In this autumn section, the Asian Works of Art department presents more than 300 lots
various expressions of the oriental production, from China to Japan to Thailand, with a proposal divided into two rounds of sale on 22 October 2021. The morning session, entirely dedicated to China, proposes works of meticulous artistry, among which we can find one of the first top lots that will characterize the sale: the stunning pair of large double gourd-shaped panels in Hongmu wood with central motif woven in boxwood and backgrounds painted with polychrome cloud motifs and ivory details (lot 94, estimate € 10,000 - 15,000). It is a rare work considering its manufacture, which refers to symbols of positivity and prosperity, a good omen for future generations.
Lot 94_A large pair of hongmu double gourd panels,
the frames carved with leafy branches and gourds, centered by a intertwined motif in boxwood (Huangyangmu),
the backgrounds painted with polychrome clouds
and with painted ivory plaques depicting goddesses China, 18th century
(h. cm 108 and 109 with hooks and h. cm 102 and 103 without hooks)
Estimate € 10,000 - 15,000
Other extraordinary works in the catalogue are the partially gilded bronze censer (lot 124, estimate € 4,000 - 6,000) with a dragon motif referring to the beginning of the Qing dynasty (XVII century) and originally coming from the prestigious Luisa Feltrinelli Doria Collection, and the celadon jade plaque (lot 141, estimate € 6,000 - 8,000) datable the following century, masterfully carved front and back with figures of pagodas in a mountain landscape. In the large section dedicated to the art of clay, especially remarkable is the pair of large vases (lot 32, estimate € 15,000 - 20,000) created in bronze and cloisonné enamel in the archaic form "Fang Gu" which describes their square structure, made on the occasion of the 32nd year of the reign of the Emperor Guangxu (1906) as written on the bases. Among the furnishings, a peculiar pair of nuptial cabinets stand out, their artistry and quality lead us to suppose that the Chinese Imperial Court commissioned them on the occasion of a wedding among the highest Korean nobility, as also suggested by the internal paper covering with typical characters (lot 132, estimate € 4,000 - 6,000).
Lot 141_A white/celadon plaque, finely carved front and back
with figures in a mountain landscape with pagodas,
on later wood stand China, 18th century (h. 20 cm.)
Estimate € 6,000 - 8,000
Lot 32_A pair of large cloisonné bronze vases of archaic form "Fang Gu",
inscribed under the base and dated to the 32nd year of reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1906),
with wood bases China, early 20th century (h. 48.8 cm.)
Estimate € 15,000 - 20,000
The second part of the auction occurs in the afternoon and it is dedicated to Asian Art in a generic sense, with a particular focus on Japan. Two are the refined screens with typical representations: the first one (lot 290, estimate € 3,000 - 4,000) shows the image of spring, the two-door panel has indeed petals decorated with moriage and cherry and maple flowers, the other one (lot 323, estimate € 3,000 - 4,000) is adorned with characters from the Noh theatre emerging from an elegant six panels golden background signed "Chikaharu Fujiwara" and dating back to the transition period between Edo and Meiji. The group of netsuke made in carved ivory is characterized by exceptionally high quality; among them stands a very accurate young girl signed by the master Miyazaki Yoso (lot 325, estimate € 1,200 - 1,500).
Lot 323_A six panel gold leaf ground screen, decorated with figures from the Noh theater,
signed "Chikaharu Fujiwara" and " Kasho" Japan,
Edo/Meiji Period (167x360 cm.)
Estimate € 3,000 - 4,000
Lot 325_Miyazaki Joso (1855-1910).
An ivory netsuke of a young girl holding a plate with a rabbit-shaped mochi (usagi dando),
enjoyed as part of the Autumn moon festival Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Estimate € 1,200 - 1,500
Highly appreciated by the collectors are also several woodcuts of the Edo period (1603-1868), among these, two lots (lot 263 and lot 320, both estimate € 600 - 800) are particularly fascinating as both are composed of four triptychs with recurrent themes of the Rising Sun and some of them are signed by the masters Utagawa Kunisada and Kunichika Toyohara. To complete this wide offer that ranges from the late 17th century to the first years of the 20th century through works coming from prestigious private collections, we find in the catalogue some silver objects of Siamese manufacture destined to the Royal Court, such as the octagonal teapot (lot 266, estimate € 600 - 800) and the cigar box (lot 286, estimate € 1,400 - 1,600).
Lot 286_A large silver niello cigar box,
decorated with buddhist figures Siam (Thailand),
19th century (29x16x8.2 cm.; gr.)
Estimate € 1,400 - 1,600
COVER IMAGE: Lot 124_
A cast bronze censer, ceselled with dragons among clouds,
Xuande apocryphal mark China,
early Qing dynasty, 17th century (l. 19 cm.)
From Luisa Feltrinelli Doria Collection
Estimate € 4,000 - 6,000
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