Lot 205. A gold and silver-inlaid archaistic bronze censer, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Width 31.5 cm, 12⅜ in. Lot sold: £13,860 (Estimate: £10,000 - 15,000). © 2022 Sotheby's.
cast beneath the handle with a three-character inscription reading Wo Fu Ji.
Property from the Grasset collection.
Provenance: Christie's London, 8th December 1986, lot 385.
Note: The rise of Neoconfucianism in the Song dynasty (960-1279) led to a revival of interest in archaic bronze vessels, particularly in specimens inlaid with gold and silver. As a result, artisans of the Song, and subsequent Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties crafted new bronze vessels modelled on the ancient prototypes, of which the present censer is a shining example. Amongst all archaistic bronze vessels, incense burners take pride of place and archaistic burners of this size are very rare. The inlay is fine and lively, and the skilful artificial patination creates an antique appearance.
Lot 206. An archaic bronze tripod food vessel and cover, Ding, Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Width 23 cm, 9 in. Lot sold: £4,410 (Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000). © 2022 Sotheby's.
Property from the Grasset collection.
Provenance: Christie's South Kensington, 12th December 1996, lot 284 (part lot).
Lot 207. Two bronze tripod pouring vessels, He, Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Length 22.5 cm, 8¾ in. Lot sold: £4,410 (Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000). © 2022 Sotheby's.
Property from the Grasset collection.
Provenance: Christie's South Kensington, 12th December 1996, lot 284.
Lot 208. A bronze garlic-mouth vase, Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Height 37.5 cm, 14¾in. Lot sold: £2,016 (Estimate: £1,500 - 2,500). © 2022 Sotheby's.
Property from the Grasset collection.
Provenance: Christie's South Kensington, 12th December 1986, lot 293.
Sotheby's. Monochrome, London, 2 November 2022
