Lot 732. A large plain silver ovoid ewer and a cover, China, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907); 9 ¾ in. (24.8 cm.) high, box; 615 g. Estimate $8,000 - $12,000. Price Realized $25,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The body tapering from the high shoulder to the spreading foot, and the neck flaring at the rim, with a curved, ribbed handle and curved, faceted spout, the domed cover with plain bud finial, the base inscribed with two characters, shou hao (receiving number) 

Provenance: The Collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, New York, acquired in Hong Kong, 1989.

Notes: A very similar silver ewer and cover, in the British Museum, London, is illustrated by R.S. Jenyns and W. Watson, Chinese Art II, New York, 1966, pp. 55-6, no. 32, where it is noted the ewer belongs to a set of three vessels, one of which is inscribed with a date corresponding to AD 877.

Christie's. THE COLLECTION OF ROBERT HATFIELD ELLSWORTH PART IV - CHINESE WORKS OF ART: METALWORK, SCULPTURE AND EARLY CERAMICS, 20 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza.