A fine green enamel 'dragon' jar and cover. Seal mark and of the period of Qianlong.

A fine green enamel 'dragon' jar and cover. Seal mark and of the period of Qianlong. Photo Sotheby's

the globular tapering body rising to a rounded shoulder set with a short straight neck, decorated in green enamel with a pair of ferocious dragons, each chasing a 'flaming pearl' amongst scrolling clouds, all beneath a frieze of bajixiang, the cover similarly decorated with a coiled dragon chasing a 'flaming pearl', the recessed base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark; 21.5 cm., 8 1/2 in. Estimate 800,000—1,000,000 HKD. Lot Sold  2,420,000 HKD

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 18th May 1988, lot 291.

Sotheby's . Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 08 Apr 11. Hong Kong www.sothebys.com

A fine 'green dragon' jar and cover. Qianlong seal mark and of the period

A fine 'green dragon' jar and cover. Qianlong seal mark and of the period. Photo Bonhams

Typically painted in delicate blue and enamelled in rich translucent pale apple-green around the body with two large five-clawed dragons striding in mutual pursuit of flaming pearls, between bands of Buddhist emblems around the shoulder and stiff lappets above the foot, the squared domed cover with a central coiled dragon. 21cm (8¼in) high (2). Estimate: £60,000 - 100,000, HKD 760,000 - 1,300,000, $ 98,000 - 160,000

Provenance: acquired at Eastwood and Holt, 2-4 October 1928, lot 116 for £3 10s, and thence by descent.

The present vase is a continuation of the type first made during the Kangxi period; see a green enamelled 'dragon' vase and cover, Kangxi mark and period, from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.190. Compare a similar green-enamelled 'dragon' jar and cover, Qianlong seal mark and of the period, illustrated in Treasures in the Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p.271; for another example from the Tianminlou Foundation, see L.A. Cort and J.Stuart, Joined Colors: Decoration and Meaning in Chinese Porcelain, Washington D.C. and Hong Kong, 1993, pl.45. A similar jar and cover from the Greenwald Collection was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2831.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2011. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com

Emerald @ Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, 14 Apr 11, New York

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring, Harry Winston, Circa 1955. Photo Sotheby's

The square emerald-cut emerald weighing 16.93 carats, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, size 5½, unsigned. With signed box. Estimate 800,000—1,000,000 USD. Lot Sold 1,874,500 USD

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 42210 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: insignificant.

Together with a copy of proof of purchase from Harry Winston, dated May 23, 1980.

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring. Photo Sotheby's

The sugarloaf cabochon emerald weighing 12.66 carats, framed and flanked by round diamonds weighing approximately .35 carat, size 5¾. Estimate
175,000—225,000 USD. Lot Sold  212,500 USD

Accompanied by AGTA report no. 92025611 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, minor clarity enhancement.

Pair of Platinum, Fluted Emerald Bead and Diamond Earclips, Cartier, London, Circa 1930.  Photo Sotheby's

Designed as flowers set with fluted emerald beads, accented by round and baguette diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats, signed Cartier, London. Estimate 15,000—20,000 USD. Lot Sold 140,500 USD

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Longchain Necklace.  Photo Sotheby's

Composed of tumbled emerald beads weighing 236.42 carats, alternating with diamond briolettes weighing 18.98 carats, length 61 inches. Estimate 50,000—70,000 USD. Lot Sold 116,500 USD

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring. Photo Sotheby's

The cushion-shaped emerald weighing 4.61 carats, flanked by cushion-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats, accented by small round diamonds, size 6¼. Estimate 80,000—120,000 USD. Lot Sold 98,500 USD

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 40178 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: none.

Silver-Topped Gold, Emerald, Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1890. Photo Sotheby's

Set in the center with a cabochon emerald weighing approximately 12.00 carats, surmounted by 2 old mine diamonds weighing approximately 1.85 and .85 carats, flanked by 2 antique pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 2.95 carats, accented by smaller old European-cut and rose-cut diamonds weighing approximately 6.25 carats, suspending a natural pearl drop measuring approximately 14.05 by 10.00 mm. With fitted, gilt tooled leather box. Estimate 40,000—60,000 USD. Lot Sold 80,500 USD

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 56999 stating natural pearl, saltwater.

Pair of Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Pendant-Earrings. Photo Sotheby's

Supporting emerald drops weighing 38.04 carats, surmounted by cushion-shaped and small round diamonds weighing 1.92 carats. Estimate 40,000—60,000 USD. Lot Sold 71,500 USD

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring, Circa 1925.  Photo Sotheby's

The square emerald-cut emerald measuring approximately 10.47 by 10.25 by 6.05 mm., framed by single-cut and baguette diamonds weighing approximately .50 carat, size 7¼.  Estimate 20,000—30,000 USD. Lot Sold 53,125 USD

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 44029 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: insignificant to faint.

Platinum, Carved Emerald and Diamond Jabot, Cartier, France, Circa 1925.  Photo Sotheby's

Of Indian style set with a carved emerald palmette and a carved emerald flower, accented by small old European-cut, single-cut and baguette diamonds, signed Cartier, Made in France, French assay marks. Estimate 10,000—15,000 USD. Lot Sold 46,875 USD

Pair of Platinum, 18 Karat Gold, Emerald and Diamond Pendant-Earrings. Photo Sotheby's

Set with square emerald-cut emeralds weighing approximately 3.85 carats, accented by round, calf's-head-cut and half-moon-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 1.55 carats. Estimate 30,000—40,000 USD. Lot Sold 37,500 USD

 

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1930. Photo Sotheby's

Set in the center with an emerald-cut emerald weighing approximately 3.50 carats, within an openwork plaque set with old European-cut, single-cut, baguette and half-moon-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 4.60 carats. Estimate 10,000—15,000 USD. Lot Sold 28,750 USD

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Double-Clip Brooch, Circa 1930.  Photo Sotheby's

Set with oval cabochon emeralds, accented by old European-cut and baguette diamonds weighing approximately 6.15 carats. Estimate 8,000—12,000 USD. Lot Sold 17,500 USD

 

Pair of 18 Karat White Gold, Emerald and Diamond Earrings. Photo Sotheby's

Set with oval emeralds weighing 1.73 and 1.72 carats, framed by small round diamonds weighing approximately .25 carat. Estimate 5,000—7,000. USD. Lot Sold 8,750 USD

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, 14 Apr 11, New York www.sothebys.com

Two Platinum, Carved Jadeite and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1925

Platinum, Carved Jadeite and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1925.  Photo Sotheby's

Set with an oval pierced plaque of brilliant emerald green color, carved in a relief of flower and peach motif, within a platinum frame set with baguette and old European-cut diamonds. Estimate 9,000—12,000 USD. Lot Sold 22,500 USD

Platinum, Jadeite and Diamond Brooch, Black Starr & Frost, Circa 1925. Photo Sotheby's

Composed of carved jadeite plaques of foliate design, set in the center with a marquise-shaped diamond weighing approximately .75 carat, accented by old European-cut, single-cut and window-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 4.30 carats, signed B.S.&F. Estimate 6,000—8,000 USD. Lot Sold 9,375 USD

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels,  14 Apr 11, New York www.sothebys.com

Jades chinois @ Aguttes - Paris

Grand vase en jade vert clair à tâche brune et quelques traces de rouillle. XIXe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

en forme de corolle de fleurs sculptée, sur la paroi exterieure de fleurs et de feuilles de nénuphar et d'oiseaux perchés. Marque gravée de quatre caractères à la base "Qianlong Changwan" (apprécié pour sa délectation pour l'ère Qianlong). H 20.5 cm - Estimation : 4 000 / 6 000 €

Coupe circulaire en jadéite vert. XIXe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

sculptée sur la paroi exterieure de fleurs de lotus traitées en enroulement sur fond de palmes. Diam. 12 cm - Estimation : 3 000 / 4 000 €

Tabatière à priser en jade blanc en forme de carpe sculptée. Deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

L : 7 cm. Posée sur un socle en bois ajouré - Estimation : 1 000 / 1 200 €

Groupe en jade blanc sculpté représentant un cheval allongé et deux singes tenant sa bride.. Début XXe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

L 9.5 cm. Socle en bois - Estimation : 1 000 / 1 200 €

Important jade avec "traces de rouille" . Fin XVIIIe, premier tiers du XIXe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

en forme de rocher sculpté de pagodes, personnages et prunus ajourés. L 16 cm. Estimation : 700 / 900 €

Aguttes - Paris. Vente du Mercredi 4 mai 2011. Expert : Vincent L'Herrou (06 07 11 42 84). Drouot Richelieu - Salle 2 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter la Maison de ventes au 01 47 45 55 55.

An important and rare jadeite double-square seal. Incised Jiaqing Chen Han and Ji Xia Yi Qing marks and probably of the period

An important and rare jadeite double-square seal. Incised Jiaqing Chen Han and Ji Xia Yi Qing marks and probably of the period. Photo Bonhams

The seal carved from one piece of jadeite as two rectangular columns of square section joined at the top with an arched finial, carved in relief on the first seal surface with the characters Jiaqing Chen Han and incised on the second seal surface with Jixia Yiqing; together with a fan belonging to William Lockhart printed on one side with a map of China and on the other with a map of Beijing pointing out the location of Lockhart's hospital in Beijing marked with an x. Each seal surface 2cm (¾in) square, both seals overall 3.1cm (1¼in) high x 4.3cm (1¾in) wide x 2cm (¾in) wide (2). Estimate: £40,000 - 60,000, HKD 510,000 - 760,000, $ 65,000 - 98,000

Provenance: the old label attached to the seal reads: A Seal of Kia Ching from Yuen Ming yuen

William Lockhart (1811-1896), F.R.C.S. F.R.G.S., of the London Missionary Society, and thence by descent to the present owner.

The seal inscriptions reading Jiaqing Chen Han (Jiaqing Emperor's Literary and Artistic Work) and Ji Xia Yi Qing (When does one have the leisure to delight the heart?), have been used during the Qianlong period, with paintings extant with the seal impression Qianlong Chen Han; see a painting sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2832; see also an Imperial tianhuang seal carved with the inscription Qianlong Chen Han, sold at Sotheby's Paris, 11 June 2009, lot 249; and an Imperial inkcake of the Qianlong period impressed Yo mo Zige Mingxun and with one seal of the Qianlong Emperor, Jixia yiqing, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, on 8 October 2009, lot 1812. The seal Jixia yiqing is recorded by Victoria Contag and Wang Chi-Ch'ien, Seals of Chinese Painters and Collectors, Hong Kong, 1966, pp.586 and 593, no.71, as one of Qianlong's seals.

The Jiaqing Emperor adopted the inscription Chen Han on one of his own seals. According to Guo Fuxiang, Researcher, The Palace Museum, Department of Palace History, Beijing, Jiaqing Chen Han, importantly, is recorded as one of the inscriptions used by the Jiaqing emperor; see Guo Fuxiang, Two Jadeite Seals Belonging to the Jiaqing Emperor, An Important Private Collection of Qing Historical Works of Art, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7 October 2010, p.18.

William Lockhart was born on 3 October 1811 in Liverpool. He trained at the Meath Hospital, Dublin, and Guy's Hospital, London. Joining the London Missionary Society, he was appointed medical missionary to Canton and sailed on 31 July 1838. In 1839 he left Canton to set up a hospital in Macao. Following an arrangement with American missionaries he left Macao for Chusan and reached Tinghae on 13 September 1840. The following year he returned to Macao and married Catherine Parkes. In 1842 he went to Hong Kong, then to Chusan, and in 1843 arrived at Shanghai and opened a hospital with Dr. Medhurst.

Following a trip home to England, Lockhart visited Beijing and worked there from 1861 to 1864. He returned to England permanently in 1864 and retired in 1867. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the London Missionary Society from 1869 to 1870. In 1892 he presented his library to the London Missionary Society. He died on 29 April 1896.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French expeditionary forces, having marched inland from the coast, reached Beijing. On September 29, two envoys, Henry Loch and Harry Parkes went ahead of the main force under a flag of truce to negotiate with the Prince I at Tongzhou. After a day of talks, they and their small escort of British and Indian troopers (including two British envoys and a journalist for The Times) were taken prisoner. They were taken to the Board of Punishments in Beijing where they were confined and tortured. Parkes and Loch were returned after two weeks, with fourteen other survivors. Twenty British, French and Indian captives died. On the night of October 6, French units diverted from the main attack force towards the Old Summer Palace.

In 1861 Lockhart published The Medical Missionary in China: A Narrative of Twenty Years' Experience, London, 1861. In this book, p.374, following the description of the Loch and Parkes peace mission, he notes the following, providing us with a rare insight into the British attitude at the time:

'On its being known that such cruelty had been inflicted on the victims of this treachery, and that the remaining captives were not given up, immediate steps were taken for the capture of Pekin, and finally one of the gates was surrendered to the allies. The city thus lay at the mercy of its captors without any further hostilities. The palace of the Yuen-ming-yuen was burned and destroyed by the English General on the 16th of October, as a punishment to the government for the perfidious cruelty towards the prisoners, and more especially as it was in that place that the barbarous treatment towards them commenced. This was one of the last acts of the expedition. It was wholly warranted by the occasion, and signally marks the indignation of the army against those who entrapped persons into their hands, and then cruelly tortured them to death. A money compensation was also demanded, on account both of the survivors and the relatives of those who had died.'

The provenance of the present seal, the presence of the missionary Lockhart in Beijing certainly in 1861 and possibly during the sacking of the Yuanming Yuan by the Anglo-French forces, and his unequivocal support of the actions taken by the English, is important evidence in support of the present seal's Imperial origin.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2011, New Bond Street www.bonhams.com

Jarre "Guan" Fahua, Grande coupe & Vase de forme balustre à couverte céladon. Dynastie des Ming, fin XVe-début XVIe siècle

Jarre "Guan" en porcelaine de forme balustre. Dynastie des Ming, fin XVe-début XVIe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

à décor sur fond bleu de cobalt dans le "style cloisonné" (Fahua) de filets d'argile en relief représentant quatre kilins de couleur ocre, reliés à des flkeurs de lotus par des rinceaux; lotus au col et lambrequins à la base. H : 34,5 cm. Adapté au col de métal pour être monté en lampe. Estimation : 4 000 / 6 000 €

Grande coupe hémisphérique godronnée. Dynastie des Ming, XVIe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

à bordure contournée en céramique à couverte céladon vert amande à décor incisé de fleurs de lotus. Diam. 31 cm. Estimation : 3 000 / 3 500 €

Vase de forme balustre en céramique à fond céladon vert amande. Dynastie des Ming, XVIe siècle. Photo Aguttes - Paris

décoré de fleurs, de chrysanthèmes et de feuillages traités en enroulement sur la panse, moulé en léger relief. H 36 cm. Estimation : 2 000 / 3 000 €

Aguttes - Paris. Vente du Mercredi 4 mai 2011. Expert : Vincent L'Herrou (06 07 11 42 84). Drouot Richelieu - Salle 2 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter la Maison de ventes au 01 47 45 55 55.

A Yunyao bowl with a purple splash & A Yaozhou bowl with engraved lotos. Song-Yuan dynasty

A Yunyao bowl with a purple splash, China, Song-Yuan dynasty. © 2011 Nagel - Auctions

D. 8,6 cmD. 8,6 cm. Very slightly chipped. Estimate  500 €

Property from an old German private collection, bought between WW I and WW II in the Berlin art trade.

A Yaozhou bowl with engraved lotos, China, Song-Yuan dynasty. © 2011 Nagel - Auctions

D. 15,5 cm. Good condition. Estimate 400 €

Property from a German private collection.

Nagel Auctions. Asian Art. May 6th-7th 2011 www.auction.de

Vase funéraire couvert à cinq réceptacles en céramique à couverte céladon vert amande. Période Song.

Vase funéraire couvert à cinq réceptacles en céramique à couverte céladon vert amande. Période Song. Photo Aguttes - Paris

H 34 cm. Quelques éclats et craquelures. Estimation : 700 / 900 €

Aguttes - Paris. Vente du Mercredi 4 mai 2011. Expert : Vincent L'Herrou (06 07 11 42 84). Drouot Richelieu - Salle 2 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter la Maison de ventes au 01 47 45 55 55.

Grand miroir en bronze. Période Song

Grand miroir en bronze. Période Song. Photo Aguttes - Paris

de forme cylindrique à patine verte avec traces d'argenture, à décor laqué peint au dos en argent de phénix entourés d'entrelacs fleuris sur fond noir. D: 23cm. Estimation : 2 000 / 3 000 €

Aguttes - Paris. Vente du Mercredi 4 mai 2011. Expert : Vincent L'Herrou (06 07 11 42 84). Drouot Richelieu - Salle 2 - 9, rue Drouot - 75009 Paris. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter la Maison de ventes au 01 47 45 55 55.