Ivory

Ivory Artemis and Actaeon Tankard. Circa 1860. Photo MS Rau Antiques 6 3/4" wide x 12 1/8" high.. Price: $34,500 Crafted entirely of precious ivory, this large covered tankard is adorned with the most intricate carving we have ever seen on such an item. Every part of this glorious stein is meticulously executed, from the elegant nude finial on its lid and spectacular handle, which is graced with a carytid, to the magnificent frieze depicting the myth of Artemis and Actaeon. Even the pin in the hinge is delicately carved of... [Lire la suite]

A pair of huanghuali continuous yoke back armchairs, nanguanmaoyi, 17th/18th Century, 46 1/2in (118.1cm). Sold for $1,498,000. Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams & Butterfields SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- Bonhams & Butterfields’ Fine Asian Works of Art auction on June 21, 2011 in San Francisco brought more than $11.5-million, with a rare pair of huanghuali continuous yoke back armchairs, 17th/18th century, leading the sale by bringing $1.49 million USD. One of many attractions among the Chinese furniture to be offered, the chairs were from... [Lire la suite]

A carved ivory seal paste box with figural decoration. Kangxi Period. Photo Bonhams The low box and cover of circular section with shou medallions and flowering plants carved in relief to the sides, the top of the cover featuring three young boys at play amid three auspicious rams and the underside centered with a dragon in relief encircled by a leiwen frame; 2 3/8in (6cm) diameter. Estimate: US$5,000 - 7,000 Property from Various Owners Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 21 Jun 2011, San Francisco www..bonhams.com

A fine red, black and yellow carved lacquer baluster vase, 18th Century. Estimate $80,000-120,000. Photo Bonhams San Francisco - Summer begins with a wealth of Chinese art at Bonhams & Butterfields, with fine objects in every collecting category going on the auction block June 21 at 10 a.m. A rare carved red, lacquer vase, Qianlong, discovered in an East Coast private collection, is a star lot and cover of the catalogue (est. $80,000-120,000). Carved with classic taotie masks, enclosed in stiff lappet bands on a ground of... [Lire la suite]

  A rare and brilliantly enamelled ruby-ground 'yangcai' 'floral' bowl. Yongzheng yuzhi four-character mark and of the period. Photo: Bonhams   HONG KONG.- The Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction features a cornucopia of works of art from the sublime to niche collectibles, reflecting the rich diversity of China's Imperial and artistic output.  The sale includes several private collections of fine quality Chinese antiques, including:  Chinese Jades from the Collection of John and Berthe Ford The... [Lire la suite]

 HONG KONG.- Following on from the extraordinary results of Part I and Part II, in which every snuff bottle from the celebrated Mary and George Bloch Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles has sold, with world records broken in eleven different categories, Part III is eagerly awaited. Several great collections of snuff bottles were formed in the early 20th century in Asia, Europe and the USA. However, no collection formed in the modern era can rival that formed by the late George Bloch (1920-2009). It consists of 1720 bottles,... [Lire la suite]

A rare complete ivory set of the eighteen Luohans. Late Qing Dynasty. Photo Bonhams Variously attractively and delicately carved in a similar position, standing upright with long flowing robes, each holding his attribute at his side, fitted wood stands, fitted boxes. All about 26cm (10in) high (36). Sold for £356,000 Compare a similar set, 19th century, sold in our San Francisco rooms on 13 December 2010, lot 5011. See also a related ivory Luohan set, sold at Sotheby's New York, 20 March... [Lire la suite]

A rare ivory and tortoiseshell hand screen in the shape of a butterfly. Late 19th century. photo Bonhams The wings of tortoiseshell carved with four butterflies within scrolling flowers and leaves, so elaborately carved that the butterflies are loose and only held in place by fronds of plants, the body and handle of ivory, fitted case, lucite stand. The guardstick 25cm (10in) high (3). Estimate: £8,000 - 12,000, HKD 100,000 - 150,000, $ 13,000 - 20,000 A tortoiseshell brisé monogrammed fan. Mid 19th century. photo Bonhams ... [Lire la suite]

An important and rare eight-panel ivory zitan-mounted 'erotic' album (detail), 18th century. Photo Bonhams A unique set of Chinese erotic ivory panels mounted in zitan wood screens, possibly from the court of the Qianlong Emperor, is estimated to sell at Bonhams next fine Chinese Art Sale in London on May 12th for an estimated £800,000 to £1.2m. The exquisite 18th-century ivory scenes show couples enjoying amorous embraces in a variety of leafy palace gardens. These superb panels of Oriental erotica are the latest discovery that... [Lire la suite]

Chinese elephant ivory and inlay ruyi scepter. Courtesy Freeman's Auctioneers & Appraisers Ornately decorated green monochrome elephant ivory with applied white jade medallion to head detailed with flowering tree of applied semi-precious stones; fu bat and lotus scroll details of applied mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell and coral to handle; with attached cord. L: 24 1/4 in. Estimate $6,000-8,000 Overall fine condition; minor wear. Freeman's Auctioneers & Appraisers. Asian Arts - Main Floor Gallery - Mar 19 2011... [Lire la suite]