brown-edged rim, and decorated on the exterior with scrolling hibiscus flowers reserved on the black ground, beneath a green glaze, the interior glazed in white. Diameter 18 cm
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A yellow-ground ‘Famille-rose' bowl, 19th / 20th century, the exterior decorated with sprays of flowering peony, the blooms in tones of pink and iron-red amongst green foliage, extending up the sides to the white glazed rim, the interior and base glazed in turquoise, apocryphal Qianlong seal mark to the base. Diameter 18.7 cm
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A ‘Famille-rose' baluster vase, 20th century, decorated with flowering chrysanthemums and peony in tones of yellow, pink, and iron-red amongst buds and foliage in tones of green, extending from the base over the sides and up the tall slender waisted neck, the base with apocryphal four character Yongzheng mark in blue enamel. Height 44 cm
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A pair of European ‘Famille-rose' palette vases and covers, possibly Samson, each decorated in Chinese style, the tapering ovoid body painted with cockerel in a rockwork garden of peony and other flowering plants between pink-ground floral and lappet borders, the domed covers with lotus bud knops, 20.5 cm
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A George III style oak chest on stand 19th century, of rectangular form, with an arrangement of two short and three long drawers, above a shell carved frieze, raised on cabriole legs. Width 120 cm. Depth 60 cm. Height 125 cm
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