29 septembre 2018

Lot 3608. A rare anhua-decorated blue and white 'Herbaceous peony' bowl, mark and period of Xuande (1426-1435); 20.6 cm, 8 1/8  in. Estimate: 4,000,000-6,000,000 HKD (509,560 - 764,340 USD). Lot Sold 4,920,000 HKD (627,595 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's. of conical form, the flaring sides rising from a slightly tapered foot, boldly painted in rich cobalt-blue tones to the exterior with large herbaceous peony blooms borne on a leafy meander, above pointed upright lappets, the interior with a central... [Lire la suite]

HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s is presenting A Brush with Nature - the most extensive selling exhibition ever staged in Asia dedicated entirely to European Old Master paintings and drawings.  Showcasing 46 works, representing all the major fields of this great Western canon from the Renaissance to the 19th century, the exhibition brings together works by some of the most influential artists of all time, such as Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn, along with high quality works by lesser-known artists who strove to emulate their... [Lire la suite]

Lot 3607. A rare finely painted Ming-style blue and white moonflask, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng period (1723-1735); 27.8 cm, 10 7/8  in. Estimate 1,200,000 — 1,500,000 HKD (152,868 - 191,085 USD). Unsold. Photo: Sotheby's. the flattened circular body rising from a slightly concave base to a cylindrical neck gradually flaring towards the rim, set with a pair of ruyi scrolled handles, the body deftly painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with simulated 'heaped and piled'... [Lire la suite]

Lot 3606. An exceptionally fine and rare famille-rose 'Flower-balls' bowl, mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 22.4 cm, 8 7/8  in. Estimate 8,000,000 — 12,000,000 HKD (1,019,120 - 1,528,680 USD).Unsold. Photo: Sotheby's. elegantly potted with rounded sides rising from a short foot to a flared rim, finely decorated around the exterior with a profusion of multi-coloured 'flower-balls' arranged asymmetrically and scattered throughout, some freely floating, others... [Lire la suite]

Lot 3604. An outstanding and extremely rare carved celadon-glazed 'Ribbon' vase, seal mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 22.4 cm, 8 7/8  in. Estimate 15,000,000 — 20,000,000 HKD (1,910,850 - 2,547,800 USD). Unsold. Photo: Sotheby's. elegantly potted with a baluster body rising to a rounded shoulder, gradually sweeping up to a wide waisted neck flaring at the rim, the body of the vase carved with sets of four evenly spaced vertical ribs simulating textile pleats on a... [Lire la suite]

Lot 6302. A rare moulded and carved celadon-glazed 'Ruyi' vase and cover, seal mark and period of Qianlong (1736-1795); overall h. 25 cm, 9 7/8  in. Estimate 1,800,000 — 2,500,000 HKD (191,085 - 254,780 USD). Lot Sold 3,840,000 HKD (489,830 USD). Photo: Sotheby's. superbly potted with a flattened ruyi-shaped body, rising from a tall splayed foot moulded with a ruyi-shaped apron, and elegantly sweeping up to a rectangular waisted neck with everted rim, both faces... [Lire la suite]

Lot 3601. A rare reverse-decorated powder-blue 'Gardenia' dish, Mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 33.2 cm, 13  in. Estimate 1,500,000 — 2,000,000 HKD (191,085 - 254,780 USD). Lot Sold 3,240,000 HKD (413,294 USD). Photo: Sotheby's. well potted with shallow rounded sides resting on a short foot, the interior centred with a medallion enclosing a gnarled leafy gardenia spray, surrounded by four similar sprays around the cavetto and a corresponding continuous scroll on the... [Lire la suite]

Arcadian BeautyRegina Krahl In the Song dynasty (960-1279), probably more than in any other period of China’s history, culture and education were considered the most important prerequisites of the elite and valued higher than office and rank. Advancement in society was certainly desired and sought, but at the same time spurned, and the state’s most outspoken critics were often celebrated as sages. Even if the post of a high official in the service of the Emperor was considered the ultimate achievement, a modest and humble existence... [Lire la suite]