Lot 21. A rare pair of deer water-droppers and covers, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 9 ¼ in. (23.5 cm.) high, overall. Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 81,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

Each modeled seated with a lingzhi sprig in its jaw, the coats picked out and spotted in white enamel, the handle in the form of a pine bough, the covers the top of the heads with antlers.

Provenance: Possibly the pair listed as "two browne painted staggs" in the 1688 inventory at Burghley House, England.
Sold Christie's, London 1 November 1982, lot 371.
The collection of Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, New York.

Note: This very rare pair of spotted deer, an animal considered symbolic of both abundant riches and longevity, seems to be one of three pair known. One pair, without covers, sold Christie's, London, 13 July 1959; a complete pair was sold Christie's, London, 14 May 1968, the property of Lady Sarah Roubanis, from the collection of the late Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan. It is unclear whether the complete pair is the same as the present deer - and as the pair found in the Burghley House inventory.

Christie's. Chinese Export Art Featuring 100 lots from Marchant, est 1925, 18 January 2018, New York