Lot 620. A large famille rose faceted vase, signed Wang Dafan (1888-1961), dated yihai year, corresponding to 1935; 17 3/8 in. (44.4 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 47,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

Each side of the faceted high-shouldered body is finely enameled between iron-red decorative borders with a different scene referring to one of the Four Noble Professions: one depicting a scholar holding a scroll of the Spring and Autumn annals seated on the trunk of a tree; one depicting a wood cutter carrying a bundle of branches on his back; one depicting a farmer hoeing in a rice field; and the fourth depicting a fisherman with his catch. Each scene is identified by an inscription which includes the cyclical date, yihai, and is signed Wang Dafan, followed by the iron-red seal of the artist, fitted cloth box.

Provenance: Bonham's Hong Kong, 21 May 2009, lot 1162.
The Studio of the Clear Garden.

Note: Wang Dafan (1888-1961) was one of the eight famous Jingdezhen masters of porcelain painting of the early 20th century. Collectively, this group of celebrated artists was known as the Zhushan Bayou, 'The Eight Friends of Zhushan'. The painting styles of each artist were varied and Wang Dafan was particularly renowned for his work in the famille-rose palette. A native of Yixian, Anhui province, Wang was also known by his alternative name of Wang Kun; his hao or studio names were Xiping Jushi, Yishan Qiaozi, and Xiping Caolu. 
Wang's painting style is quite distinctive, particularly in his meticulous, gongbi, brushwork in the execution of the eyes, hair and facial expressions, which is finely demonstrated on the present vase.

Christie's. The Studio of the Clear Garden: Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 22 March 2018, New York