Provenance: Collection of Doctor J.C.J. Bierens de Haan (1867-1951), acquired in the early 20th century and then by descent within the family.

Note: The following lots were inherited by the current owner from Dr. J.C.J. Bierens de Haan (1867-1951), a respected surgeon and collector. He was born into an academic family in Leiden, Netherlands, where he studied medicine. He travelled extensively throughout his career working on numerous occasions with the Dutch Red Cross: first during the Boer War in South Africa; again in Greece during the Balkan War in 1912/13; and in France during the First World War. He also travelled privately to Russia, North America, Syria, Persia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, India, Japan and China, and brought a wide variety of art works back such as the vases offered in this sale (lots 124-126). 

In 1919, Dr. Bierens de Haan retired and devoted his time to collecting. He built an important assemblage of European prints which he later donated to the Museum Boymans van Beuningen in Rotterdam and which now forms a substantial part of their collection.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 15 May 2009 - SALE 15487