Rhinoceros Horn Raft Cup, libation cup & scepter, 17th-18th19th Century -

A Rare Rhinoceros Horn Raft Cup. 18th-19th Century

Carved in the form of a log boat, the well-hollowed out vessel fashioned with bird-form awnings on either side sheltering a wizened Zhang Qian piloting his pine-bough raft through the waters, the honey-colored horn shading to a deep brown tone. 10 1/2 inches (26.8 cm) long - Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000

Provenance: Sold Bonhams and Butterfields, Fine Asian Works of Art 5 November 2002, Lot 5376

By repute, ex collection Dimitri Emannuel Gran, Shanghai, New York and San Francisco

A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th  Century

Its flared mouth and wide spout banded with a delicate t-square meander, its outer walls carved with a flower head diaper band, the bifurcated tail and remains of the body of a bixie lifting its head onto the rim to form the handle, the base recessed to accommodate a foot that is no longer preserved; now supported on a later desert hardwood stand. 5 1/4in (13.5cm) long; 2 1/2in (6.5cm) height of cup - Estimate: $10,000 - 15,000

A carved rhinoceros horn scepter

Carved as a gnarled branch of lingzhi fungus, the twisted shaft rendered with leafy stalks terminating in a large mushroom-headed crest. 9in (21.8cm) long - Estimate: $5,000 - 7,000

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 22 Jun 2010. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco www.bonhams.com

Camillo de Vito (Actif à Naples entre 1790 et 1835) Série de trois gouaches.

Camillo de Vito (Actif à Naples entre 1790 et 1835) Série de trois gouaches. photo De Maigret Thierry.

Eruz. Del 1822 Nuevo vulcano uscito nel mare della Sicilia nel 1831 Interno del Vesuvio di Dicembre MDCCCXXXII . Signés en bas à gauche Camillo del Vito P. Titrés en bas au centre 29 x 41,5 cm pour la première 27,5x 41 cm pour les deux autres. Estimation : 7 000 - 10 000 €

En juillet 1831, un volcan émergea dans la mer de Sicile donnant naissance à une île engloutie par les flots cinq mois plus tard. Comme un personnage dans l'ère du temps de cette Europe romantique, sa brève existence souleva les passions, et sa disparition devait survivre fortement dans les imaginaires. Elle peut toujours nous surprendre en réapparaissant.

L'île fut découverte par le capitaine de brigantin, le sicilien G. Corrao, qui fut le premier à l'apercevoir à plusieurs reprises à partir du 10 juillet 1831, dans le canal de Sicile, à une vingtaine de miles au sud de la ville de Sciacca. L'éruption volcanique dura jusqu'à la mi-août et l'île nouvellement formée devait atteindre une circonférence d'environ cinq kilomètres pour une hauteur d'environ 65 mètres. Elle était composée de matières meubles : téphrites, cendres et scories. La mer et les secousses sismiques la désagrégèrent progressivement pour la faire disparaître en décembre 1831.

Trois royaumes la revendiquèrent :

- Les Anglais lui donnèrent d'abord le nom de Hotham, puis y débarquèrent le 2 août 1831. Le capitaine Senhouse y planta l'Union Jack et la fit appeler Graham du nom de l'Amiral de la flotte anglaise Lord Graham.

- Le Roi de Naples Ferdinand II l'annexa à son royaume par décret royal le 17 août 1831, sous le nom de Ferdinandea. Il est à noter qu'au moment de la découverte de Corrao en juillet, la ville de Sciacca aurait envoyé sur l'île, une délégation sanitaire sur un bateau de pêche commandé par Michele Fiorini. Ne pouvant y accoster, ce dernier y jeta une « rame » pour marquer la possession.

- Louis Philippe y dépêcha une mission scientifique conduite par le géologue Constant Prévost accompagné par le peintre Edmond Joinville à bord du brick « La Flèche », le 29 septembre 1831. Le drapeau tricolore y fut hissé avec un écriteau portant l'inscription : Ile Julia - Etat major du brick La Flèche - MM. Constant Prévost, professeur de géologie de Paris - Joinville peintre - 27/28/29 septembre 1831 Apparue en juillet, elle fut désignée sous le nom de Julia, « nom sonore dont la terminaison italienne et harmonieuse peut facilement être adoptée par les habitants les plus rapprochés ».

Son engloutissement par la mer régla le contentieux en instance. Une réapparition prochaine n'est pas improbable d'autant plus que la profondeur de la mer à cet endroit est descendue à près de six mètres.

En cas de d'émersion, la question de la souveraineté se reposerait et peut-être même avec de nouveaux prétendants : la Tunisie, Malte et la Lybie. Les nouvelles règles du Droit Maritime, retenant la notion de permanence pour la définition d'une île, permettront-elles alors le juste arbitrage ?

Camillo de Vito sut répondre à l'époque à la demande « d'immortaliser » l'événement, par une série de gouaches de dimensions diverses où l'île avec son volcan en éruption était représentée à différents moment du jour et de la nuit, avec souvent à l'horizon le passage d'un brick, d'une goélette ou d'un bateau à vapeur, battant opportunément (suivant peut-être la nationalité des acheteurs), pavillon anglais ou français.

Ces gouaches ont aujourd'hui valeur de document et sont recherchées pour leur rareté. Nous remercions Monsieur Fabrice Bonasso pour son aide dans l'attribution de ces gouaches et la rédaction de cette notice.

De Maigret Thierry. Hotel Drouot - salles 1 et  7. Tableaux Anciens, Objets d'art, Mobilier des XVIIème, XVIIIème et XIXème Siècle. EMail : contact@thierrydemaigret.com - Tél. : 01 44 83 95 20

Yellow diamonds @ Christie's. Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale. 1 June 2010. Hong Kong

A rare coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set with a square-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 12.87 carats, to the trapeze-cut diamond shoulders, mounted in platinum and 18k gold, ring size 5¾. Estimate HK$7,600,000 - HK$10,000,000 Price Realized HK$9,020,000 ($1,162,729)

Accompanied by report no. 2115796299 dated 9 March 2010 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 12.87 carat diamond is a fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, VS1 clarity

12.87克拉方形鮮彩黃色VS1鑽石鑽石戒指

An impressive coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set upon a brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamond weighing 33.88 carats, within a pear-shaped diamond surround, mounted in platinum and 18k gold, ring size 6½. Estimate HK$9,500,000 - HK$12,000,000 Price Realized HK$$8,660,000 ($1,116,322)

Accompanied by report no. 5101992711 dated 29 July 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 33.88 carat diamond is fancy intense yellow, VS1 clarity

33.88克拉圓形濃黃色VS1鑽石鑽石戒指

An important coloured diamond and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Set with a cushion-shaped fancy yellow diamond weighing 16.05 carats, within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, flanked by two marquise-cut diamonds, to the single-cut diamond bifurcated quarter-hoop, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold, ring size 6½, in navy blue suede Van Cleef & Arpels case. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, No. 23500. Estimate HK$1,600,000 - HK$2,400,000 Price Realized HK$3,260,000 ($420,232)

Accompanied by report no. 10877742 dated 3 November 1999 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 16.05 carat diamond is fancy yellow, natural colour, VS1 clarity, with excellent symmetry

16.05克拉枕形黃色VS1鑽石戒指Van Cleef & Arpels設計

A coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set with a round-cornered modified rectangular-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 5.09 carats, to the trapeze-cut diamond shoulders, mounted in 18k yellow and white gold, ring size 5¼. Estimate HK$1,600,000 - HK$2,500,000 Price Realized HK$2,420,000 ($311,952)

Accompanied by report no. 2115430584 dated 8 December 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 5.09 carat diamond is fancy vivid yellow, internally flawless clarity

5.09克拉方形鮮彩黃色全美鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set with a rectangular-shaped fancy light yellow diamond weighing 22.88 carats, flanked on either side by a heart-shaped diamond, mounted in 18k gold, ring size 6. Estimate HK$1,450,000 - HK$2,000,000 Price Realized HK$2,180,000 ($281,014)

Accompanied by report no. 6117736954 dated 23 February 2010 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 22.88 carat diamond is fancy light yellow, VS1 clarity

22.88克拉方形淡黃色VS1鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond ring.

Set with a brilliant-cut light yellow diamond weighing 17.56 carats, mounted in 14k gold, ring size 5. Estimate HK$800,000 - HK$1,200,000 Price Realized HK$1,280,000 ($164,999)

17.56克拉圓形鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond and diamond pendant/ring.

Set with a marquise-cut fancy yellow diamond weighing 11.99 carats, within a pavé-set diamond surround and bail, mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, (with ring setting designed as a pavé-set diamond bifurcated half-hoop), pendant 3.5 cm long, ring size 6¼. Estimate HK$1,500,000 - HK$2,500,000 Price Realized HK$1,220,000 ($157,265)

Accompanied by report no. 2115227179 dated 12 October 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 11.99 carat diamond is fancy yellow, natural colour, SI1 clarity

11.99克拉欖尖形黃色SI1鑽石鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond and diamond twin stone ring.

Set with a modified shield-shaped fancy yellow diamond weighing 3.56 carats, and a modified shield-shaped diamond weighing 3.06 carats, within a pavé-set diamond surround, to the polished white gold hoop, mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, ring size 5½. Estimate HK$800,000 - HK$1,200,000 Price Realized HK$980,000 ($126,327)
.
Accompanied by report no. 6117963289 dated 12 April 2010 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.56 carat diamond is fancy light yellow, natural colour, VS2 clarity

Report no. 15025651 dated 13 March 2006 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.06 carat diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity

足色全美3.06克拉盾形鑽石3.55克拉盾形淡黃色VS2鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set with a modified square-shaped fancy intense yellowish green diamond weighing 6.09 carats, to the pavé-set diamond gallery and three quarter-hoop, mounted in 18k gold, ring size 5½. Estimate HK$550,000 - HK$800,000 Price Realized HK$956,000 ($123,234)

Accompanied by report no. 1112126004 dated 6 October 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 6.09 carat diamond is fancy intense yellowish green, natural colour, VS2 clarity; with additional comment stating that the color of this stone changes temporarily when gently heated, or when left in darkness for a period of time and is known in the trade as "Chameleon"

6.09克拉濃黃綠色VS2鑽石戒指

A pair of coloured diamond and diamond earrings.

One set with a heart-shaped fancy yellow diamond weighing 3.08 carats, to the pavé-set yellow diamond surround and hook, the other set with a heart-shaped colourless diamond weighing 2.51 carats, to the pavé-set diamond surround and hook, mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, 2.0 cm long. Estimate HK$600,000 - HK$800,000 Price Realized HK$920,000 ($118,593)

Accompanied by report no. 5111611156 dated 20 January 2010 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.08 carat diamond is fancy yellow, natural colour, internally flawless clarity, with excellent symmetry

Report no. 17785524 dated 22 June 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 2.51 carat diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity

足色全美2.51克拉心形鑽石3.08克拉黃色全美鑽石耳環一對

A coloured diamond and diamond ring by Mitsuo Kaji.

Set with an oval-shaped intense yellow diamond weighing 2.39 carats, flanked on either side by a tapered pentagon-cut diamond, within brilliant and marquise-cut diamond surround accented by light pink diamonds, mounted in platinum, ring size 6½. With maker's mark for Mitsuo Kaji. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Mitsuo Kaji. Estimate HK$320,000 - HK$480,000 Price Realized HK$572,000 ($73,734)

2.39克拉橢圓形黃鑽鑽石戒指Mitsuo Kaji設計

A coloured diamond necklace.

Designed as a series of nineteen graduated cushion-shaped light yellow diamonds, joined by polished gold entwined loops, mounted in 18k gold, 44.0 cm long. Estimate HK$400,000 - HK$600,000 Price Realized HK$325,000 ($41,894)

The total weight of the diamonds is 17.05 carats

方形黃鑽項鍊（19顆共重17.05克拉）

A coloured diamond ring.

Set with a cut-cornered modified rectangular-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 2.01 carats, to the pavé-set vivid yellow diamond surround, gallery and three quarter-hoop, mounted in 18k gold, ring size 6. Estimate HK$250,000 - HK$350,000 Price Realized HK$312,500 ($40,283)

Accompanied by report no. 17461879 dated 14 July 2008 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 2.01 carat diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, internally flawless clarity

2.01克拉方形鮮彩黃色全美鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond and diamond pendant necklace.

Set with a marquise-cut diamond surmount weighing 1.14 carats, to the pavé-set colourless and pink diamond bar, spaced by a brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 0.53 carat, suspending a round-cornered square-shaped faint green diamond weighing 2.00 carats, to the fine neckchain, mounted in platinum, 43.0 cm long. Estimate HK$160,000 - HK$240,000 Price Realized HK$162,500 ($20,947)

Accompanied by report no. 17422301 dated 9 July 2008 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 2.00 carat diamond is faint green, natural colour, VS2 clarity

Report no. 6117513743 dated 6 January 2010 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 0.53 carat diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, I1 clarity

彩鑽鑽石項鍊

A coloured diamond and diamond ring.

Set with a cushion-shaped fancy orange-brown diamond weighing 3.02 carats, to the pavé-set diamond surround and three quarter-hoop, mounted in platinum, ring size 5¾. Estimate HK$120,000 - HK$180,000 Price Realized HK$162,500 ($20,947)

Accompanied by report no. 17466529 dated 21 July 2008 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.02 carat diamond is fancy orange-brown, natural colour, VS2 clarity

3.02克拉枕形橙啡色VS2鑽石鑽石戒指

A coloured diamond 'cross' necklace.

Suspending a brilliant-cut vivid yellow diamond cross within a pavé-set vivid yellow diamond surround and bail, joined to the fine gold neckchain, mounted in 18k gold, 40.5 cm long. Estimate HK$50,000 - HK$80,000 Price Realized HK$50,000 ($6,445)

The total weight of the yellow diamonds is 1.52 carats

黃鑽十字架吊墜項鍊

Christie's. Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale. 1 June 2010. Hong Kong www.christies.com

Rare guéridon, formé d'un plateau à décor en micro mosaïque sur âme d'ardoise. Italie, vers 1820/1830

Rare guéridon, formé d'un plateau à décor en micro mosaïque sur âme d'ardoise. Italie, vers 1820/1830. photo De Maigret Thierry.

figurant au centre dans un encadrement de malachite, la Place Saint Pierre de Rome. Encadrement à guirlande de fleurs polychromes, souligné de six médaillons représentant : Le Colisée, Le Panthéon, Le Temple de Vesta, La Place du Capitole, L'Arc de Titus et Le Forum. La bordure à galon, présentant des masques de personnage mythologique : Dionysos, Bacchus, ... ou de la Comédie italienne. Le piétement en marqueterie de bois indigène, sur fond de citronnier ou d'ébène, à masques et encadrement à filets d'amarante ou bois de rose. Piétement tripode en gaine à pastilles et rinceaux, réuni par une tablette à rosace. H : 75 - D : 88,5 cm

La technique de la micromosaïque date de plusieurs millénaires avant notre ère. L'on en trouve en effet quelques exemples en Mésopotamie datant de cette période. La technique perdura à l'antiquité et fut redécouverte à Rome au XVIème siècle. L'apogée de ce type de réalisations sera marquée par l'engouement des amateurs à partir du milieu du XVIIIème siècle, lorsque les voyageurs, souvent anglais et français, accomplissant leur « Grand Tour » commandèrent des souvenirs de Rome à emporter dans leur pays.

L'exemplaire proposé reprend les grand monuments de la Rome antique : le centre offre une perspective de la Place Saint-Pierre, six médaillons reliés par des guirlandes polychromes ponctuent la composition et représentent : le temple de Vesta, la place du Capitole, le Panthéon, l'arc de Titus, le Colisée et le Forum. A Rome, certains artisans se démarquèrent de leurs confrères par leur talent : Giacomo Raffaelli, Francesco Belloni ou bien encore Cavalieri Michelango Barberi.

L'on connaît de ce dernier un plateau de guéridon polychrome offrant une représentation similaire, le centre orné de la Place Saint-Pierre et des médaillons latéraux à ruines antiques, portraits et trophées d'armes (vente Partridge, Christie's, New York, le 17 mai 2006, lot 185, vendu 560.000 dollars ).

D'autres rares exemplaires dans le même esprit sont répertoriés : un premier est passé en vente chez Sotheby's, à Londres, le 10 juin 1998, lot 126 ; un second, réalisé pour le mariage de membres des célèbres familles Colonna et Aldobrandini, a fait partie des collections de la galerie G. Sarti à Paris (illustré dans Fastueux objets en marbre et pierres dures, Galerie Sarti, catalogue n°7, 2006, p.53).

De Maigret Thierry. Hotel Drouot - salles 1 et  7. Tableaux Anciens, Objets d'art, Mobilier des XVIIème, XVIIIème et XIXème Siècle. EMail : contact@thierrydemaigret.com - Tél. : 01 44 83 95 20

Élaine Bédard dans une création Marie-Antoinette Rouillard. 1960

Élaine Bédard (mannequin). Création Marie-Antoinette Rouillard. 1960. Photo : Arnott & Rogers

Je garde un excellent souvenir d'un déjeuner avec Élaine et son mari, Alexandre de B. et je les embrasse.

Emerald green jadeite jewelry sold @ Bonhams. Fine Jewellery and Jadeite, Hong Kong

A jadeite and diamond pendant. photo Bonhams

The brilliant emerald green jadeite plaque and high translucency, carved to depict a bamboo shoot, representing longevity and strength, to a surmount set with a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in 18k white gold, pendant length 4.9cm. Sold for HK$780,000;

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the pendant is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number SJ 9696, dated 18th March 2010.

A set of unmounted jadeite. photo Bonhams

The jadeite double cabochons of vivid emerald green colour and very good translucency. (3) Sold for HK$720,000

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the selected cabochon is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number KJ 48048, dated 11th March 2010.

A pair of jadeite and diamond earrings. photo Bonhams

Each set with a rich emerald green jadeite plaque of good translucency, suspended from a line of baguette and tapered baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, diamonds approximately 3.20 carats total, earring length 4.3cm. Sold for HK$114,000

Accompanied by a gemmological report, stating that both jadeite plaques are natural jadeite and no evidence of treatment was observed. Report number 1/19461-001, dated 11th January 2010.

A jadeite bangle. photo Bonhams

The bangle of pale green colour with an intense emerald green patch and high translucency, outer diameter 71.7mm, inner diameter 54.1mm. Sold for HK$108,000

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the bangle is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number SJ 9387, dated 11th March 2010.

A jadeite and diamond ring and earclip suite. photo Bonhams

The navette-shaped jadeite cabochon of bright emerald green colour and very good translucency, within a double-tiered brilliant-cut diamond surround and trifurcated shoulders, accompanied by earrings of similar design, mounted in 18k white gold, diamonds approximately 1.90 carats total, ring size 7¼, earrings length 2.7cm. (2) Sold for HK$108,000

Accompanied by two certificates from a gemmological lab, stating that the cabochons are natural Burmese jadeite and no polymer was detected. Report number JW-9903 and JW-9904.

A pair of jadeite and diamond earclips. photo Bonhams

Each set with an oval jadeite cabochon of intense emerald green colour and good translucency, accented by heart, marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k white gold, diamonds approximately 1.10 carats total, earring length 2.2cm. Sold for HK$96,000

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the selected cabochon is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number SJ 9390, dated 11th March 2010.

A jadeite and diamond ring. photo Bonhams

A triangular-shaped emerald green jadeite, within a brilliant-cut diamond mount, accented with rose-cut diamond drops, mounted in 18k rose gold, diamonds approximately 3.70 carats total, ring size 5¼. Sold for HK$81,600

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the plaque is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number SJ 10069, dated 29th March 2010.

A pair of jadeite and diamond earrings. photo Bonhams

Each articulated earring, set with a rectangular bright emerald green jadeite plaque and good translucency, carved on both sides with ruyi motifs, suspended from a rose-cut diamond surmount, within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, spaced by rose and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k white gold, earring length 4.8cm. Sold for HK$72,000

Accompanied by a report from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory, stating that the selected pendant is natural jadeite and no resin was detected. Report number EXKJ 1111, dated 5th March 2010.

Bonhams. Fine Jewellery and Jadeite and Modern Wristwatches, 28 May 2010 to 29 May 2010. JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong www.bonhams.com

Trois coupes libatoires en corne de rhinocéros sculptée. Chine, dynastie Ming & XVIIIème siècle

Rare coupe libatoire en corne de rhinocéros sculptée. Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIIème siècle. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Très finement sculptée en forme de feuille de lotus, les veines délicatement incisées, l'extérieur orné, sous le bec verseur, d'une scène principale représentant un lettré âgé, assis à une table et entouré de disciples, les trois figurés sous un dais, sur une estrade devant laquelle se tiennent deux daims, les côtés rehaussés de lettrés à cheval, discutant peinture, assis, accompagnés de serviteurs, les diverses scènes se déroulant dans un paysage rocailleux, bordant une rivière et agrémenté d'arbres, deux grands pins formant anse, certains branchages venant reposer sur la bordure ; petits accidents et manques. Hauteur: 8,8 cm. (3½ in.), Longueur: 19 cm. (7½ in.) Estimate €30,000 - €40,000

Provenance: Collection Alexander Foerster, Vienna. Acquired before 1961. Since then in the family from where acquired by the present owner.

Notes: Compare with a very similar libation cup from the Durham University Oriental Museum and illustrated by J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London 1999, p.206, pl.283.
The author describes the theme represented as 'The Eighteen Scholars of the Tang Dynasty' and writes: 'Sometimes there are eighteen figures and sometimes not but the scholars are always placed all around the cup against a rocky background. The eighteen learned men were selected from the wisest men in the Empire by emperor Tang Taizong, shortly after his accession to the throne in the year 627. He built a college for them in the grounds of his palace so that they were always available for advice or consultation.'

Coupe libatoire en corne de rhinocéros sculptée. Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIIème siècle. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Finement sculptée, à l'extérieur d'un registre à décor archaïsant de masque de taotie sur fond de leiwen, rehaussé de trois chilong en haut relief, les corps noueux de deux autres dragons formant anse, le plus grand appuyé sur la bordure, socle en bois sculpté de lingzhi ; très petits accidents. Hauteur sans le socle: 7 cm. (2¾ in.), Longueur: 12,8 cm. (5 in.) Estimate €25,000 - €35,000

Provenance: From a French private collection

Coupe libatoire miniature en corne de rhinocéros sculptée. Chine, XVIIème-XVIIIème siècle. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Délicatement sculptée à l'extérieur d'un registre à décor de masques de taotie, ces derniers rehaussés de trois chilong aux corps noueux, deux d'entre eux accolés, le dernier sous le bec, le pied et la lèvre agrémentés de frises de grecques ; petites craquelures et éclats. Longueur: 7,5 cm. (3 in.) Estimate €8,000 - €12,000

Christie's. Art d'Asie. 8 June 2010. Paris www.christies.com

New Paintings by Teo González @ Brian Gross Fine Art

Teo González, Untitled #592, 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 60 × 60 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- New York artist, Teo González, opened an exhibition of recent paintings at Brian Gross Fine Art. On view are a group of new minimalist paintings, which Gonzalez achieved by methodically painting thousands of tiny dots in loosely gridded arrangements. Subtle variations in the size, density, and placement of the forms result in shifting, dynamic compositions that engage and captivate the viewer. The exhibition continues through June 26.

The paintings on view present a new direction in González’s working method. Previously, the artist applied paint to the canvas in tiny droplets using an emulsion that forces the pigment to the outer edge as it dries. Left behind were ghost-like traces that call to mind various natural forms, such as cells, stars, eyes, eggs, and molecules. In his new works, Gonzalez mimics the residual forms by painting the shapes directly instead of using droplets—eliminating the element of chance inherent in the dropping method and giving the artist greater control of the creative process. The result is vacillating abstract fields that are at once meticulously precise and rhythmically organic, possessing a vital energy that gives them a life of their own.

Teo González was born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1964. He received his BFA from California State University, Bakersfield, and currently lives in New York City. His work can be found in the public collections of the Achenbach Foundation at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, New York, the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. and the San Diego Museum of Art. This is González’s eighth solo show with Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, Untitled #593, 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 78 × 78 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, Johnny (study 3), 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 78 × 78 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, King Ashurbanipal (study 3), 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 78 × 78 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, Johnny (study 2), 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 60 × 60 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, Untitled #591, 2010; acrylic on canvas over board; 60 × 60 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Teo González, King Ashurbanipal (study 2), 2010; acrylic on clayboard; 44 × 44 inches. Courtesy: Brian Gross Fine Art.

Paire de plats en porcelaine émaillée bleu et jaune. Chine, dynastie Qing, marque a six caractères en cachet et époque Qianlong

Paire de plats en porcelaine émaillée bleu et jaune. Chine, dynastie Qing, marque à six caractères en cachet et époque Qianlong (1736-1795). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Ornés au centre, en jaune sur fond bleu, d'un dragon à cinq griffes évoluant parmi les nuages à la recherche de la perle sacrée, le pourtour et le revers rehaussés de deux grands dragons poursuivant la perle, marque à six caractères en cachet de l'Empereur Qianlong en bleu sous couverte à la base ; égrenures, restaurations et petits fêles. Diamètre: 25 cm. (9 7/8 in.) (2) Estimate €6,000 - €8,000

Christie's. Art d'Asie. 8 June 2010. Paris www.christies.com

'Sailing Under Full Canvas, Dutch Paintings of the Golden Age' @ the Hamburger Kunsthalle

Jürgen Ovens (1623-1678), Porträt des Dirck (auch Theodor) Kerckrinck, um 1660/61, Öl auf Leinwand, 126,5 x 105 cm © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford

HAMBURG.- This exhibition on marine painting from the Golden Age of Dutch culture in the 17th century centres on spectacular works by the main representatives of the genre – Ludolf Backhuysen, Jan Porcellis, Willem van de Velde (the Elder and the Younger) and Simon de Vliegher. In addition to these impressive large-scale seascapes, the display includes paintings and drawings by all the leading marine painters of the time. To this day, these images evoke a sense of freedom, independence and adventure, but also a mood of contemplation and tranquillity. As the economic and political fate of the Dutch people in the Golden Age was closely tied to the sea, the main subject of these artworks are ships with billowing sails that are visible from afar, but painstakingly detailed paintings of calmer waters also feature.

Besides demonstrating the virtuosity of their creators, these paintings frequently appear to document specific historical, topographical or meteorological events. The impression of maritime life and seafaring that is deliberately conveyed in such works never actually existed in this form, however, which opens up a wide range of possible readings with regard to different spheres of knowledge at that time. On the one hand, the artworks on show in the exhibition reveal the powerful influence and wealth of the Dutch navy in the 17th century; on the other, they invite us to consider more complex interpretations: the ship as a metaphor for life, a symbol of nationhood and the exploration of distant lands, as well as a demonstration of proud foreign policy and shrewd trade policy. At the same time, however, the exhibition draws our attention to the painterly qualities of each respective artwork.

Sailing Under Full Canvas brings together around 80 masterpieces drawn from international collections and the holdings of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. The exhibition has been organised in cooperation with the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich/London, which has generously contributed a number of major works.

Ludolf Backhuysen (1630 - 1708) Beginnender Sturm, Öl auf Leinwand, 52 x 68 cm © Staatliches Museum Schwerin © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford

Cornelis Beelt (1640 - 1702) Wal am Strand von Scheveningen, 1663, Öl auf Leinwand, 87 x 118 cm © Staatliches Museum Schwerin.

Abraham Willaerts (um 1603 - 1669), Holländische Schiffe in einer Flussmündung, 1632, Öl auf Holz, 44,2 x 96,5 cm © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford

Jan Josephsz. van Goyen (1596 - 1656) Fischerboote in einer Flußmündung, 1655 © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford

Willem van de Velde (1847 - 1935) Stille See © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford

Cornelis de Man (1621 - 1706) Geographen bei der Arbeit. Öl auf Leinwand, 81 x 68 cm © Hamburger Kunsthalle / bpk Photo: Elke Walford