longgua

A Manchu noblewoman's embroidered midnight blue surcoat (longgua). Late 19th Century. Photo Bonhams Intricately embroidered in white, polychrome and gilt-wrapped threads with eight roundels of five-clawed dragons grasping a precious pearl surrounded by clouds, bats, ribboned auspicious emblems and a shou medallion, all above a wide lishui border that repeats on the edges of the sleeves below three tiny dragon roundels embroidered en suite. 57 1/4in (145.5cm) long - Estimate: US$20,000 - 30,000 A chestnut silk ground... [Lire la suite]

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]