A very rare Chinese export figure of a reclining stag. Second half 18th century. photo Sotheby's

its coat thickly enamelled in yellow, the white enamelled spots with an incised whorl pattern, its head fitted with detachable antlers. length 8 in., 20.3 cm. Estimate 15,000—25,000 USD. Lot Sold 62,500 USD

NOTE: This exact model of reclining deer is apparently unrecorded. A figure of a reclining deer with white spotted brown coat in the Copeland Collection at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts is illustrated and discussed by Sargent, p. 246-7, no. 124 who notes that that model is also apparently unique. A further pair of deer, seated in an upright pose similar to that of export figures of hounds, is illustrated by Cohen and Motley, pp. 176-7, no. 12.1, these also being the only recorded pair of that type.

Interestingly, the spotted deer is not an unusual motif in Chinese art. As Cohen and Motley note, "The Chinese word for deer, lu, is a homophone for 'fat salary', so deer also represent substantial material success...or pictured in a deer hunt symbolic of the pursuit of wealth."

A rare pair of Chinese Export famille-rose 'hawk' boxes and covers. Second Half 18th Century. photo Sotheby's

length 8 in., 20 cm. Estimate 12,000—18,000 USD. Lot Sold. 21,250 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1977, p. 94, no. 81

NOTE: For a similar pair of boxes and covers in this form, see Cohen and Motley, 2008, p. 272, no. 19.4, where the authors state that forms of this type were not meant for food or sauces due to their small size, but rather were used as trinket boxes. A similar box and cover sold at Christie's, London, April 28, 1999, lot 195.

A pair of Chinese export figures of seated hounds, circa 1770. photo Sotheby's

height 9 3/4 in., 24.8 cm. Estimate 10,000—15,000 USD. Lot Sold. 18,750 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1977, col. pl. XIV

NOTE: For a very similar pair of hounds see Cohen and Motley, p. 162, no. 11.2.

Two Canton Famille-Rose Elephant Candle-Holders, 19th Century. photo Sotheby's

height 8 in., 20.3 cm. Estimate: 6,000—8,000 USD. Lot Sold. 13,125 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1977, p. 100, no. 87

NOTE: A similar pair of candle holders sold at Christie's, London, April 28, 1999, lot 182.

A Canton Famille-Rose Elephant Candle Holder, 19th Century. photo Sotheby's

Together with a pair of small Canton famille-rose recumbent dog candle holders. 3 pieces. Height of elephant 5 3/4 in., 14.6 cm. Estimate 4,000—6,000 USD. Lot Sold. 11,875 USD

A Chinese Export Figure of a Rabbit. Late 18th Century. photo Sotheby's

height 6 1/2 in., 16.5 cm. Estimate 5,000—7,000 USD. Lot Sold. 11,250 USD

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's, London, March 18, 1980, lot 164

NOTE: Rabbits represent longevity as they grind the Elixir of Life on the moon with Chang-e, the moon goddess.

Several models of rabbits from the 18th century are known, examples of which can be found in the Copeland Collection, illustrated by Sargent, 1991, p. 234 and 235, nos. 115 and 116; however, the modeling and spotted coloring of the present lot is extremely unusual.

A Chinese export figure of a seated hound, circa 1770. photo Sotheby's

height 9 7/8 in., 24.8 cm. Estimate 5,000—7,000 USD. Lot Sold. 5,625 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1963, p. 21, no. 10

A Chinese glazed biscuit Figure of a Monkey, 18th century. photo Sotheby's

height 11 in., 27.9 cm. Estimate 6,000—8,000 USD. Lot Sold. 4,688 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1977, pl. XV

NOTE: Compare a biscuit ewer and cover in the shape of a monkey sold at Sotheby's, Amsterdam, October 20, 1992, lot 116, where the monkey is depicted with similar incised fur and coloring

A Chinese Famille-Verte Quail Box and Cover, 19th Century. photo Sotheby's

Together with a famille-verte rhyton in the shape of a water buffalo. 3 pieces. Length of quail 7 in., 17.8 cm. Estimate 1,200—1,800 USD. Lot Sold. 1,875 USD

A Chinese Export White-Glazed Figure of a Dog, 18th Century. photo Sotheby's

height 7 7/8 in., 20 cm. Estimate 2,000—3,000 USD. Lot Sold. 1,500 USD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Gordon, 1977, p. 90, pl. 79

Sotheby's. Chinese Export Porcelain from the Private Collection of Elinor Gordon. 23 Jan 10. New York www.sothebys.com