The Collection of Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg
LOT 828 – 860
Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family. Gustaf O. Wallenberg was a Swedish businessman, diplomat and active politician. He was the son of André Oscar Wallenberg, founder of Stockholm Enskilda Bank (today’s Skandinaviska En skilda Banken, known as SEB). After a career in the Swedish Navy he turned to the business world and was active in improving the transoceanic shipping industry.
Wallenberg was Sweden’s Envoy to Tokyo between 1907–1918. In April 1907 he travelled to Beijing to amend the Treaty of Canton (1847) between Sweden-Norway and China and to establish diplomatic relations between Sweden and the Qing Court. As the Swedish Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Peking, he successfully negotiated and signed with Lien Fang, the Guangxu Emperor’s High Commissioner Plenipotentiary and Senior Vice-President of the W ai Wu Pu, the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, between Sweden and China, which was signed in B eijing on 2 July 1908, with an additional article signed on 24 May 1909.
The collection was acquired between 1907 and 1918 when Wallenberg was the Swedish Envoy in Tokyo, and possibly during his diplomatic service in China. D ocuments preserved at the Östasiatiska Museum in Stockholm demonstrate the importance of Gustaf Wallenberg and his extensive connections with the Qing go vernment to the Swedish engineers and businessmen who were in China during this period, such as Johan Gunnar Andersson, Osvald Siren, Orvar Karlbeck, Erik Nordstrom and many more.
Gustaf Wallenberg was the grandfather of Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg (1912–1945), an architect, businessman, and diplomat. Raoul Wallenberg has been designated by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among N ations, as well as having many monuments and streets named after him in honour of him saving thousands of Jewsin German-occupied Hungary during the Second World War, while serving as Sweden’s Special Envoy in B uda p est. As he lost his father the same year he was born, he was brought up also by his grandfather G ustaf Wallenberg, with the Chinese porcelain collection around him, inheriting part of the collection when his grandfather passed away in 1937. He died at a time unk nown between 1945 and 1947, further to his detention in Budapest by General Malinovsky in 1944, and arrest by the Soviet authorities. Further to his disappearance his part of the Chinese collection was deposited at the Östasiatiska Museum in Stockholm, and later released to the family.
Gustaf O Wallenberg (1865–1937).
829. A yellow-ground famille rose ‘lotus’ dish, Qing dynasty, Jiaqing red seal mark and of the period (1796–1820).
The exterior is decorated with four medallions each enclosing one character, together reading: wanzi qiannian (ten thousands sons for thousands of years) all against a yellow ground covered with a continuous lotus scroll in famille rose colours. The interior further painted to the centre with a medallion of a wan symbol surrounded by dense blossoming sprays and stylised scrolling foliage. Diameter 16 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare with Christies, December 2022, Sale 20845 Pavilion. Chinese Art, Lot 3224. Compare also Christies, 12 November 2010, Live auction 5528, Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Textiles, lot 1413.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
828. A pair of yellow-ground famille rose ‘lotus’ dishes, Qing dynasty, Jiaqing red seal mark and of the period (1796–1820).
The exterior is decorated with four medallions each enclosing one character, together reading: wanzi qiannian (ten thousands sons for thousands of years) all against a yellow ground covered with a continuous lotus scroll in famille rose colours. The interior further painted to the centre with a medallion of a wan symbol surrounded by dense blossoming sprays and stylised scrolling foliage. Diameter 16 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare with Christies, December 2022, Sale 20845 Pavilion. Chinese Art, Lot 3224. Compare also Christies, 12 November 2010, Live auction 5528, Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Textiles, lot 1413.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 80 000 / EUR 5 500 – 7 330
830. A pair of rare turquoise ground ‘baijiaxiang’ stemcups, Qing dynasty with Daoguang mark and period (1821–1850).
Well potted with gently rounded sides raised on a tall spreading foot with stiff-leaf lappet, the exterior delicately and precisely decorated with the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, each beribboned Emblem set between lotus blossom borne on scrolling branches all on a turquoise ground, the interior and base turquoise glazed and with a gilded six-character seal mark. Height 10 cm. Diameter 13.5 cm. Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by
The Qing Emperors seems to have been particularly fond of cloisonné work and they had it imitated on porcelain, like on the present piece. Although the idea of imitating other materials through porcelain had existed well-before the eighteenth century, the craftsmen of the Qianlong period advanced the technique to a completely different level of perfection, sometimes creating pieces that were difficult to distinguish from the actual medium they were simulating. While in its colour scheme the present vase imitates cloisonné metalwork, stylistically it stands in the plain tradition of yangcai porcelain with its dense overall floral designs on a coloured ground. The thin golden outlines confining the vibrant enamels are a brilliant means to make the colours stand out against the turquoise ground.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 150 000 / EUR 9 160 – 13 740
831. A rare doucai dragon medallion jar, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng mark and of the period (1723–35).
The finely potted ovoid body rising from a tapered foot to a rounded shoulder and an upright rim, painted around the exterior with five dragon medallions, each enclosing a five-clawed dragon writhing amongst cloud scrolls, its arm extended reaching for a flaming pearl, interspersed with clusters of multi-coloured cloud scrolls, all above a lappet border above the foot, the shoulder painted with bajixiang above a stylised cloud scroll in green enamel, the base inscribed with a six-character mark in underglaze blue. Height 18.6 cm. Wooden stand and cover accompanies the jar, height with them 24 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare; a closely related jar from the collection of Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, in the British Museum, London (accession no. Franks.338), illustrated in Sekai toji zhenshu/Ceramic Art of the World, vol. 15, Tokyo, 1983, pl. 195. Compare also one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (accession no. 6051–1907). Compare also, Christies, 3566, 1 JUN 2011 | Live auction 2861. The Imperial Sale. Compare also, Sothebys, lot not 12. Imperial Porcelain – A Private Collection 4 November 2020, London.
Literature: For a prototype of this form and design, see a Chenghua mark and period
covered jar with floral roundels, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing (accession no. 00115586), illustrated ibid., pl. 168; and a reconstructed cup with roundels of winged dragons, excavated from the Chenghua stratum at the waste heaps of the imperial kiln factory in Jingdezhen, included in the exhibition A Legacy of Chenghua. Imperial Porcelain from the Chenghua Reign Excavated from Zhushan, Jingdezhen, Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. C120.
Catalogue note: This jar is particularly notable for its delicately painted motif of dragon roundels in soft washes of coloured enamel outlined and detailed in cobalt. The motif and colour scheme draws from imperial porcelain of the Chenghua period (r. 1465–1487), adapted and reinterpreted in accordance to contemporary taste. A Yongzheng innovation is evident in the use of cobalt not only to delineate the different elements of the design but also to create texture and a sense of movement through the dragons’ fine network of scales and their manes. Chenghua polychrome porcelain provided much inspiration to the potters active at the imperial kilns during the Yongzheng period as these early wares were particularly treasured by the emperor. An official record from 1732 lists 57 porcelain designs that were to be produced by the imperial kilns and mentions Chenghua polychrome porcelain among the most admired wares of the past. While masterpieces of the past were at times sent to Jingdezhen and used as models for direct copying, the most successful Yongzheng wares are contemporary interpretations of classic designs. This piece is such a creation: dragon roundels are known on Chenghua porcelain but are seldom found on jars, and the rendering of the dragons are characteristic of the Qing period.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 150 000 / EUR 9 160 – 13 740
832. A rare large ruby ground ‘yangcai’ floral bowl, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
The bowl is well potted with rounded sides rising from a straight foot painted to the exterior with enamels depicting a continuous lotus pond, featuring large blooms in yellow, pink, blue and greenish white, all supported on slender studded stalks, all reserved against a dazzling ruby-red ground. The interior and base are left plain. Diameter 18.8 cm. Height 7.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare, Sothebys, lot 104, Chinese Art Live Auction: 18 March 2025, New York. Property from Carnegie Museum of Art. Compare also a small cup of this decoration sold at Bonhams, Fine Chinese Art. Hong Kong, 25 May 2011. Lot no 373.
Literature: See two bowls of a smaller size but with the same design from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, (Object Number 故瓷 017557N000000000 and Object Number 中瓷 001264N000000000 on web site) is illustrated in Harmony and Integrity: The Yongzheng Emperor and His Times, Taipei, 2009, pg. 215, pl. II–41 (fig.1), and discussed by Yu Peijin, who expounds that the ruby-ground enamel on the bowl is exactly that recorded as ‘xiyang hongse’ (literally ‘Western red’) on the Taocheng jishi pei, the calligraphy written on the death of Tang Yin, the Imperial supervisor of porcelain at Jingdezhen from 1728–756. See also a bowl in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Hugh Moss, By Imperial Command, Hong Kong, 1976, pl.5; and a bowl in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated by Rose Kerr Chinese Ceramics: Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty, London, 1986, pl.93. For a similar bowl bearing a Yongzheng yuzhi bowl sold at auction, see a slightly smaller example from the T.Y. Chao collection, sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 18 November 1986, lot 130. But it is clear when comparing that his one is of unusually large size.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
833. A famille rose ruby ground sgrafitto ‘landscape’ bowl, Qing dynasty, seal mark and period of Daoguang (1820–50).
The rounded sides are finely painted with four circular panels depicting figures in riverside landscapes, two in sepia enamels, one in grisaille and the last in full famille rose palette. The panels are reserved on a sgrafitto ruby-red ground adorned with lotus sprays. The interior has a stylised eight-point flowerhead radiating ruyi-heads. Diameter 15 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare with a bowl in the Musee Guimet, Grandidier Collection, lot no 4939, and lot no G 2347. Compare with a pair sold at Christies, lot 2027. 29 MAY 2013 | Live auction 3220. The Yiqingge Collection of Chinese Ceramics.
Literature: Also compare with a bowl in the Palace Museum, Taiwan, Object Number; 故瓷 017320N000000000.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
834. A pair of famille rose cups, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Elegantly potted with a flared rim, decorated in enamels with two immortals, riding a horse and a mythical creature, cranes and emblems all against a white sgrafitto ground. Height 7 cm. Diameter 7.8 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family..
Exhibitions: Compare with sgrafitto cups sold at Chrisites, lot 8070, 6–13 June 2019. Chinese Art, 16727.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
836. A group of three lantern bowls, late Qing dynasty/Republic.
Decorated in enamels against a yellow ground. Diameter 12.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
835. A group of two famille rose bowls and a dish, late Qing dynasty.
Of different decoration. Diameter c. 17.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
837. A pair of turquoise ground ‘baijiaxiang’ cups, Qing dynasty with seal mark in red.
Decorated in grisaille against a turquoise ground. Rounded sides that rises from a short foorim, slightly everted rim.
With a three-character Dayazhai mark, a five-character Tiandi yi jia chun oval seal mark, the base with a fourcharacter Yongqing changchun mark, all in iron red. Diameter 14 cm. Wooden stands accompanies the pieces.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
838. A pair of enamelled landscape dishes, Qing dynasty, seal mark in red Xianfeng (1909–11) and of the period.
Decorated in enamels with a landscape by a river. Diameter 8.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
839. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Rounded sides, decorated in underglaze blue with a flute playing boy on a water buffalo riding in a moonlit landscape. Diameter 28.2 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
840. A blue and white censer, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Rounded shape with a flared rim and a straight foot. Decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and precious objects. Diameter 14.5 cm. Height 8.3 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
841. A blue and white brush pot, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Concave shape, decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and precious objects. Height 14 cm. Diameter 11.2 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare with a brush pot of this model in the British Museum, donated by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Registration number Franks.116.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
842. A finely painted blue and white jar with cover, Qing dynasty, 19th century. The cover 17th century.
Of ovoid shape with an unglazed rim, decorated in a vibrant underglaze blue with a figure scene from court life. Base with a six character Kangxi mark. Height with cover 23 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Bukowskis Sale 661, lot 951. Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
843. A famille verte jar with cover, 17th century.
Decorated with a figure scene of an elegant lady and her servant in a pavillion by a lotus pond. The other side with a group of men in conversation. Height 38 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
844. A wucai decorated vase. Qing dynasty, early Kangxi, 17th century.
Decorated in wucai colours with a figure scene. Height 36.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family. Gustaf O.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
845. A wucai Transitional vase, 17th century. Decorated in wucai colours with magnolia, chrysanthemum and peonies. Height 19 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 2 500 – 3 000 / EUR 230 – 280
846. An inscribed limestone Buddhist stele, Tang style, with an inscription the third year of the Xian, corresponding to 672.
Sculptured in deep relief with depicting a crowned deity flanked by two attendants. The reverse with an inscription that can be translated to 咸 ( 亨 ?) 三年四月六日 April 6, the third year of the Xianheng era (672). Height 26.5 cm. Width 15 cm. Depth 6 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare another small stele like this one at Sothebys, lot 167, Chinese Art Live Auction 18 March 2025. Compare with several dated steles in the Asian Art Museum, San Fransisco, For example, Credit Line. The Avery Brundage Collection. Object number B60S116+.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
847. A Chinese hardwood stand, Qing dynasty, 19th century. The rectangular top framed on the sides with an upright fence well carved, resting on a waist pierced with elongated apertures. Measure 48 x 14 x 7.5 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Catalogue note: Most likely a stand for a sceptre.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
848. An embroidered chair cover and three silk fragments, Qing dynasty.
Chair cover embroidered with elephants carrying vases on their backs. Measure 49 x 155 cm. Measure panel with meander 120 x 15 cm. Measure kezi fragment 38 x 35 cm. Measure red textile panel 29 x 102 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
849. An embroidered Chinese silk robe, late Qing dynasty. A red pattern weaved silk fabric with roundels depicting figure scenes. The neck, trim and arms are embroidered with butterflies and flowers against a blue ground. Length 134 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
850. A short Chinese silk jacket, early 20th century.
Embroidered in gold with roundels of two dragons chasing the flaming pearl amidst cloud formations all against a black ground. Blue silk lining. Length back 88 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
851. A bolt of Chinese pale blue and gold silk fabric, early 20th century.
Elegantly decorated in gold with flowers and lichifruit against a pale blue ground. Measure c. 82 x 770 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 2 500 – 3 000 / EUR 230 – 280
852. A Chinese scroll painting by anonymous artist, ink and colour on paper, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
Measure motif 45 x 46 cm. Measure in total 190 x 58 cm. Can be rolled up.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
853. A Chinese scroll painting after Zhang Xiong (1803–1886), early 20th century.
A bird in a blossoming cherry tree. With calligraphy and a seal in red. Measure motif 39 x 155 cm. Measure hanging 58 x 210 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
854. A scroll painting by anonymous Chinese artist, late Qing dynasty/early 20th century.
Ink and colour on silk. Depicting boys at play. Four panels laid on paper. Each panel measure 22 x 23 cm.
Total measure scroll 34 x 136 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
855. Two Chinese albums, one empty, early 20th century. Unsigned. Water colours. Measure 21 x 30 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 2 500 – 3 000 / EUR 230 – 280
856. A group of 10 Japanese imari verte dishes, 19th century.
Deep, decorated in imari verte with a figure scene from court life and with calligraphy. Diameter 24.8 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
857. A set of seven Japanese imari verte dishes, Meiji period (1868–1912).
Decorated in imari verte with phoenix birds and sylized patterns and flowers. Diameter 23.3 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
858. A group of eight blue and white Japanese plates, Meiji period (1868–1912).
Decorated in underglaze blue with flowers. Diameter 22 cm.
Provenance: Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1865–1937), Stockholm, and thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
859. A rare Japanese Hirado ware dish with dragon and tigers, 19th century.
Deep with rounded sides and a flared rim on a tall footrim. Painted in a vivid blue with a dragon to the center and a group of lively tigers to the exterior. Diameter 26.4 cm. Height 8 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
860. A Japanese bronze tiger, 20th century. With seal to the stomac. Length 67 cm.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur
From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art. This is part of a collection, a collection that was assembled not only with great care, but also with a deep curiosity and passion for learning – a true academic collection. The collector has been actively buying and studying Chinese porcelain since the early 1970’s. LOT 890 – 909
890. A celadon glazed double fish dish, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Rounded sides with an everted rim. Decorated in relief with double fishes. Diameter 20 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
891. A blue and white wine pot, Ming dynasty, Wanli (1572–1620).
Decorated in underglaze blue with flowers, tassels and stylized patterns. Height 19.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Literature: Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, Vol II, Yuan and Ming, compare a wine pot of this type on page 757. TKS 15/2311.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 12 000 / EUR 740 – 1 100
892. A small blue and white stemcup, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Bowl shaped cup on a tall slightly flared foot, decorated in underglaze blue. Height 8 cm. Diameter 6.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
893. A set of two blue and white dishes, late Ming dynasty, Jiajing (1522–66).
Decorated in underglaze blue with a mythical creature amidst leaves. Diameter 13 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
895. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
With an apocryphal Chenghua six character mark to base. Decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and precious objects. Diameter 15.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
894. A blue and white ‘landscape’ dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
The rounded sides rising from a straight foot to a flared rim, vividly painted to the interior in the style of the Master of the Rocks, depicting a scholar by a riverscape flanked by rocky mountains and trees. The base is inscribed with an apocryphal six-character Chenghua mark within a double circle. Diameter 26.3 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 25 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 290
897. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Decorated in underglaze blue with flowers and stylized patterns. Diameter 21.2 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
896. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
With hall mark to base. Decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous lotus scroll, peaches, bats and shou characters. Diameter 20.3 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
898. A famille verte tureen with cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Round decorated in vivid colours with flowers. Diameter 22 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
899. A famille rose butter tureen with cover and stand, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Oval shape, decorated in iron red and famille verte with flowers. Length tureen 16 cm. Length dish 18 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
900. A famille rose tea pot with cover, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Depicting a scene from a famouse chinese litterary work, the romance of the Western Chamber. Height 12 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 0649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
901. A Benjarong bowl with cover, Qing dynasty, with a Jiajing mark and of the period (1522–66).
Decorated in the enamels red, green, yellow, pink, blue against a celadon green and gilded ground. 14.8 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: Compare with a bowl with cover in the Collection of the V & A, London. Accession number C.108 & A–1957. Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1879. Object Number: 79.2.1362a, b. To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951-967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Catalogue note: Benjarong (Thai เบญจรงค์ ) porcelain ware is a kind of painted Thai ceramics. While the name literally means “five colours,” it is a figurative description and actual decoration can have anywhere between three and eight colours. For the decoration, repetitive forms, usually geometric or flower-based, are used. The earliest trace of Benjarong ever recorded is back to the Ming dynasty in China (1368–1644 A.D.). In the reign of Xuande Emperor (1425–1435 A.D.) Benjarong usually has five or more colours. About 600 years ago, a princess from China was married into the Siam dynasty (now Thailand) and she brought Benjarong with her. Benjarong was then supplied from China to the king of Siam for several generations.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
902. An enamelled Benjarong bowl, 19th century. Tall footrim, rounded sides and flared rim, decorated in vivid enamels. Diameter 21 cm. Height 10 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
903. A Benjarong bowl with cover, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated in enamels in the colour green, yellow, blue against a red ground. Diameter 19 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Catalogue note: Benjarong (Thai เบญจรงค์ ) porcelain ware is a kind of painted Thai ceramics. While the name literally means “five colours,” it is a figurative description and actual decoration can have anywhere between three and eight colours. For the decoration, repetitive forms, usually geometric or flower-based, are used. The earliest trace of Benjarong ever recorded is back to the Ming dynasty in China (1368–1644 A.D.). In the reign of Xuande Emperor (1425–1435 A.D.) Benjarong was invented at Zhejiang province but it only gained popularity during the reign of Chenghua Emperor (1464-1487 A.D.). In China, Benjarong will have three or more colors but in Thailand, Benjarong usually has five or more colors. About 600 years ago, a princess from China was married into the Siam dynasty (now Thailand) and she brought Benjarong with her. Benjarong was then supplied from China to the king of Siam for several generations.
Exhibitions: Compare with a bowl in the British Museum with similar decoration, registration number Franks.575. Donated by: Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks.
Catalogue note: To see other lots sold from this collection, see Bukowskis auction 649. Lot no 951–967. Also Bukowskis Sale 657, lot no 1145–1164.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
904. A bronze sculpture of a daoist immortal, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Standing with clasped hands, clad in a long robe with an intricate floral pattern by the arms and hems of the robe. Height 29 cm.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
905. A bronze sculpture of a guardsman, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Dressed in armoured robes with billowing scarf and ornate headdress, holding a sword. Height with wooden stand 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector. Purchased in Hong Kong January 14th 1966.
Catalogue note: This bronze statue depicts the real historical figure of the military General Guan Yu (died AD 219) who became glorified in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, attributed to Luo Guanzhong. Under the late Ming Emperor Wanli (r. 1572–1620) Guan Yu was transformed into a deity and as such his honorific name was changed from ‘Guan Gong’ or Duke Guan, to the grander ‘Guandi’ or Lord Guan. This rise in the cult worship of Guan Yu stemmed in part from the looming military threat of the Manchus in the north-east of China; and pirates that raided deep into the coastal regions. Whenever there was a foreign military incursion therefore, China’s military heroes were resuscitated.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
906. Two gilt bronze figures of guardsmen, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Standing on postaments, traces of gilding and red lacquer.
Height c. 15.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
907. A gilt copper alloy figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 17th/18th century.
Seated in vajraparyankasana on a double-lotus base, with hands held in dhyana mudra and supporting a bumpa, his dhoti falling into pleated folds around the legs, the face with a serene expression framed by an elaborate headdress and a pair of pendulous earlobes adorned with ornamental earrings. Height 18.5 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Birgitta Berg, flight attendant, who purchased it in the 1960’s in Hong Kong, thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
907A. A gilt bronze figure of Shakyamuni buddha, Tibeto-Chinese, 18th century.
Seated in vajrasana on a lotus base, his right hand in bhumisparshamudra, the left resting on his lap, wearing a dhoti covering his left shoulder and left side chest, arm and lower body, leaving the feet and right arm and chest bare; a high pleated bodice covers the lower torso. The hems of the robe with incised floral pattern. The hair is arranged in rows rising over the ushnisha and surmounted by a cintamani finial. Height 10.2 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Birgitta Berg, flight attendant, who purchased it in the 1960’s in Hong Kong, thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
908. A gilt bronze seated figure of Amittayus, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736–95), dated by inscription. The figure is cast seated in dhyanasana with downcast eyes and a serene expression. The lower front of the throne is incised with nine characters reading Da Qing Qianlong Gengyin nian jing zao, ‘made during the Gengyin year of the Qianlong reign under the Great Qing’. Height 18.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with Christies, lot 121, 13–20 Feb 2020 x 18177, ‘The Art of China: Spring Edition’.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
909. A gilt bronze figure of a Lama, Tibeto-Chinese, 18th/19th century.
Seated in dhyanasana on a double cushion covered by a rug, both ornately incised with floral and leaf motifs, his right hand raised in vitarkamudra, his left lowered in his lap, wearing thick inner and outer robes with floral motif incised on hems, the gentle face surmounted by a Pandita usha with side flaps falling over his shoulders. Height 11 cm.
Provenance: Poperty of a private Finnish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 12 000 / EUR 740 – 1 100
Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990's, thence by descent within the family.
910. A pair of Tibetan/Nepalese filigree vases with stone inlay, 19th century. Baluster shape with flared and pleated rims. Richly decorated and set with glass and gem stones including turquoises and lapis lazuli. Height 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 25 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
911. A gilt copper repousse figure of Mahakala, Nepal, around 1900.
Depicted standing on lotus pedestal placed on a throne, his feet trampling over binayaka, the body decorated with stones and his eight arms held in mudra, holding various ritual objects including; sword, flaying knife and human head, wearing a dhoti incised with stones and embellished necklaces, earrings and elaborate headdress, all framed by a towering flaming mandorla. Height 19 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family. Purchased at Nordens Auktioner, Stockholm. Then from the collection of Wilhelm Kåge.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
912. A Tibeto-Chinese sculpture of Yama, early 20th century.
Yama striding in pratyalidhasana on the buffalo over a prostate figure and a buffalo on a lotus base, hands raised holding attributes, the figures adorned. The wrathful bull’s face with bared fangs, bulging eyes, surmounted by shocks of flaming hair. The base sealed with a double vajra. Height 14.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
913. A Tibetan Raktayamri Thangka, 19th century/ around 1900.
Mandala with a deity depicted in yabyum to the centre, surrounded by radiating lappets enclosing vases alternating with figures of his lineage. Just next to the other trim three lamas and a deity to each corner. Measure with motif 40.5 x 40 cm. Measure with silk passepartout and frame 59 x 87 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
914. A Tibetan Amittayus Buddha Thangka, 18th/19th century.
Seated deity in the middle surrounded by 318 buddhas. Distemper and gold on cloth. Measure motif 54.5 x 77.5 cm. Framed in silk. Measure hanging 70 x 120 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
915. A stone stele of Devi, presumably North India, 12th century.
Marble. Standing in samapadasana dressed in a diaphanous dhoti secured with a festooned belt, the face with serene expression flanked by elaborate earrings and surmounted by a conical headdress, with attendant figures on each side. Height 66 cm. Width 37 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of John Johnson (1861–1951), a Swedish businessman, wine merchant and art mecenat, who donated most of his art collection to the city of Uddevalla. He was during his time one of the most prominent art collectors in Sweden, the art collection consisted of 17th Flemish artists, Düsseldorf paintings, important Swedish art by Carl Fredrik Hill, Ernst Josephsson, Anders Zorn and Bruno Liljefors. 67 of his paintings are today on display at Bohusläns museum. This sculpture has remained with the family up until now.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
916. A lime stone sculpture of the bull Nandi, India, 18th/19th century or older.
The bull depicted richly adorned and carparisoned. Length 18 cm. Height 14 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family. Purchased at Nordens Auktioner, Stockholm. Then from the collection of Wilhelm Kåge.
Catalogue note: The bull Nandi is the faithful mount of the Hindu deity Shiva.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
917. Withdrawn.
918. A large bronze ‘arrow’ vase, Touhu, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368).
Of archaistic form, with a bulbous body raised on a stepped foot, and with a long tubular neck flanked by lug handles, decorated with grinning masks evoking a taotie on each side. Height 54 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of the Swedish missionaries John Edwardsson (1896–1951) and Alfhild Edwardsson (1902–1979) active in Yunnan provinse, based in Tengyueh (Tengchong) during the 1930’s and Myanmar (Burma) Yangon (Rangoon) a few years in the 1940’s. Thence by descent.
Exhibitions: Compare with a vase sold at Bonhams, ‘More than a Game - Games in Chinese Art’, including the Brian Harkins Collection of Bronze Arrow Vases. 29–30 May 2022. Lot no 1. Compare also a vase of this type sold at Bukowskis, 657, lot 1186.
Catalogue note: These type of vases were designed for the ancient Chinese game of touhu, or ‘arrow throwing’, which would form part of the entertainment at banquets and is mentioned in early classical texts such as the Chunqiu Zuo Zhuan. Contestants would aim feathered arrows at the various cylinders applied to the vase, with higher points awarded for the less accessible openings. The loser was made to drink wine, leading to increased inebriation and diminished throwing accuracy.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
919. A large garlic head qilong bronze vase, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The vase is cast with a compressed globular body rising to a tall neck coiled around with two long dragons chasing a flaming pearl, all below the lobed garlic-head mouth.p. Height 42 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare a much smaller one in the National Palace Collection, Taipei, Taiwan, Object Number 中銅 001197N000000000. Christies, lot 164. 6 APR 2015 | Live auction 3406. The Pavilion SaleChinese Ceramics and Works of Art.
Catalogue note: An archaistic shape inspired by the garlic mouth vases from the Han dynasty.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
920. A bronze vase, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Of baluster shape with mascaron handles. Height 24 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector. Purchased in Hong Kong January 17 1966.
Exhibitions: Compare with a vase of this type in the British Museum, Museum number 1987,0523.1.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
921. A bronze censer, Gui, late Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Rounded sides on a tall splayed foot, decorated in relief and with handles. Length 20 cm. Weight 1241 gram.
Provenance: Purchased in Shanghai by a Swedish collector in the 1930’s.
Thence by descent in the same famliy.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 290 – 2 750
922. A bronze censer, late Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Interior with four character mark. Rounded sides on a tall foot, handles in the shape of mythical creatures biting into the handle. Length 14.5 cm. Weight 539 gram.
Provenance: Purchased in Shanghai by a Swedish collector in the 1930’s.
Thence by descent in the same famliy.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
923. A large tripod bronze censer with pierced cover, late Ming/early Qing dynasty. The globular body decorated to the shoulder with lappets, below that an intricate pattern of cloud formations and other archaistic motifs. The legs spout from the mouth of mythical creatures and the two handles are shaped as dragons, the reticulated domed cover with a buddhist lion finial. Height 69.5 cm.
Provenance: The collection of General Director Vilhelm Meyers. A prominent Danish businessman who lived and worked in China during the years 1902–1935. He ran and owned the Andersen & Meyer Ltd, a company which at the time had about 25 000 employees. In 1935, Vilhelm and Kirstens daughters donated 150 Chinese Works of Art of their parents vast collection to the National Museum in Copenhagen.
Literature: Christopher Bo Bramsen: The Director General: Vilhelm Meyer – a Danish businessman’s life in China. Copenhagen: G.E.C. Gads Forlag, 1993. 381 pp.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
In the center Vilhelm Meyer in the center with some of his staff from his trading company Andersen, Meyer & Co in 1906.
Vilhelm Meyer and his wife Kirsten Bramsen at their wedding in Shanghai 1909. Sitting next to her is her father Aage Bramsen.
Vilhelm Meyers residence at avenue road in Shanghai.
Vilhelm Meyers at the Manchu palace in Bejing together with Sophus and Minna Black.
924. A bronze censer, Qing dynasty with Xuande mark.
Rounded sides with maskaron handles. Base with Xuandes six character mark. Height 5.5 cm. Height with wooden stand 10 cm. Diameter rim 14 cm.
Diameter widest part 18.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collection.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
925. A peach shaped censer, Qing dynasty with an apocryphal Xuande mark.
In the shape of a large peach resting on three small peaches. Interior with Chinese characters. Length 12 cm. Height 7 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
926. A bronze sculpture of the drunken poet Li Bai, Qing dynasty.
The drunken poet relaxed resting against an over-turned wine jar under his left side which raises his upper torso, the languid pose is mirrored in the sinuous folds of his elongated flowing sleeves, his out-stretched form, long moustache and his half closed eyes. Wooden stand beautifully carved with lingzhi fungus and reticulated formations. Length 21, height 13 cm.
Height including the stand 20 cm.
P etite: Li Bai (Chinese: 李白 701–762), also known as Li Bo, Taibai ( 太白 ), was a Chinese poet who is considered one of the greatest and most influential poets of the Tang dynasty – and in the entire history of Chinese literature. Along with his friend Du Fu (712–770), he was one of the most prominent figures during the Tang Dynasty, the
golden age of Chinese poetry. The expression “The Three Wonders” refers to Li Bai’s poetry, Pei Min’s swordsmanship, and Zhang Xu’s calligraphy. Li Bai’s poems became models for celebrating the joy of friendship, the depth of nature, solitude, and the pleasure of drinking. Some of his most famous works are “Waking from Drunkenness on a Spring Day” ( 春日醉起言志 ), “The Hard Road to Shu” ( 蜀道难 ), “Bring in the Wine” ( 将进酒 ), and “Quiet Night Thought” ( 静夜思 ), which are still taught in schools in China. In the West, multilingual translations of Li Bai’s poems continue to be made. His life has taken on an almost legendary character, with tales of drunkenness and chivalry, as well as the well-known story of Li drowning while reaching from his boat to catch the reflection of the moon in the river while drunk.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
927. A Chinese gilt wooden panel, late Qing dynasty, 19th century. Carved in deep relief, depicting a louhan, an elegant lady, a crane and a buddhist lion. Gilded and lacquered in red. Length 60 cm. Height c. 34 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
928. A large altar table (Qiaotouan), Qing dynasty.
The long rectangular panel top of well figured wood set with everted ends, surmounting plain beaded aprons and ruyi-form spandrels, raised on thick rectangular section legs enclosing an openwork panel carved with a large upright lingzhi motif and tennoned into shoe-type feet. Measure 51 x 96 x 188 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Catalogue note: Long and narrow rectangular tables with upturned flanges were popular in wealthy households of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
929. A large Imperial Hongmu compound cabinet, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Of rectangular form, the main section constructed with two panels forming the front doors, each of the two narrower outer panels superbly carved with two dragons writhing sinuously in pursuit of a flaming pearl amidst ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls and above tumultuous waves, one panel further carved with two vicious looking five clawed dragons facing each other with a pearl in between, the other lower panel repeating that pattern with two five clawed dragons facing eachother with a flaming pearl in between but also above a rock formation. Each exceptionally and deeply carved with a ferocious en face dragon soaring above a ‘flaming pearl’ and a further writhing dragon, against a ground densely carved with clusters of ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls and above tempestuous crashing waves. The edges of the exterior and central panels fitted with gilt-bronze hinges decorated with dragons amidst cloud motifs, the edges of the central panels with further gilt-bronze plates and door pulls decorated in low relief with double fish and chimes. Height 200 cm. Width 177 cm. Depth 71 cm.
The top cabinets only has the doors and side panels left but they are similarly carved in meticulous detail with the dragon motif. Measure doors each 83x76 cm, center post 84x5,8 cm. Measure two panels each 85.5x60 cm.
The lock decorated with a floral scroll and with the inscription 狀元及第 ‘the first rank at the examination’. Length lock 22 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Kronowall Castle auction in 1988, Bukowskis. Lot no 98 . Depicted in the catalogue. The cabinet came to Kronovall Castle from the Estate of Claire Emilia Dupas and Louis Marie Francois Xavier Cazeau, a prominent businessman, french diplomat and for a time serving as the equivalent of Mayor of Paris. Their daughter Marie Germain Cazeau (born 1898) married Count Eskil Sigge Leon Sparre af Söfdeborg (1893–1975). The contents of the parents home in Paris and their estate in Nizzawere shipped to Kronovall and used to decorate the castle. Louis Marie Fancois Xavier Cazeau was a friend of the Swedish King.
Exhibitions: Black and white image shows cabinets of this type in the Forbidden City, Tai he dian (Hall of Supreme Harmony). Image taken by Osvald Sirén in 1922. Compare also lot 352, sold at Bonhams, Fine Chinese Art 11 May 2017.
Literature: The present compound cabinet, with its impressive carving of the ‘dragons chasing flaming pearls’ motif illustrates the procurement of the exquisite on Imperial command. The different components that complete this magnificent (originally over three metres high and close to 2 metres wide) piece of furniture has been separated but can be re-united in their original form. The side panels and front still exists. Furnishings of this type, in particular those that employed images of the dragon, were conceived to elevate Imperial presence and power. Such a tour de force object could most possibly have been designed and crafted by skilled artisans employed by the Muzuo 木作 or Wood Workshop, one of the Palace Workshops (Zaobanchu 造辦處 ) that operated under the command of the Imperial Household Department (Neiwufu 內務府 ) of the Qing court.
The cabinet with its pictorial composition of in total when complete 10 pairs of sinuous dragons, each pair chasing a flaming pearl amongst auspicious ruyi 如意 form clouds above turbulent waves interspersed with bajixiang 八吉祥 symbols and floral sprays, may appear familiar from a number of examples from the 18th century. A well known Imperial piece is a zitan cabinet of different structure but also decorated with the theme of dragons chasing flaming pearls amongst clouds, pictured in situ in the bedroom behind the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian 養心殿 ) and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 249 (Fig. 1). The cabinet was built to fit the hall which became the main residence of the Yongzheng Emperor (r. 1722–1735) and was used by his successors subsequently. While the Yangxin Dian cabinet is also the product of the Wood Workshop, there is noticeable stylistic variation in the depiction of the dragons and in the emphasis of the compositions that reflect the evolving artistic styles and preferences of their respective periods.
We can only speculate how and where the present cabinet was deployed. But perhaps the lock and its inscription gives us a clue.
Catalogue note: The inscription engraved on the associated metal lock, ‘Passing the exams as a Zhuangyuan’ (Zhuangyuan jidi 狀元及第 ), encapsulated the greatest respect for education and the desire of every literati in Imperial China to pass the civil service exams and become the Zhuangyuan or top scorer. The Zhuangyuan would have gained immediate entry into high officialdom as well as winning instant glory for himself, his family, town, and even province.
Estimate: SEK 120 000 – 150 000 / EUR 10 990 – 13 740
Kronowall Castle.
Detail of lock with inscription.
Carved in meticulous detail with five clawed dragons.
Image of the doors and mid panel for the top cabinet, these accompany the the lot. Side panels are also included.
Cabinets of this type in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, 1922.
930. A well carved wooden panel, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
The rectangular panel is elegantly carved in deep relief with birds in a blossoming cherry tree in a garden with peonies. The panel is enclosed in a sculpted zitan veneered frame. The reverse is elegantly decorated with buddhist emblems and ribbons. Measure with frame 53 x 106.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Finnish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare, Christies lot 3019. 29 May 2019 Live auction 18336 ‘Leisurely Delights’. A pine and crane nanmu panel.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
931. A Chinese huali square table with a lotus-leaf waist, 20th century.
The well-figured beaded top above a lotus-leaf-shaped carved waist and a wide scrolled beaded apron carved in relief with pairs of confronted phoenix birds raised on four cabriole legs extending into a circular section and ending in drum-stool-shaped feet, all joined to the apron by four large arm braces carved in the form of lingzhi. Measure 48 x 60 cm. Height 70 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with tables of this design in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Hu Desheng, A Treasury of Ming & Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, Beijing, 2007, vol. I, pl. 166.
Literature: Nancy Berliner discusses the original version of this table type in Beyond the Screen: Chinese Furniture of the 16th and 17th Centuries, Boston, 1996, pp. 134–135, cat. no. 22.
Catalogue note: This design is interesting, the original version occurs in the late Ming period, and the abundance of carved decoration on these tables represents a clear departure from the clean and sober aesthetics more commonly associated with 17th century furniture, and demonstrates the co-existence of different furniture styles in this period. The graceful curves of this piece, created by its undulated waist and the shaped aprons, and its decoration are imbued with a feminine quality. The long sides of the table are carved with a motif of two phoenix facing the sun (shuangfeng chaoyang), an omen for the arrival of enlightened men, while the short sides with a pair of birds perched on flowering branches. Wang Shixiang, op.cit., p. 281, suggests that the former share similarities with designs found on contemporary brocade, while the latter with polychrome porcelains of the Wanli reign (r. 1573-1620).
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
932. A Chinese waisted huanghuali table, late Qing dynasty/Republic.
Rectangular shape, aprons carved with floral scrollwork. The whole is raised on square-section cabriole legs terminating in upturned feet. Height 64 cm, width 80 x 48 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of the Finnish attaché Harry Arvid Uggeldahl (1931–1991), who was based in Beijing ca 1963–1965. Thence by descent within the family.
Catalogue note: Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
933. A pair of huali round-corner square cabinets, Fangjiaogui, Republic period. With paneled doors set within the narrow frame, the doors opening to reveal the shelved interior with five drawers, and shelves area, the whole supported on legs of rounded square section flanking plain aprons and spandrels. Height 93 cm. Width 63.5 cm. Depth 35.5 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of the Finnish attaché Harry Arvid Uggeldahl (1931–1991), who was based in Beijing ca 1963–1965. Thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
1061, 1048, 1106 and 1115.
934. A Chinese wooden stand with mother of pearl inlay, late Qing dynasty/Republic. With shelves in different levels. Height 55 cm.
Width 40 cm. Depth 18 cm.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
935. A Chinese lacquered and gilt wood stand for a basin, late Qing dynasty, 19th century. Decorated with openwork. Panel featuring a scholar, crest with dragon heads and a deity by a lotus flower. Stand with four mythological heads. Measure 165 x 55 x 42 cm.
Catalogue note: These stands were used for wash basins.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
936. A Chinese gilt wood lantern with brass shade, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The stand emerging from an elaborate stepped base, the four slab feet carved and gilt with scrolling clouds and leiwen, separated by four dragon heads emerging from the center pole decorated with further clouds wisps, the feet joined to the pole by ornate tapering spandrels of archaistic angular scrolls with details picked out in gilt, the long staff carved in high relief with a brightly gilt, fiveclawed dragon boldly coiled amid further clouds and extending the entire length of the pole decorated with a gilt pattern, the fierce head of the mythical beast arching over the top to form the lantern support; together with an associated brass lantern with a pierced decoration with a dragon, symbols and cloud formations. Wired for electricity. Converted to a floor lamp. Height 175.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare, lantern stands sold at Sothebys, Important Chinese Art 12 September 2018 New York. Lot no 274. To see round brass lanterns see lot 600, Christies, 28 April-7 July 2003 Live auction 2138. The Imperial Sale, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art.
Literature: Lantern stands of this kind were used for nighttime illumination of one of the many rooms of the grandest residential complexes. Although glass was introduced in the 18th century it is most likely that the present stand originally suspended a globular inside-painted horn lantern. The dragon-head base and coiled-dragon-form stand is a motif seen in other media in the Qianlong period, for example a large cloisonné and gilt stand from the collection of Samuel Avery, illustrated in Avery Collection of Ancient Chinese Cloisonnes, Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Brooklyn, 1912, cat. no 84.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
937. A carved bamboo sculpture of Liu Hai and his golden toad, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century. The Daoist Immortal carved standing, dressed in loose flowing robes cascading in voluminous folds and revealing his round belly, his right hand supporting the three-legged toad and his left hand slightly raised at his chest holding a rope of coins, his waist adorned with a belt suspending a double-gourd and overlapping leaves the bamboo well-patinated to a brown colour. Height 23 cm.
Provenance: Purchased by a collector from Roseburys auction house, nov 2023, lot no 250.
Literature: Bamboo carvings of the Immortal Liu Hai and his three-legged toad were popular throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the present lot appears to have been carved after earlier Ming dynasty prototypes. See a bamboo carving of Liu Hai and Toad, late Ming dynasty, illustrated by S.Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, pp.162-163. Later bamboo carvings of Liu Hai, Kangxi to Yongzheng periods are also illustrated in Ibid., p.293, where the author notes that ‘smaller toads were common on bamboo carvings with the same subject matter during the late Kangxi and Yongzheng periods’.).
Catalogue note: The imagery of these carved figures features a multitude of auspicious symbols and rebuses. The Daoist immortal Liu Hai is associated with wealth and prosperity.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
938. A framed ivory and kingfisher-featherembellished wall panel, Qing dynasty, Qianlong/Jiaqing.
Decorated with a figural scene within a fenced garden set before a village in a mountainous riverscape, well detailed with a scholar seated on a chair holding a cup, below a parrot stand, with lady attendants by his side holding a wine ewer and other objects, looking at a lady dancing with a sword raised over her head and an attendant boy, standing under the shade of a tree, all set within a superbly carved zitan frame with four bats tied with interlocked bands and cartouches, glazed. Measure with frame 86x63 cm.
Provenance: Property of a lady, purchased in Sweden at auction in the 1980’s.
Exhibitions: Compare: Bonhams, Fine Chinese Art 13 May 2010. Live Auction. London, New Bond Street. Lot no 187. Compare also, Christies, lot 275. 15 September 2009 Live auction 2196. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections.
Literature: Compare related kingfisher feather and bone or ivory embellished panels attributed to the Qianlong period, illustrated in A. Setterwall, S. Fogelmarck and B. Gyllensvard, The Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm, Malmo, 1972, pp.200–202. Compare also, R. Soame Jenyns, Chinese Art: The Minor Arts II, London, 1963, p.229 and in B. Jackson, Kingfisher Blue: Treasures of an Ancient Chinese Art, Toronto, 2001, p.189.
Catalogue note: Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
CITES certificate no 4.10.18-07383/2025 accompanies the lot.
Estimate: SEK 200 000 – 400 000 / EUR 18 320 – 36 630
LOT 1044, 936, 932 and 923.
939. A pair of lady’s ornamental hairpins, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The flower shaped hair pins each delicately decorated with vibrant kingfisher feathers and embellished with beads and jade leaves. Total height with pin 13.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Catalogue note: Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
940. A fine enamelled gilt silver flower basket, late Qing dynasty. The basket is finely crafted in the form of a basket decorated with blue, green, turquoise, puple, pink, yellow, coral and white enamel. Height 21 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collection.
Exhibitions: Compare with a silver gilt enamel boat sold at Christies, lot no 270. May 2019, Live auction 17113. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art.
Catalogue note: China has a long tradition of creating these exquisite works in enamel, filigree, parcel gilt, silver. One most interesting set is the Toilet set of Catherine the Great, made in China 1740–50, in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, comprising 32 objects.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
941. A pair of Chinoiserie figures of a Parsi tradesman and his wife, Qing dynasty, Canton, 19th century.
Standing figures holding a vase, painted and gilded decoration. Each holding a faceted vessel to one side. The male figure with a moustache, wearing distinctive high black hat and white belted tunic under his coat, black pantaloons underneath and black slippers on his feet. The figure is described as a Parsi Merchant, due to his paghri head gear. He is clad in a belted tunic, pantaloon, a common outfit for men in the late 17th century and onward. Height 37.5 – 38.5 cm.
Provenance: Poperty of a private Swedish Collector.
Exhibitions: Compare a set exhibited in Asian Civilisation Museum, Singapore, 2011 – 01505. Catalogued as Canton, 19th Century. Compare a sculpture sold at Christies, 25 January 2011. Live auction 2404. Chinese Export Art. Lot no 233. Compare also Sothebys, lot 162. Collections 31 October 2017 London. Compare also Sothebys, Lot 454. L12305 4 December 2012 London.
Literature: In the 1830s the best-known Parsi merchant, Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, had “… dealings with Jardine, Matheson… worth well over a million pounds a year,” according to P. Conner, The Hongs of Canton, pp. 118 – 19, where the author details the Parsi presence on the China coast and illustrates the Lamqua full-length oil portrait of Jeejeebhoy.
Catalogue note: This kind of figures became popular in the China Trade during the 18th century, and many of them were produced in Guangzhou. One can find figures portaying European and Asian traders, Chinese Merchants or Chinese official. The parsi figure is quite rare, the Parsis descend from the Aoroastrians who as early as the eight century left Islamic Iran for India to avoid religious presecution. Many Parsis migrated to Mumbai at the invation of the East India Company and became shipping tycoons, international traders and brokers. Some families settled in Singapore in the mid 19th century.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
942. A Chinese reverse glass painting, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Depicting an elegant lady in a salon. Measure with frame 30.5 x 40.5 cm.
Provenance: The painting was purchased by John Walter Hamilton at an Estate Auction of Karlslundsgård, Västerås, Sweden. This estate was owned by his uncle Karl Axel Lewenhaupt who also owned Geddesholm.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
943. A pair of reverse glass paintings, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated with figure scenes from court life. Measure with frame 61 x 46.5 cm.
Literature: Crossman, Carl L; The Decorative Arts of the China Trade. The frames are of the type ‘chinese chippendale’, used during the mid 19th century from 1830–1880.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
944. A silk embroidery in a table screen, Qing dynasty. The silk panel embroidered in gold against a black ground with a buddhist lion, bats, lotus and lingzhi fungus. Height 112 cm. Width 61 cm. Depth 43 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
946. A blue silk and metal-thread ‘five-clawed dragon and phoenix’ panel, Qing dynasty, around 1800.
A blue ground panel with six five-clawed imperial dragons chasing the flaming pearl amidst cloud formations. Lined with blue silk. Measure c. 92 x 96 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare a similar panel sold at Bukowskis, Sale 657, lot no 1170. There is several scroll covers in Museum collections, see on in the Asian Art Museum, San Fransisco. Credit Line. Transfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Carlotta Mabury Object numberB81M30.
Catalogue note: Possibly used as a scroll cover. There are inscribed squares that tells us more about this tradition, see for example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1941 Object Number: 41.123.2. The inscription states that it was produced to accompany the Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy of his own essay discussing the difficulty and ease of founding and maintaining an empire.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
945. A red panel embroidered with silk, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Depicting an elegant couple in a palace enviroment surrounded by courtesans, antiques and a boy. Measure motif 118 x 66 cm.
Measure with frame 138 x 86 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of the Finnish attaché Harry Arvid Uggeldahl (1931–1991), who was based in Beijing around 1963–1965.
Thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
947. Two Chinese embroidered silk panels, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated with the immortals in a landscape setting. Measure 73.5 x 216 cm and 73.5 x 260 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
948. A large silk embroidery, Qing dynasty, 19th century. With eight five clawed dragons against a red ground. Measure 124 x 236 cm. Later lining. With inscription to reverse.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
949. An antique Chinese silk brocade panel, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Wowen with the 100 boys motif on a coral red ground above dragons and birds. Lined with blue silk with clouds. Measure 204 x 134 cm.
Provenance: The Swedish explorer Sven Hedin (1865–1952) via gift to his sister’s granddaughter Gerd Wetterlind (1928–2025) thereafter by descent to the current owner.
Exhibitions: Compare with a lot sold at Christies, lot 413, 9 November 2007 Live auction 5101. Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
950. An embroidered silk robe, remodelled into a dress, Qing dynasty.
Embroidered with five clawed dragons chasing the flaming pearl, buddhist emblems and birds. Altered into a dress. Length 107 cm.
Provenance: The Swedish explorer Sven Hedin (1865–1952) via gift to his sister’s granddaughter Gerd Wetterlind (1928–2025) thereafter thence by descent to the current owner.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
951. A Chinese embroidered silk robe, late Qing dynasty. Embroidered with flowers, figure scenes, antiques and auspicious symbols. Lined. Height back 108 cm.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
Property of a private Finnish Collection
The collection was formed between 1980-2020, the collector has had an interest in China and Chinese Works of Art since childhood, growing up in Beijing. He returned to China in grownup years for work, he came to live in China altogether more than 40 years. His love of China, and Chinese works of art is mirrored in the collection and being an academic collector, he never got tired of learning more about the subject by studying literature, attending lectures, visiting museums, auction houses and befriending curators from Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Paris, and S tockholm. The collection consists of both Chinese ceramics and textiles. This being part 2, a part of the textile collection.
LOT 952–957
952. An imperial kesi Jifu on blue ground, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated with five clawed dragons amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, bats and buddhist the Eight Daoist Emblems above a lishui stripe. The decoration is repeated on the border, collar and horsehoof cuffs. With pleated midnight blue silk sleeves. Length back 140 cm. Width arm to arm 220 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Christies, label from 24 November 1998, lot no 26. Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
953. A Chinese dark blue gauze summer dragon robe, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The blue robe is worked with the prescribed nine five-clawed dragons, two shown full-face leaping around a ‘flaming pearl’ on the front and the back while six others on the front, back and shoulders are shown reaching for the pearl, as is the ninth on the under flap. All dragons are set amidst bright lingzhi-clouds and interspersed with ‘precious objects’, bats and cranes above a lishui stripe separated by further clouds and wave formations. The decoration is repeated on the border and collar. By the waist it is still folded to be adjusted to the right length when sold. Same thing with the arms, no arms, was to be sewn on at the right length when sold. Length back 118 cm. Width arm to arm 106 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Christies London 21 Nov 1997 lot 30. Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
954. A blue ground summer gauze dragon robe, Jifu, Qing dynasty, circa 1900.
The blue gauze is worked in couched gold thread and counted stitch with the prescribed nine five-clawed dragons, two on the front and back shown clutching flaming pearls while the others are shown reaching for the pearl, all amidst lingzhi-shaped clouds interspersed with ‘precious objects’ and bats. The whole is set above a terrestrial diagram and lishui stripe separated by further clouds, and with similar decoration repeated on the border, collar and cuffs. Height back 130 cm. Length arm to arm 200 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Christies London 17 November 1999, lot no 6. Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
955. A dragon Imperial insignia roundel, rank badge, early 1700’s.
With a scale dragon chasing the flaming pearl amidst cloud formations against a dark blue ground. Lined in a blue silk lining. Diameter 30 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
956. A pair of embroidered civil officials rank badges, Buzi, with egrets, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Made for a fifth rank civil official, the bird, a symbol of literary elegance, worked in silver thread on a separate applique patch, sown on to a square, embroidered in satin stich, depicting the bird alighting on a rock emerging from foaming waves in wich jewels and precious objects are tossed. The bird is surrounded by ruyi-shaped clouds and the sun is in a vibrant red satin stitch. All is surrouned by a scroll border in gold, green and white. Lined in a bright blue silk. Measure 30 x 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Literature: Illustrated Precedents for the Ritual Paraphernalia of the Imperial Court, published in 1759, tells us much about how Court attire was regulated by imperial decrees. The Chinese tradition of wearing rank badges (buzi), also known as Mandarin squares, to demonstrate civil, military or imperial rank began in 1391 during the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644), and continued throughout the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911).
Catalogue note: Qing badges feature a single creature and sun as well as ornamental borders with clouds and auspicious symbols. Appliqué animals began to appear on badges in the mid-19th century, which made it easier for officials to swap creatures as they moved up the ranks. Although Ming portraits show women wearing identical rank badges to their husbands, edicts outlining rules for women were not issued until the Qing dynasty, when the wives and children of (sons and unmarried daughters) were permitted to wear their husband’s or father’s insignia. It became the tradition that a wife’s badge was a mirror image of her husband’s, so when she sat beside him (women sat on their husband’s left) their creatures would be facing each other. For example, a civil official’s wife’s rank bird would face left.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1380 – 1840
957. A civil offical’s rank badge with a silver pheasant in Peking knot, Qing dynasty, early 19th century.
The Fifth Civil Rank badge worked in Peking Knot / ‘forbidden knot’ depicting the bird upon a rock amongst foaming waves and the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, below bats and peach sprays, all amidst ruyi-shaped clouds. A border with bats and shou characters. Framed. Measure badge 31 x 31 cm. Measure with frame 32.8 x 32.8 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Christies Sale 9511, lot 84. 19 November 2002. Property of a private Finnish Collection.
Literature: Illustrated Precedents for the Ritual Paraphernalia of the Imperial Court, published in 1759, tells us much about how Court attire was regulated by imperial decrees. The Chinese tradition of wearing rank badges (buzi), also known as Mandarin squares, to demonstrate civil, military or imperial rank began in 1391 during the Ming
dynasty (1368–1644), and continued throughout the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). These insignia were sewn onto or woven into the wearer’s garments to indicate their rank. Civil officials wore insignia with different bird species corresponding to their rank, while animals denoted military officers. The fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911 brought an end to rank insignia.
Catalogue note: A badge featuring a bird identified the wearer as a civil official. To attain such a position required years of intense study, so birds may have been selected because of their literary associations. Each rank was represented by a different species, and while there were slight variations over time, by the Qing dynasty the order from highest to lowest was: crane, golden pheasant, peacock, wild goose, silver pheasant worn by fifth-rank civil officials has distinctive long, scalloped or serrated tail feathers.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
959. A group of 11 various ‘official’s hat’ finials, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Comprising several different materials of finials, the mounts variously decorated with motifs such as prunus blossoms, feather, pearls, cash and bats. Height 5–6 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Exhibitions: Compare, Bonhams, lot 301, Asian Art 4 November 2019, London, Knightsbridge.
Catalogue note: Hats were an important part of official dress at all levels of government, and the finial worn atop a hat was an indicator of the wearer’s rank.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
958. Withdrawl.
A violet background with a four-clawed dragon among sacred mountains and clouds.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 9 160 – 11 450
960. A Chinese silk and metal-thread ‘Dragon’ pillar rug, Bejing, North China, around 1910, c. 234 x 151 cm.
963. An antique Beijing carpet, northern China, c. 365 x 294 cm.
Circa 1900. A blue ground with a large polychrome floral medallion and butterflies. A wide dark blue main border with blooming branches and butterflies.
Provenance: The Lennart Heyman (1918–1974) collection. Lennart Heyman was trained in oriental rugs from his father’s wholesale firm Heyman & Olesen in Stockholm. Heyman was a collector and dealer of both antiques and oriental carpets and took assignments as a valuer of carpets in Sweden and abroad, including for Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London. The business premises were located at Birger Jarlsgatan 3 until his death.
Estimate: SEK 18 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 650 – 1 840
961. An antique Baotou rug, northern China, around 1910, c. 167 x 96 cm. Red background with ducks and vegetation.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
962. An antique Baotou rug, northern China, around 1900, c. 160 x 83 cm).
A dark blue ground with the fine arts depicted: the lute, the chessboard, the paintings, the books, and several floral symbols.a.
Literature: Compare Larsson jr, Lennart: ‘Mattor från Kina, Sinkiang och Tibet’, Stockholm 1985, colour plate 83, p 77.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
965. An antique rug, probably Beijing, northern China, around 1910, c. 235 x 150 cm. A blue ground with two medallions featuring a banner and blooming branches. A wide dark blue main border.
Provenance: The Lennart Heyman (1918–1974) collection. Lennart Heyman was trained in oriental rugs from his father’s wholesale firm Heyman & Olesen in Stockholm. Heyman was a collector and dealer of both antiques and oriental carpets and took assignments as a valuer of carpets in Sweden and abroad, including for Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London. The business premises were located at Birger Jarlsgatan 3 until his death.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
964. An antique Chinese runner, around 1900, 203 x 68 cm.
An orange coloured with eleven polychrome medallions with buddhist lions, cloud bands, symbols and meander ornaments. An orange coloured border with flower patterns.
Literature: Compare Lampa, Rolf, ‘Och i deras ögon glödde vreden. En matthandlares resor och äventyr’. Carlsson Bokförlag, Stockholm 1999.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
966. An antique/semi-antique Beijing rug, northern China, around 1920, c. 180 x 95 cm. Bone-white ground with polychrome flowering trees. Dark blue main border.
Provenance: The Lennart Heyman (1918–1974) collection. Lennart Heyman was trained in oriental rugs from his father’s wholesale firm Heyman & Olesen in Stockholm. Heyman was a collector and dealer of both antiques and oriental carpets and took assignments as a valuer of carpets in Sweden and abroad, including for Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London. The business premises were located at Birger Jarlsgatan 3 until his death.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
967. A Chinese scroll painting, attributed to Liu Du (17th century). Ink and colour on silk. Seven seals in red. With calligraphy. Mountainscape with pagodas. Image 36.5 x 146 cm.
Provenance: Purchased by a Swedish collector in Hongkong 1960. Thence by descent. Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
968. A Chinese painting by anonymous artist, late Qing dynasty/early 20th century.
Depicting a deity and two attendants. Measure 71.5 x 117 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish collector, purchased at auction in Stockholm.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
969. A Chinese scroll painting signed 瓮斋 Sheng Zhai, dated 1829. Tang Yin’s school. Ink and colour on silk. With five seals in red and calligraphy. Mountainous landscape with figures. Measure motif 58 x 107 cm. Measure hanging 73.5 x 245 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
970. A Chinese scroll painting by Zhen kai/Zhang Shuangquan, dated 1918.
Ink and colour on silk. Two seals in red and with calligraphy. Depicting two deers in a garden setting. Measure motif 38.5 x 81.5 cm, 51.5 x 176 cm hanging.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
971. A Chinese scroll painting, ink and colour on silk, late Qing dynasty after Qiu Ying.
With eight seals in red and with calligraphy. Signed Qiu Ying with an additional inscription by Lu Zhi. Pagodas in a landscape setting with figures. Measure motif 53 x 107 cm. Measure hanging 66 x 200 cm. Can be rolled up.
Provenance: From a Swedish private collection, the family lived in Japan, 1957–1971, thence by descent.
Catalogue note: An artisan of lacquer with humble origins, Qiu Ying later became a student of Zhou Chen (around 1450–1535) and a professional painter in the Jiangnan area. Thanks to the patronage of art collectors Zhou Fenglai (1523–1555), Chen Guan (after 1557) and Xiang Yuanbian (1525–1590), he copied and learnt from the Song and Yuan paintings in their collections and eventually became one of the Four Masters of the Wu School. According to Wen Zhengming, Qiu Ying’s painting made him feel ashamed. Some of Qiu’s paintings had inscriptions by his contemporaries Tang Yin, Peng Nian, Wen Jia and Lu Shidao etc. that testified their friendships.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
972. A scroll painting of geese in a landscape, late Qing dynasty/Republic.
After a scroll painting from the Ming dynasty. Ink and colour on silk. Depicting geese and birds in a landscape. Measure motif 95 x 144 cm. Measure hanging 106.5 x 214 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
973. A Chinese painting, ink and colour on paper, signed Fei Yigeng (d.1870), late Qing dynasty. With three seals in red and calligraphy that describes the scene ‘Visiting a Zen master next to the lake’. Measure with frame 30 x 132 cm. Measure with frame 40 x 165 cm.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
974. A Chinese scroll painting signed Ma Jin (1900–1970), dated 1942. With three seals in red and calligraphy. Eight horses in different postures one being chased by a keeper.
Measure motif 128 x 63 cm. Measure with frame 144 x 79 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Exhibitions: One can see how this artist was influenced by paintings such as ‘Emperor Qianlong appraising horses in the spring’ by Guiseppe Castiglione.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 80 000 / EUR 5 500 – 7 330
975. A Chinese album with figure scenes, late Qing dynasty, early 20th century.
Album, with 12 figure scenes in landscapes. Measure each motif 17.5 x 24.5 cm. Measure album 34 x 21.8 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
976. Bui Huu Hung (Vietnam, b. 1957) ‘Royal Lady with Bird Cage’. Signed Bui Huu Hung, labeled ‘Ben Thanh Art & Frame Vietnam’ verso. Image area 120 x 120 cm. Frame 143 x 143 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare other works by this artist sold at Bonhams, lot 17&18, Southeast Asian Art, 21–27 June 2024, Paris, avenue Hoche.
Catalogue note: Certificate issued by the artist and Galerie Nguyen accompanies the lot.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 670 – 4 580
977. R.L. Hobson: A Catalogue of Chinese Pottery and Porcelain in the Collection of Sir Percival David.
The Stourton press, 1934. 180 mostly coloured plates. Original blue Chinese binding; Blue fabric clad folding case. Measure folding case 33 x 44 x 6.5 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare, Christies, lot 1689. 27 NOV–12 DEC 2024 | Online 23065. Pavilion Online–Chinese Art.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
978. A Dutch East India Company (V.O.C) silver ingot from the Bredenhof Bullion. c. 1600 gram.
Weight 1600 grams. Dimensions 15.3 x 3.7 x 3.2 cm.
Literature: In September 1752 the Dutch Council of Seventeen of the V.O.C. ordered the Chamber of Middelburg to send the BREDENHOF via Ceylon to Bengal. The Bredenhof, built in 1746 was a vessel of 136 feet and 800 ton. The voyage to Bengal would be the third and last of the Bredenhof to the East Indies. In the year 1752 the Chamber of Middelburg not only lost the WAPEN VAN HOORN, but also the famous GELDERMALSEN. In the year 1753 the Chamber would suffer another loss: the Bredenhof. The Bredenhof’s cargo manifest was listed as 14 barrels (‘vaatjes’) with
specially minted VOC copper coins (‘Duiten’) and 30 chests with silver and gold. This was made up to 29 chests of bar silver, valued at 300 000 guilders, and one chest with 5 000 gold ducats, valued at 25 000 guilders. The silver was set apart for Bengal to be minted into silver Rupees. In calm conditions, but as a result of treacherous counter currents, the Bredenhof was wrecked on a reef 13 miles from the east coast of Africa and about 120 miles south of Mocambique, the Portuguese settlement on the African coast. This tragedy took place on 6 June 1753.
Catalogue note: Red sachel from the Bredenhof Bullion; Christie’s, Amsterdam, 4 December 1986.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 25 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 290
979. A ‘Xinjiang Old Dragon Note’, Qing dynasty, Guangxu period (1871–1908).
A bank note for 400 wen minted by Xianjiangs official money bureau. Decorated with two dragons and with text in both Chinese and Uyghur text from governor of Xianjiang, Liankui and the province governor Wang Shunan. With several seals in red. Measure 26 x 13.2 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Georg Roberntz who arrived in China in 1921 to work for the Missionary Church. He came to be based in East Turkestan, in what today is Sinkiang, the Swedish missionary station there were founded in 1892. His wife Elin (Andersson) who was a trained nurse came out a few years later with Dr Christian Hermanrud. Thence by descent within the family.
Literature: Compare with a note of this type on page 116, illustrated account of Qing dynasty paper money. Professor Xu Yizong. Taipei.
Catalogue note: A banknote of the denominations of 400 “Red Cash” coins (dört yüz dacınlik) for circulation in the province of Xinjiang under the reign of the Manchu Qing dynasty.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 150 000 / EUR 9 160 – 13 740
Georg Roberntz with the children.
Elin Roberntz working as a nurse.
Elin Roberntz and her collegues at the hospital.
Government officials visiting Georg and Elin Roberntz.
982. An enamel box with cover, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Of rococo model, decorated to the cover with an elegant lady with two attendants. The inside of the cover with flowers. The lower part decorated in purpur camaieu with ‘hafner’ scenes.
Length 9.5 cm. Height 5.2 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
983. A pair of enamel on copper candlesticks, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Possibly originally lantern stands. Decorated in enamels.
Diameter 12.5 cm. Height 12.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
980. A group of Chinese coins, silver and copper, Qing dynasty and early 20th century.
One Chinese ‘fat man yuan shih kai silver dollar’. Diameter 3.9 cm, weight 26.8 gram. A group of six smaller silver coins, diameter 1.8–2.2 cm, weight 20.8 grams. A group of seven small copper coins, diameter 2.3–3,1 cm, weight 43.6 grams. A group of 21 brass coins, weight 94.4 grams.
Provenance: From the Collection of Edit Pettersson (1890–1970). Edit was born in Eskilstuna, Sweden, and studied to be a midwife at Löweströmska hospital in Väsby. She graduated in Stockholm 1913, and after working for 2 years as a private midwife/nurse with a family in Värmland, she travelled with the Sibirian railroad to China, and settled in Kiaockow in 1915 to work as midwife with the missionaries there. In 1920 she fell ill and was nursed at the German Hospital and then began her journey back, taking the S.S. Empress of Asia for the first leg of the travel, a stemer famous for crossing the Pacific in nine days, two hours, and fifteen minutes. She came to spend 5 years in China and kept in close contact throughout her life with the connections she made out there. She had a god son of the Emperor living with her and her husband in Hagalund, when he had fled China temporarily due to the political situation. The items have been treasured memories of the family since.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
981. A Chinese silver bowl, Shanghai, early 20th century. Marked Zee Wo.
Round on a short foot, decorated in relief with bird in a pine tree under a full moon. Weight c. 316 gram. Diameter 15 cm.
Height 8.5 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Bukowskis, lot 613, lot 732. Then from a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
984. An enamel on copper censer, late Qing dynasty/Republic with a blue enamel Qianlong mark.
The globular vessel raised on three bulbous feet, colourfully enamelled with a meandering foliate lotus scroll reserved on a dark blue ground rising to the rounded shoulder decorated with lotus-petal panels and cylindrical neck with lotus blossoms, below the rim meander frieze, flanked by a pair of similarly-enamelled S-shaped handles set with openwork gilt copper areas, the elaborate domed cover decorated with a meandering foliate lotus scroll in openwork between a geometric border around the rim and ruyi-head, below the reticulated gilt-copper globular finial decorated with a coiled five-clawed dragon pursuing the flaming pearl amidst cloud-scrolls. Height 23 cm. Width 15.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Danish Collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with one with the same lotus pattern but dated as Qianlong in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum, New York. redit line: Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881. Object Number: 81.1.638a–c.
Literature: The painted enamel incense burner is of the type of impressive Imperialtribute ware made in Guangzhou/Guandong for the Qing Court. Such an incense burner would most likely have been the central element in a five-piece garniture, which would have included a pair of candlesticks and a pair of gu vases. For two complete garnitures, mid Qing dynasty, from the Qing Court Collection, see the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 5, Painted Enamels in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Beijing, 2011, nos.176 and 264. Compare also the similar openwork design on the cover of a painted enamel brazier and a pair of painted enamel incense holders, both mid Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated ibid, nos. 254 and 255.
Catalogue note: The incense burner is of ‘ding’ form, based on the shape of archaic bronze ritual vessels of the Shang dynasty, and as such reflects the Qianlong emperor’s fascination with antiquity and his call for craftsmen to take inspiration from forms and designs of antiquity.
Estimate: SEK 80 000 – 120 000 / EUR 7 330 – 10 990
985. A cloisonné and jade box with cover, Qing dynasty. Rectangular with rounded sides, decorated with a continuous lotus scroll, the top with a jade placque, interior, edges and base gilded. Measure 8.5 x 7.2 x 3.6 cm.
Provenance: From the private collection of Eskil Artberg (1886–1974), thence by descent within the family. Eskil Artberg was the owner and cofounder of Japanska Magasinet, an antique shop in Stockholm founded 1909 by Eskil and his brother John Artberg (1878–1933). The brothers were active in trading Japanese and Chinese works of Art and also contributing by lending objects to the early exhibitions of both Japanese Works of Art, such as for example the one in 1911 atKonstakademin of Art and Chinese Works of Art. The shop first focused on Japanese Works of Art and Japanese papers that they sold to the Swedish Artists of the early 20th century, then after the war when the interest of Japanese Art cooled of, Eskil came to focus more on Chinese Works of Art. Both the Etnographic Musuem in Stockholm and The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm hold items that has been purchased from Japanska Magasinet.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
986. A carved Chinese nephrite cup in the shape of a lotus leaf, late Ming dynasty.
Well sculptured as a lotusleaf with buds, and branches in high relief around the leaf. Length 11.5 cm. Height 4.5 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Exhibitions: Compare with bowls/cups of this type in the British Museum, see Museum number 1930,1217.12. Bequeathed by: James Hilton.
Estimate: SEK 15 000–20 000 / EUR 1380 – 1840
987. A group of Chinese 13 nephrite ornaments, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
Sculptured into different shapes. Length 2.5–5.8 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Exhibitions: Compare flower ornaments of this type at the British Museum, Museum number 2022,3034.218. Previous owner/ex-collection: Sir Joseph Hotung.
Literature: Rawson 1995 / Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing (cat. no.25.16). Discusses the find of jade flowers as early as from the Jin dynasty.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
988. A group of three nephrite sculptures, late Qing dynasty. One sculptured as a mandarin duck. Length 4 cm. The other two as feline animals in play. Length c. 4.5 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
989. A group of three archaistic nephrite ‘pig dragon’ ornaments.
A large round object with an opening, diameter 15 cm. Two objects, length 12–13 cm.
Provenance: Bukowskis Important Winter sale 645 lot 905. From the Collection of Art Director Ivar Björnberg (1934–2021). Growing up at Östermalm, Stockholm Ivar visited gallery viewings, auction viewings and antique shops with his parents and alone. It was during his visits to the antique dealers of Stockholm he became friends with the dealer Victoria Lindström, Grev Turegatan 28, Stockholm. He started to work extra at the gallery and had her as a mentor when starting his own collection. The collection is a academic one and it shows Mr Björnbergs taste and great passion for the aesthetics of Chinese Works of Art.
Catalogue note: Pig dragon ornaments are so named because of their porcine flat snubbed snouts, small ears and coiled dragon bodies. They are on of the most disictive types of jade ornaments from the Hongshan culture. If from the period they are from 3500 BC.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
990. A Chinese nephrite carving of a recumbant lion with her cub, Qing dynasty.
The buddhist lion resting with her head turned towards her cub that climbs at her back, both holding lingzhis in their mouths. Length 7.9, height 3.2 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Plakas Auctions, London, February 2022 lot 91. Thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
Property of a Finnish private Collector
LOT 991, 1042 and 1117.
991. A well carved soapstone sculpture of Guanyin seated on Xiezhai, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
The deity dressed in long, loosely draped robes, her right hand holding a document crossed over her lap, her hair elaborately tied, emerging from under her hood, the figure shown seated in lilasana on a blanket draped over the back of the creamy yellow-colored, fanged xiezhai, its head turned as to look at the kneeling attendant by his hind leg. Height 10.5 cm. Length 9.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Finnish private collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a sculpture of Manjusri riding a lion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Credit Line: Bequest of Edmund C. Converse, 1921. Object Number: 21.175.118.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
992. A Chinese archaistic bowenite vase with cover, Republic/20th century.
After an archaistic bronze shape, carved in low relief, with taotie masks archaistic dragon scrolls between double line borders, dragon mask handles suspending loose ring. Finial in the shape of a buddhist lion. Height with wooden stand 28 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
993. A Chizou glazed jar, early Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Of ovoid shape, decorated with scholars in a landscape setting. Height 17 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a jar of this type, but of different shape in the Collection of the Metropolitan Museum, Credit Line: Mr. and Mrs. Isaac D. Fletcher Collection, Bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917. Object Number: 17.120.157.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
994. A large chizhou painted jar, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Heavily potted, the body with rounded sides tapering towards a narrow splayed foot, the wide mouth with a short neck and lipped rim, freely painted in dark iron-brown on a creamy-white ground with a large cartouche enclosing an elegant figure with an attendant in a landscape, all between concentric and wavy lines, flowers an stylized patterns. The back of the vase with two rabbits, the base left unglazed revealing the buff-colored body. Height 38 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society. Purchased at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Exhibitions: Compare a vase in the Collection of Metropolitan Museum, New York, Credit Line: Mr. and Mrs. Isaac D. Fletcher Collection, Bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917 Object Number: 17.120.157. Compare also. Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Samuel T. Peters, 1926. Object Number: 26.292.55. Compare vase of this type sold at Sothebys, lot no 263. Important Chinese Art 16 March 2016 New York.
Estimate: SEK 18 000 – 22 000 / EUR 1 650 – 2 020
995. A celadon glazed figure of Guanyin, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The bodhisattva is modelled with a crown and wears long flowing robes open at the chest to reveal jewellery. She is seated on a high base by a kneeling attendant. Height 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
996. A pair of green and yellow glazed roof tiles figures, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Standing male figures holding tablets clad in long green robes. Height with wooden stands c. 28 cm.
Provenance: Propert of a private Swedish collection.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
997. A pair of blanc de chine libation cups, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
In the shape of lotus, decorated in relief. Height 5 cm. Length 9 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare similar at the Chicago Art Institute, Credit Line; Bequest of Henry C. Schwab. Reference Number 1941.540.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
998. A blanc de chine figure of Guanyin, Qing dynasty, 18th century. The bodhisattva Avalokitesvara shown standing atop a base of swirling clouds, with left hand held over the right, wearing a lotus and bead necklace and long robes falling in crisp, graceful folds around the body, the head held straight and the face finely modelled with gentle expression, the hair drawn up into an elaborate topknot behind a crown draped with a cowl. Height 41 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare several sculptures such as this one in the collection of The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, for example. Inv. no PO 108. PO 8637.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
999. A white glazed sculpture, Yuan/Ming dynasty. A seated figure. Height 16 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector. Estimate: SEK 3 000 – 3 500 / EUR 280 – 320
1000. A blanc de chine figure of a seated Guanyin, 18th/19th century.
Depicted seated clad in a long robe, her right hand resting on her knee. Height 14.5 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Krister Littorin, who purchased it through Gadelius, thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1001. A blanc de chine libation cup, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
In the shape of a rhinoserous cup, decorated in relief with a dragon, a deer a crane and a branch of blossoming cherry tree. Height 7.5 cm. Length 13.4 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare cups of this style in the Collection of the British Museum, number 1980,0728.399–400.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
1002. A blanc de chine figure of Guanyin, late Qing dynasty, circa 1900.
Seated Guanyin. The shade mounted under a small stone plaque. Height 21.5 cm. Height with mount as a lamp 60.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 3 000 – 4 000 / EUR 280 – 370
1004. A ge-glazed vase, Qing dynasty. Rounded body with a tall elongated neck, glazed in a ge glaze.
Height 20 cm.
Provenance: From a Swedish Noble family, Läckö Castle.
Literature: Pierson 1999 / Illustrated catalogue of Ru, Guan, Jun, Guangdong and Yixing wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.57, no.A30) Yorke Hardy 1953 / Tung, Ju, Kuan, Chun, Kuang-tung & Glazed I-hsing Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.31, no.A30, pl.XIII).
Catalogue note: 官 (guan ‘official’) celadon ge glaze was invented in the Southern Song dynasty (AD 1127–1279) and remained popular in the Yuan, Ming, Qing and Republican periods. Some were made at Jingdezhen and others in Zhejiang province.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1003. A ge glazed bowl, Qing dynasty.
Tall footrim, everted rim, covered in a ge-glaze. Diameter 18.5 cm.
Height 6.5 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Krister Littorin (1879–1939), who purchased it through Gadelius, thence by descent.
Exhibitions: Compare with a bowl of this type in the V& A. Accession number C.428–1910. Bequeathed by Mr. George Salting, accessioned in 1910. Dated as 18th century.
Literature: Pierson 1999 / Illustrated catalogue of Ru, Guan, Jun, Guangdong and Yixing wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.57, no.A30) Yorke Hardy 1953 / Tung, Ju, Kuan, Chun, Kuang-tung & Glazed I-hsing Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.31, no.A30, pl.XIII).
Catalogue note: 官 (guan ‘official’) celadon ge glaze was invented in the Southern Song dynasty (AD 1127–1279) and remained popular in the Yuan, Ming, Qing and Republican periods. Some were made at Jingdezhen and others in Zhejiang province.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1005. A Chinese ge-glazed censer, Qing dynasty. Round, tripod, decorated in a ge glaze. Heigth 9 cm. Diameter widest part 19 cm.
Provenance: From a Swedish Noble family, Läckö Castle.
Literature: Pierson 1999 / Illustrated catalogue of Ru, Guan, Jun, Guangdong and Yixing wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.57, no.A30) Yorke Hardy 1953 / Tung, Ju, Kuan, Chun, Kuang-tung & Glazed I-hsing Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.31, no.A30, pl.XIII).
Catalogue note: 官 (guan ‘official’) celadon ge glaze was invented in the Southern Song dynasty (AD 1127–1279) and remained popular in the Yuan, Ming, Qing and Republican periods. Some were made at Jingdezhen and others in Zhejiang province.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1006. A celadon glazed ‘trigram’ vase, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Rombshaped decorated to the sides with trigrams. Height 26.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
A
Height 29 cm. Width 20.5 cm.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
1007.
pair of red glazed vases, Qing dynasty 18th/19th century. Flattened baluster shape, with elephant mascaron handles, decorated with a red glaze.
1008. A yellow glazed vase, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Of archaistic shape, glazed in warm yellow. Height 11.5 cm. Diameter 8.3 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Literature: Medley 1973 / Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Ch’ing Monochrome in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.48, no.B528) Scott 1989 / Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.49, no.B528) Medley 1975 / Volume 7: Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (Monochrome pl. 288).
Catalogue note: Both the shape and glaze of the vase reflect the emperor’s antiquarian taste. Potters modelled the form of the vase on an ancient bronze drinking vessel called a gu. Wealthy aristocrats and generals of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, (about 1600–256 BC), buried bronze vessels as part of ritual eating and drinking equipment for tombs.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 25 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 290
1009. A fine yellow-glazed bowl Kangxi six-character mark and of the period (1662–1722).
The elegantly potted bowl with deep rounded sides supported on a short straight foot, the exterior and interior all covered under an attractive lemonyellow glaze. Diameter 12cm.
Provenance: Purchased from Bonhams, lot 68, Fine Chinese Art. 12 May 2016. Live Auction, London, New Bond Street.
Exhibitions: Compare with a bowl of this type and size sold at Christies, lot no 1107. 20–21 March 2025 Live auction 23493. Important Chinese Furniture and Works of Art. Compare with a similar yellow-glazed bowl, Kangxi mark and of the period, which was sold at Sotheby’s New York, 16 March 2016, lot 317. Compare with a bowl of this type in the Palace Museum in Taipei, Object Number, 故瓷 000909N000000000.
Literature: Medley 1973 / Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Ch’ing Monochrome in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (p.44, no.B500). There are bowls of this type inte the collection of Percival David, British Museum, see for example. Museum number PDF, B.500.
Catalogue note: This bowl demonstrates an attractive use of a monochrome yellow glaze at Jingdezhen. This colour glaze was used to decorate court porcelain for some five hundred years of the imperial era in China from AD 1403 to AD 1911. Potters fired the cup twice, first at a porcelain temperature of around 1280–1320 °C and then in a second, lower-temperature firing to vitrify the lead-fluxed, iron-pigmented glaze.
Estimate: SEK 80 000 – 120 000 / EUR 7 330 – 10 990
1010. A powder blue mallet vase, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
The vase has a domed body and a tall cylindrical neck rising to a lipped rim, and is decorated in powder blue and with a highly stylized kui phoenix design in gold. Height 23 cm.
Provenance: With old inventory mark to base that reads ‘G H Clarke, Jan 8 1947. no42’. Purchased at Bukowskis Important Winter Sale 621 lot 777.
Exhibitions: Compare with Christies, lot no 1201. 14–15 Sep 2017, Live auction 13751. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Compare also with a blue and white vase sold at Sothebys, Important Chinese Art 05 April 2017 Hong Kong Sale Total: 276 527 500 HKD Sale Number: HK0722. Lot 3623.
Literature: A related in shape Kangxi-period mallet-form but blue and white vase in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Qingdai yuyao ciqi, vol. I, part II, Beijing 2005, pp. 102–3, no. 40. There are also vases of this shape in other museums, such as two in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai; the first Kangxi mark and period vase is illustrated in Wang Qingzheng, Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection, Shanghai, 1998, pl. 71 and the other illustrated in Zhongguo taoci quanji / The complete works of Chinese ceramics, vol. 14: Qing (I), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 24.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 150 000 / EUR 9 160 – 13 740
1011. A pair of wucai decorated vases, Transition, 17th century.
Of baluster shape decorated with a scene of an elegant official and his attendats in a palace garden setting.
Height 18 cm. Height with wooden covers 21.5 cm.
Provenance: From a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 12 000 / EUR 920 – 1 100
1012. A pair of famille verte dishes, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Lobed, decorated in famille verte with birds and flowers. Length 22.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1013. A famille verte dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Lobed, decorated in famille verte with flowers. Diameter 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1014. A celadon, copper-red and underglaze blue carved beaker vase, Qing dynasty, Kangxi mark and of the period (1662–1722).
The lower register carved with a pavilion nestled amidst pale celadon rocks and pine trees with copper-red trunks on the shores of a lake or river, with mountains in the distance, the rounded mid-section decorated with two chilong separated by sprigs of lingzhi fungus, underglaze blue six character Kangxi mark on the base. Height 25 cm. Height with metal mount 46 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society. Exhibitions: A similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, see Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Clark Thompson, 1923. Object Number: 24.80.165. Compare with a vase of this type sold at Christies, lot 439, 29 March 2006, Live auction 1639. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. There are also two vases of this type but with slightly different motif in the Collection Grandidier, Paris. G 1322 and G 4318.
Literature: S. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989 rev. ed., p. 223, pl. 215. The vase at the Metropolitan Museum is depicted here.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1015. An imari jar with cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Decorated in imari colours with phoenix birds and a mythical beast in a garden in full bloom. Height 25.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1016. An imari jar with cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Ovoid shape, unglazed rim, decorated with a bird and a butterfly in a garden in full bloom. Height 24 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1018. A famille rose basin, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng (1723–35).
Round, deep, decorated in famille rose with peonies, cherry blossom and bamboo. Diameter 36 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1017. A famille rose basin, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Round, deep, decorated in famille rose with a central figure scene. Diameter 41 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1019. A famille rose tea pot with cover, Qing dynasty, first half of 18th century.
Decorated in relief. Height 11 cm. Length 15.5 cm.
Provenance: Poperty of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1020. A famille rose tea pot with cover, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng (1723–35).
Decorated in famille rose with roosters and a cricket in a blossoming garden. The finial in the shape of a sculpted lotus bud with scrolling stem, seed capsule and leaves. Sculpted lotus stem to the base. Length 17.5 cm. Height 12 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1021. A porcelain figure of Guanyin, Qing dynasty, (1736–95).
Seated with one leg raised, decorated in enamels. Height 12 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Swedish private collection brought together in the 1950–1990’s, thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1022. A famille rose jar, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Ovoid shape, decorated in famille rose and cappuciner brown. Height 22 cm.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1023. A matched set of famille rose vases, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Of baluster shape, decorated in relief and in famille rose colours of flowers and peaches. Height 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1024. A famille rose tureen with cover and stand, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
After a European silver model, decorated in famille rose colours. Length tureen 27 cm. Length dish 34 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 18 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 650 – 1 840
1025. A pair of famille rose ‘double peacock’ dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Oval, after a European silver model, decorated with double peacocks in a garden setting. Length 26.5, width 16 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1026. A famille rose armorial dinner plate, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95) around 1745.
Decorated with polychrome enamels with a central spray of flowers, the rim decorated with further flowers including large buds and seed pods flanking cartouches enclosing either an eagle crest and stylised crown or a fish, alternately.
Diameter 22.7 cm.
Provenance: This service was comissioned for Mme de Pompadour, whos maidens name was Poisson, the eagle under a crown is thought to represent Louis XV.
Exhibitions: To see a plate of this service in a Museum Collection, see Collection Grandidier, Paris. G 473. Compare a plate from this service sold at Sothebys, lot 454, Important Americana: Silver, Chinese Export, and Prints. 22 January 2021, New York.
Literature: Howard & Ayers, China for the West, page 443, Beurderley, Porcelain for the East India Companies, no 190.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1027. A ‘Chinese Export’ famille rose serving dish, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Round, decorated in famille rose with pear, hazelnuts, plum and flowers. Diameter 40.6 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
1029. A pair of famille rose armorial dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
After a European silver model, decorated with the arms of Grill. Diameter 25 cm.
Provenance: The service was comissioned by Anthony Grill, Amsterdam (1705–1783) and was aimed his son Abraham (III) Grill (1735–1805) who moved to Sweden in the 1770’s to secure the operations of Garphytte iron works upon the Bankrupsy of Michael Grubbs.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1028. A Chinese Export commemorative punch bowl, Qing dynasty, 1730’s.
Decorated in grisaille, gold and red enamels with Caroliner coins minted around 1718. Diameter 28.5 cm.
Literature: There are some punch bowls with not-geld or other Carolus XII memorabilia previously known and documented in the literature, see for example; Sven T Kjellberg, in Svenska Ostindiska Kompanierna page 246. Also M Lagerquist “Karl XII i Kina, Fataburen page 155–166. Both these type of punch bowls have been up for auction at Bukowskis. J. Nordbergs “Konung Carl XII:s historia”. Compare silver tankards decorated with Carolus XII’s s.k. Not Geld.
Catalogue note: The Swedish East India Company was founded 1731, one of the new commodities that the company brought back a part from large quantities of tea and porcelain was punch. It soon became a popular drink amongst men, and large quantities of punch bowls were commissioned to meet the demands, few have survived to these days. It had long been a popular fashion to mount commemorative medals and coins on silver tankards and other drinking vessels. So the step to use coins and bank notes as decoration on porcelain was not far when the possibilities to have items custom made in China. During the late 1730’s the interest in the diseased Swedish King Carolus XII politics and wars escalated.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
1030. A pair of famille rose dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Hexagonal, decorated in famille rose with an elegant figurescene. Measure 29 x 21.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1029 A. A pair of armorial dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95), ca 1755.
After a European silver model. Partially gilt decoration in enamel. Crest with Carl Gustaf Tessin a coat of arms with a crowned lion. Diameter 21.5-22 cm.
Provenance: The service was comissioned by Anthony Grill, Amsterdam (1705-1783) and was aimed his son Abraham (III) Grill (1735-1805) who moved to Sweden in the 1770’s to secure the operations of Garphytte iron works upon the Bankrupsy of Michael Grubbs.
Exhibitions: Compare with a plate and other parts of this service at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Inventory no NM-1911 Hirsch :: Ernst Hirsch. NM-1911-0008.
Literature: Compare a plate from the same service from Göteborgs Historiska museum, Gyllensvärd, Bo, Porslinet från Kina – En tusenårig exportvara, 1990, p. 148.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1031. A large famille rose ‘hermite crab’ dish, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
After a European silver model, decorated in famille rose with an eremit crab and a regular crab amidst sea weed. Diameter 35 cm.
Provenance: Property of a collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a dish with this motif sold at Sothebys, lot 132, ‘Americana: Furniture, Folk Art, Silver, Chinese Export Art and Prints’ 20 January 2024, New York.
Literature: An example of a hermit crab dish is in the RA Collection, illustrated in Maria Antónia Pinto de Matos, The RA collection of Chinese Ceramics: A Collector’s Vision, London, 2011, vol. I, cat. no. 171.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1032. A set of six famille rose crayfish plates, Qing dynasty, Qianlong, 1740–60.
Octagonal shape, decorated with crab, crayfish and flowers. Diameter 22.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with dishes of this type in the Collection of the British Museum number Franks.536.+. Compare a plate of this design in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1879. Object Number: 79.2.1041.
Catalogue note: Plates of this type were recovered from the Griffin shipwreck. An East Indiaman which sank in the Sulu Seas in the Southern Philippines in 1761, so these can be dated to the 1740–1760’s.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1033. A grisaille ‘European subject’ plate, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Finely enamelled to the interior with two gentlemen on a river bank, one looking through a telescope at boats and a walled building across the river whilst discussing the results of his investigations with his companion. Diameter 23.5 cm.
Provenance: The Toftager Collection, lot no 107.
Exhibitions: Compare with a plate like this sold at Bonhams, Export and Decorative Art of the China Trade, 9 Mar 2004, London, New Bond Street. Lot no 8. Compare with a pair sold in these rooms, lot no 1072, Important Winter Sale 653. Also with a similar hunting scene.
Literature: For a grisaille plate of identical design, see F. Hervouet and Y .Bruneau, La Porcelaine des Compagnies des Indes, p.100.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1034. A grisaille and gold ‘European Subject’ plate, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated in grisaille and gold after a print by Bernard Picart, France (1673–1733). Diameter 23 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare with a plate with this motif in the Cleveland Museum of Art, no 1970.49. Compare also with a plate of this motif sold in these rooms, Bukowskis, lot no 1587808.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1035. A pair of enamelled dishes, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng (1723–35). ‘Trompe-leuille painted’.
Deep decorated in famille rose colours with an elegant lady and two sheeps. The rim further decorated with antiques in panels inbetween sections of bianco sopra to bianco. Diameter 16.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private collector, purchased at Bukowskis.
Catalogue note: The dishes are painted in a way that the eys open and close depending on how you turn the plate.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1036. A set of six custard cups with covers and a dish, Qing dynasty, Qianlong, dated 1789.
Decorated in sepia and gold. Height 10.5 cm. Diameter 23.7 cm.
Literature: Gyllensvärd, Bo, Porslinet från Kina, page 150. Possibly comissioned for the Danish market.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1037. A pair of ‘Chinese Export’ wine coolers/flower pots, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
After a European model, decorated with flowers in green enamel and gold. Height 15 cm. Length 18.5 cm.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1038. A pair of famille rose butter tureens, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated with peacocks in a garden in full bloom. Length 19 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1039. A set of eight famille rose double peacock plates, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated in famille rose with peacocks in a garden setting.
Diameter 22.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1040. A famille rose armorial tureen with cover and stand, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Oval shape, finial in the shape of a pommegranate, decorated with a pair of swans holding a ring, the coat of arms of the Danish family Skeel. Length 36 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector. The Skeel family owned Gammel Estrup. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Scheel family was one of Denmark’s wealthiest. In 1725, the family founded the county of Scheel with Sostrup Manor, near Grenaa, at its centre. They also owned entailed estate Gammel Estrup. Possibly comissioned for Crown Equerry Jørgen Scheel (1718–86), who administered Queen Dowager Juliane Marie and Crown Prince Frederik’s court for a time, or his son Christen Scheel (1743–71), who was envoy to Russia in the period 1765-71, played significant roles in the history of Denmark.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1041. A pair of famille rose dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated in underglaze blue and famille rose with a pavillion by a lake with lotus and cranes.
Diameter 38 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1042. A rare pair of ‘100 boys’ tea caddies, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
Rectangular shape, decorated with a procession of ‘100 boys’ surrounded of a continuous lotus scroll in famille rose. Measure 9.3 x 6.2 x 14 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Finnish private collector who purchased it at Bukowskis in the 1980’s.
Catalogue note: The depiction of ‘a hundred boys at play’, representing the wish for many sons, was a popular theme in the decorative arts of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ‘hundred boys’ refers to King Wen of the Zhou dynasty who had ninety-nine sons and adopted one more to make one hundred. In the present vase, each of the boys are engaged in activities potent with symbolism: the first character of ‘lantern’ is a pun for ‘bumper harvest’ (fengdeng), which equates with peace, while the boys carrying lanterns in the shape of a fish (yu) is a pun for ‘abundance’. Furthermore, the motif of a boy carrying a lotus leaf dates back to the Song dynasty in which boys carried lotus leaves in procession in the festival in the seventh month, and the boys carrying osmanthus branches coupled with the flowering cymbidium trees growing from amongst the rocks stand for distinguished sons and grandsons (guizi lansun).
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
1043. A turquoise-ground famille rose hat stand, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The uppermost globular section is decorated with four reticulated chilong medallions, reserved against an apple green ground decorated with scrolling lotus bats and shou characters, all resting on a support decorated with iron-red upright petals. The mid-section of the stand is divided by four vertical flanges above a bell-form base decorated with lotus scrolls separated by four pierced spandrels. The circular base is decorated with lotus scrolls on a pink ground with a scalloped faux-bois apron and base. Height 27 cm.
Provenance: A Swedish private collector.
Exhibitions: Compare a similar sold at Christies, lot 278, 7 Nov 2017 Live auction 13982, Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Compare a similar turquoise-ground hat stand dated to the Qianlong-Jiaqing period (1736–1820) sold at Christie’s London, 11 May 2010, lot 261, and a yellowground ‘nine dragons’ hat stand dated to the Daoguang period (1821–1850) sold at Christie’s London, 8 November 2016, lot 80.
Catalogue note: Hat stands for the Imperial Court were made in a variety of mediums, from jade to zitan, to lacquer and porcelain. Porcelain was a perfect medium, allowing the potter to craft the vessel to perfectly suit its purpose. As may be seen in the present lot, the uppermost spherical section was used as a vessel for perfumed contents, such as fragrant flowers or incense, to pleasantly scent the hat and surroundings through the four reticulated ‘bat’ medallions. The cover was cleverly made with a mechanism to lock it to the globular section. The Qing Court Collection, in the Palace Museum, Taipei, includes seven similarly modelled famille rose hat stands.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 75 000 / EUR 4 580 – 6 870
1044. A massive famille rose ‘five clawed dragon’ vase, late Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Heavily potted with a baluster body raising to a tall flared neck, decorated in vivid enamels of iron-red, green, yellow, rose and blue with five four-clawed dragons striding in pursuit of the flaming pearl amidst billowing clouds above crashing waves, all below a gilded rim. Height 92 cm. Height with wooden stand 106 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private collector, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1970’s.
Literature: The decorative scheme of dragons in different writhing poses, centered around a forward-facing dragon, can be seen on other vases of Qing date, such as the green and yellow-glazed meiping and cover dated to the Qianlong period, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum – Miscellaneous Enamelled Porcelains, Plain Tricoloured Porcelains, Hong Kong, 2009, pp. 126–29, no. 104.
Catalogue note: The decoration seen on this massive vase with auspicious meaning. Firstly, the dragon, symbolize power, wisdom, prosperity, and more. The four clawed dragon, often associated with princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials. The clouds between the dragons provide a rebus for good fortune, as they are shaped like lingzhi fungus and thus suggest a wish for long life.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 75 000 / EUR 4 580 – 6 870
1045. A massive nine dragon charger, Qing dynasty with Qianlong mark.
Sturdily potted with curved sides rising from a tapered foot to a wide everted rim, the interior painted with an iron red four clawed frontal dragon curled around a flaming pearl amidst a turbulent sea of underglaze blue waves, around the sides, further four rampant four clawed dragons in different lively attitudes, all pacing waves, the reverse of the rim with further four lively dragons. The white glazed base with a seal mark in underglaze blue. Diameter 51.5 cm.
Provenance: The Collection of Sven Eric Hugo Raab. Thence by descent.
Literature: A legend explains the reasons why there are 9 dragons as opposed to 8 or 10 in Chinese mythology. According to Zhou Yi (one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts), nine symbolizes yang. Ancient Chinese categorized numbers into yang numbers and yin numbers. Odd numbers signify yang, while even numbers represent yin, and nine is the largest yang number.
Catalogue note: Dishes of this magnificent size and formidable decoration were made to impress. Such wares were used at Imperial banquets and on special celebratory occasions, such as the ‘Thousand Elderly Banquet’ held in honour of senior citizens when thousands of invited guests were served a great feast. The Manchu custom of banqueting closely followed the Mongolian and Tibetan tradition of shared communal dining.
Estimate: SEK 120 000 – 150 000 / EUR 10 990 – 13 740
1046. A famille rose ’Dragon’ bottle vase, Qing dynasty with Chenghua mark. The vase is decorated and gilt to the globular lower section with an iron-red and gilt five-clawed dragon chasing the flaming pearl, all amongst billowing ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls. The shoulder is decorated with a lotus band interspersed with gilt shou characters, and the waisted neck is decorated with bats amidst cloud formations. Height 40.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a vase of this design sold at Bonhams, lot 192, Chinese Works of Art Including The Richard Milhender Export Furniture Collection, 21 March 2022, New York.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
1047. A set of four famille rose floral dishes, Qing dynasty with a apocryphal six character mark.
Decorated in famille rose with flowers and lingzhi fungus. Diameter 18.8 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1049. A famille rose ‘boys at play’ cup with cover, Qing dynasty, Qianlong mark.
Decorated in underglaze blue and famille rose with a procession of ‘boys’ engaging in various activities in a palace garden. Diameter 11.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1048. A coral red reserve decorated floral bowl, Qing dynasty with Qianlong mark.
Finely potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short, slightly splayed foot to an everted rim, richly patterned with elegant scrolling stems issuing fan-like leaves and bearing peony flowerheads alternating with stylized lotus blossoms all reserved against a vibrant coral-red ground, the petals and leaves finely detailed with iron-red lines, the interior and base left white, the latter with a sixcharacter seal mark in underglaze blue. Diameter 13 cm. Height 6.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare a bowl of the type in the British Museum, Museum number PDF, B.700.
Literature: Pierson 2002 / Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art: A Guide to the Collection (p.96, no.109) Medley 1975 / Volume 7: Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (Colour pl. 99 and p. 318).
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1050. A Chinese bowl, Qing dynasty with Daoguang mark and of the period (1821–50).
Round with a lobed everted rim, decorated in underglaze blue and famille rose. The interior and the base in turquoise. Diameter 18 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1051A. A Chinese ‘Camel and groom’ dish, Qing dynasty with Daoguang seal mark in red.
Decorated in vivid enamels with a groom leading a camel. Seal mark in red.
Diameter 16.7 cm..
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Catalogue note: It has been suggested that this theme derives from renderings of the Imperial hunting trip called Qiuli (Autumn hunting). A Tradition that was instituted by the Kangxi emperor and continued into the Daoguang reign in the early nineteenth century. Given the other items mentioned above, one can perhaps think that these were part of a hunting service.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1052. A coral red ground and gilt decorated turquoise enamelled bowl, Qing dynasty, Daoguang mark and period (1821–50).
Round with a flared rim, decorated with a meander frieze with stylized dragons above petals. Diameter 14.2 cm. Height 6.2 cm.
1051. A pair of Chinese famille rose porcelain plates, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated in famille rose with figure scenes from famous Chinese litterary works. Diameter 20.2 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Catalogue note: The pieces are each decorated and gilt with named figures from the Book of Peerless Heroes, each accompanied with a description.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
Provenance: From the Collection of Edit Pettersson (1890–1970). Edit was born in Eskilstuna, Sweden, and studied to be a midwife at Löweströmska hospital in Väsby. She graduated in Stockholm 1913, and after working for two years as a private midwife/ nurse with a family in Värmland, she travelled with the Sibirian railroad to China, and settled in Kiaockow in 1915 to work as midwife with the missionaries there. In 1920 she fell ill and was nursed at the German Hospital and then began her journey back, taking
the S.S. Empress of Asia for the first leg of the travel, a steamer famous for crossing the Pacific in nine days, two hours, and fifteen minutes. She came to spend five years in China and kept in close contact throughout her life with the connections she made out there. She had a god son of the Emperor living with her and her husband in Hagalund, when he had fled China temporarily due to the political situation. The items have been treasured memories of the family since .
Exhibitions: Compare a number of objects made in this style, for an instance a coral red box at the British Museum, Museum number Franks.95.+b. Also a brush-pot in the same collection. Museum number Franks 340.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 290 – 2 750
1053. A pair of iron-red decorated ‘bats’ dishes, Qing dynasty, Guangxu mark and period (1875–1908).
Each with a central roundel enclosing five inwards facing bats, within a border of twelve bats in flight, the exterior with 12 further iron-red bats, underglaze blue mark to the base. Diameter 15.6 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private collector, who purchased it at auction in Holland in 2013.
Exhibitions: Compare lot 1112, Christies, 21–22 Sep 2023 Live auction 22039. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Compare also lot 91, Bonhams, Asian Art 9 May 2022, London, Knightsbridge.
Literature: Compare dishes of this type in the Palace Museum, Taipei. Object Number 故瓷 002793N000000000.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
1055. A pair of Chinese figures of birds, Qing dynasty, 19th century. In the shape of naturalistcly enamelled cranes. Height 20–21 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1054. A pair of ‘famille noire’ vases, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Painted in green, yellow and mangan aubergine the sides with flowering prunus, chrysantemum and peonies and a lotus pond beneath the flaring neck with further birds, prunus and rockwork, an artemisia leaf in underglaze blue in a recessed square on the base. Height 50.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a vase at the British Museum, dated as Kangxi. Donated by: Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Registration number Franks.314. Compare with a pair at the Palace Museum Taipei, Taiwan, Image Number: J1B000005N000000000PAD. Depicted on their web catalogue.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
1057. A large yellow ground famille verte bisquit jardiniere, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Marked ‘Tack Loong Canton China’.
1056. A famille verte bisquit figure of a warrior, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The warrior is depicted clad in a dragon robe in vivid famille verte colours. He is seated on a tiger, his right hand raised holding a sword, the left hand holding a cup. Height 36 cm. Height with wooden stand 41 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
Rounded sides with a slightly everted rim. Decorated in famille verte with immortals and their animals all against a bright yellow ground. Height 34 cm. Diameter 39.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector. Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1058. A green glazed frog, late Qing dynasty/Republic.
In the shape of a green glazed frog. Length 30 cm. Width 19 cm. Height 17 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare with a white glazed pair of frogs of this size at the Halwyllska Museum, Stockholm. Object number XLVIII:XI:C.a.a.08._HWY. Purchased in 1905 from Bukowskis.
Catalogue note: Frogs are associated with fertility and abundance because they lay enormous quantities of eggs. They are yin creatures, associated with the female principle. Because Chinese people do not always differentiate between frogs and toads, they can also be linked to good luck, immortality, money, healing, the moon and frivolity, all qualities belonging to toads.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1059. A rare pink and blue enamelled vase with dragons, late Qing dynasty/Republic with an apocryphal Qianlong mark. The vase is finely enamelled around the body and slightly flaring neck with makara dragons amidst blossoms surrounded by leafy tendrils, interspersed with small floral sprays. The interior of the neck and base are enamelled in turquoise. Height 28 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector, long term member of the Swedish Oriental Ceramics Society who started to collect in the early 1980’s.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1060. A famille rose vase, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Round flattened shape with a tall neck and dragon handles, decorated in the famille rose palette with a figure scene to one side and a bird in a blossoming garden to the other side. Seal mark in red to base. Height 40.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1061. A bat dish, Qing dynasty with Guangxu six character mark and of the period (1875–1908).
With shallow rounded sides over a short tapered foot, the interior with five iron-red bats amidst inky cobalt clouds around the sides, and one to the center, the exterior left bare, the base with a sixcharacter mark. Diameter 14.3 cm.
Provenance: A Swedish private collection.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1062. A ‘dragon and phoenix’ box with cover, Qing dynasty, with Guangxu mark. Round, decorated with a floral scroll with kalebass fruit in famille rose against a yellow ground. Central scene with a five clawed dragon and a phoenix bird chasing the flaming pearl. Diameter 9 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 3 000 – 3 500 / EUR 280 – 320
1063. A yellow ground birthday dish and bowl, Qing dynasty, Guangxu mark and of the period (1875–1908).
Decorated in enamels against a yellow ground. Four roundels enclosing the Wanshouwujiang characters (‘endless longevity without limit’), all above cresting waves. The interior decorated with five bats surrounding a shou character. Diameter bowl 19 cm. Diameter dish 20 cm.
Provenance: From the collection of Ester and Gustav Nyström (1899–1957), who lived in China 1924–1949 and worked for the Swedish Missionary Assossiation. Then they lived in Hong Kong 1949–52. Gustaf Nyström later came to work as an inerpreter for Dag Hammarskjöld. Thence by descent within the family.
Exhibitions: Compare with a dish sold Sothebys, Chinese Art 1 December 2016 Hong Kong. lot 838.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1064. A famille rose yellow ground ‘birthday service’, Qing dynasty, Guangxu six character mark and of the period (1875–1908).
(27 pieces). The group comprises 12 cups with stands (diameter dish 13 cm, height cup 6 cm), 12 dishes (diameter 15.2 cm), one tea pot (length 20.5 cm), one sugar bowl (length 16.5 cm), one milk jug (height 8 cm), each decorated with four roundels enclosing the characters ‘wan shou wu jiang’, which may be translated as ‘ten thousand birthdays without end’, all amongst beribboned wan symbols above crashing waves, all reserved on a yellow ground.
Provenance: From the collection of Otto Östberg, Simrishamn, thence by descent.
Exhibitions: Compare with a service sold at Christies, lot 296. 14 May 2019 Live auction 17113. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1065. A pair of dishes, late Qing dynasty/early 20th century with Guangxu mark.
Decorated in famille rose colours with butterflies around a central medallion with red five clawed dragon. The rim decorated with a continuous floral scroll. Diameter 17.3 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1066. A famille rose ‘dragon and phoenix’ vase, late Qing dynasty/ around 1900.
Of baluster shape, handles in the shape of lingzhi fungus, decorated in famille rose colours with four clawed dragons and phoenix birds amidst flowers in a garden. Height vase 42 cm. Height made in to a lamp 69.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1067. A famille rose fish basin, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Decorated in vivid famille rose colours with a scene featuring birds and insects by a lotus pond. Diameter 35 cm. Height 30 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1068. A octagonal ‘trigram’ dish, late Qing dynasty/around 1900. Octagonal dish resting on a flared foot. The interior decorated with enamel and gilt featuring a central yin and yang symbol surrounded by trigrams, the exterior decorated with famille rose flowers, Daoguang mark to the base but later. Diameter 24 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Hasse Persson (Gränna, Sweden), purchased in the 1960s. Thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1069. A blue and white an polychrome vase, late Qing dynasty.
Baluster shape with mascaron handles, decorated in underglaze blue to one side with buddhist lions, the other side decorated in enamels with an elegant couple and a servant. Height vase 49 cm. Height 52 cm with wooden stand.
Provenance: Poperty of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1070. A large ‘Sanxing’ vase, late Qing dynasty.
Baluster shaped with budhist lion handles. Decorated with Daoist deities, one side with Sanxing, the three star gods Fu, Lu, and Shou under a star constellation; the other side with Laozi riding an ox surrounded by two Daoist deities. Height 60 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Hasse Persson (Gränna, Sweden), purchased in the 1960s. Thence by descent.
Catalogue note: The Sanxing 三星 (‘Three Stars’) are the gods of the three celestial bodies considered essential in Chinese astrology and mythology: Jupiter, Ursa Major, and Canopus. Fu, Lu, and Shou 福祿壽 / 福禄寿 , or Cai, Zi and Shou ( 財子壽 ) are also the embodiments of Fortune (Fu), presiding over the planet Jupiter, Prosperity (Lu), presiding over Mizar ( ζ Ursae Majoris), and Longevity (Shou), presiding over Canopus.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1071. A set with four Chinese porcelain panels with a wooden frame, first half of 20th century.
Rectangular, decorated in vibrant famille rose colours with figure scenes, garden scenes and landscapes representing different times of year. Measure each 92 x 39.5 cm.
Provenance: Private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1072. A Chinese porcelain painting, 20th century. With calligraphy and seal in red. Measure with frame 30 x 45 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1073. A famille rose tureen with cover, late Qing dynasty/Republic. Round with mascaron handles, decorated in famille rose with flowers in a garden. Diameter 27.5 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Elis Eklöw. Elis Eklöw worked for the familys import house August Eklöw (founded by his father in 1898). The company became focused on import from Asia after Elis Eköws first trip to China and Japan in 1922.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
1074. A Chinese famille rose vase of archaistic Hu form, Republic period (1912–1949).
Baluster shape with ring handles, decorated in famille rose colours with flowers in a garden setting. The base with a Qianlong mark in blue. Height 27.5 cm.
Provenance: A Swedish private collection.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
1075. A Chinese yellow ground ‘dragon and phoenix’ vase, 20th century.
Decorated in vibrant famille rose colours with a fierce five clawed dragon and a phoenix bird chasing the flaming pearl amidst colourful cloud formations. The base with an underglaze blue apocryphal Kangxi mark. Height 40 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1076. A Chinese famille rose porcelain table screen with hardwood stand, 20th century.
Rectangular porcelain plaque with a motif featuring a crane and a deer in a blooming garden with a pine tree, peonies, and a scholars rock. Calligraphy beneath scrolling cloud formations, seal in red. Size of the plaque 38 x 25.5 cm. Hardwood stand with carved decoration. Height with stand 53 cm.
Provenance: The collection of Hasse Persson (Gränna, Sweden), purchased in the 1960s. Thence by descent.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1077. A large blue and white ‘lotus’ jar, Guan, Ming dynasty, Jiajing, 16th century.
The elegant broad shouldered body rising from a spreading recessed base to a short waisted neck with a lipped rim, painted around the exterior with a broad band of continuous lotus scroll, all between upright lappet and ruyi bands at the base and shoulder and ruyi cloud band at the neck. Height 29 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with a jar sold in these rooms, Bukowskis 2014, Sale 583, lot no 291.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 290 – 2 750
1079. A blue and white dish, Ming dynasty, Jiajing, 16th century.
Decorated in underglaze blue with three phoenix birds with their heads turned to the Chinese character for ‘sun’. Diameter c. 21 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Literature: Regina Krahl & John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, Complete Catalgoue II, Yuan and Ming Dynasty Porcelain. There are several examples of this type of decoration with long tailed Phoenix birds with mark and period of Jiajing. See for example; page 634, image 934. page 637, image 949.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1081. A blue and white dish, Ming dynasty, 16th century.
Decorated in underglaze blue with a phoenix bird in a garden setting. Diameter 32.2 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1078. A blue and white jar, Ming dynasty, Jiajing, 16th century. Ovoid shape with a short neck, decorated in underglaze blue with two phoenix birds amidst cloud formations. Height 11.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Literature: Regina Krahl & John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, Complete Catalgoue II, Yuan and Ming Dynasty Porcelain. There are several examples of this type of decoration with long tailed Phoenix birds with mark and period of Jiajing. See for example; page 634, image 934. page 637, image 949.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1080. A blue and white bowl, Ming dynasty, 16th century. Round. The exterior decorated with underglaze blue featuring a dragon and a phoenix surrounded by lingzhi cloud formations, chasing a flaming pearl. The interior decorated with leaping fish. Height 9, diameter 21 cm.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1082. A large blue and white jar, Ming dynasty, Wanli (1572–1620).
Decorated in underglaze blue with birds and insects in a garden setting. Height 35.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector. Purchased at auction after the collection of Mr Erik Sundblad.
Exhibitions: Compare with a jar of this type in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Accession number 1716–1876. It is interesting to see that there has been a dated one sold at Christies, lot 1033. 26 Apr 2004 Live auction 2165. The Imperial Sale. Compare also Sothebys, lot 15, China / 5000 years. 28 June 2024, New York.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 50 000 / EUR 2 750 – 4 580
1083. A blue and white dragon wine cup, ‘Hatcher Cargo’, 17th century. Decorated in underglazed blue with a dragon amidst clouds chasing the flaming pearl. Height 4.2 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Bukowskis Winter Sale 653 December 8 2023. The Hatcher Collection, Christie’s June 1984. Property of a private Swedish family collection, gathered from the 1940’s and to the present day. The two generations of collectors have shared a common interest in Chinese Works of Art, numerous has their visits been to Museums, Auction Houses and Antique Fairs around the world. The wares discovered in the early 1980s in the ‘Hatcher Cargo’, named after the Captain who made the discovery, now serve as important benchmarks for the dating of 17th-century Chinese porcelains. The cargo of the ship included some 25,000 pieces of porcelain, mostly blue and white wares from Jingdezhen, but also examples of celadon wares, Dehua wares, polychrome wares and provincial blue and white wares. Several thousand of these were sold in a historic sale at Christie’s Amsterdam in 1984, from which all of the ‘Hatcher’ pieces in the Curtis Collection were purchased. Because no trade records exist to identify the ship and hence the destination to which it was headed, scholars needed to use a combination of deductive reasoning and knowledge of the porcelain trade at the time to date the wares salvaged from the vessel. While the Dutch East India Company (VOC) used Chinese junks to transport cargos from Taiwan to Batavia, the diversity of the wares in the ‘Hatcher’ wreck indicates that the ship was probably headed for wholesale markets in Batavia or Bantam.
Literature: Colin Sheaf and Richard Kilburn, The Hatcher Porcelain Cargoes, The Complete Record, London, 1988, p. 30) Sheaf and Kilburn take a step-by-step process to deduce that the ship most likely sunk between 1643 and 1646. The inclusion of two covers for ovoid jars (similar in shape to the lot 3513) bearing inscriptions and a cyclical date corresponding to the spring of 1643 indicates that the vessel sank no earlier than the spring of 1643. The authors also note that because of the internal unrest in China at the time, trade was significantly disrupted at the fall of the Ming dynasty and studies of VOC records show that by 1646 the Manchus were preventing the free movement of trade and shipments out of Jingdezhen. The authors conclude that it is therefore very likely that the Chinese junk known as the ‘Hatcher Cargo’ must have sunk sometime in the years between 1643 and 1646. In her article, “Transition Ware Made Plain: A Wreck from the South China Sea” (Oriental Art, Summer, 1985).
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1084. A blue and white klappmutz dish, Ming dynasty, Wanli (1572–1620).
Round, deep with a flared rim, decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and flowers within sectioned panels. Diameter 21 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1085. A blue and white ‘flying horses’ vase, Ming dynasty, Wanli (1572–1620).
Gourd shaped, the lower bulb globular, the upper bulb pear shaped. The lower buld divided into eight rounded panels containing flowering branches and leaping horses amidst clouds and foaming waves. The upper bulb with six vertical panels containing flowering branches and censers on tall stands. The tapered waist with scale pattern and flowers. Height c. 23.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Literature: Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum Istanbul A Complete Ctalogue II Yuan and Ming Dynasty Porcelains, Regina Krahl, Nurdan Erbahar, ed. John Ayers 1986, p. 754 number 1392.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1086. A large blue and white Swatow dish, Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird in a garden setting. Diameter 44.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 20 000 – 30 000 / EUR 1 840 – 2 750
1087. A blue and white jar, Tianqi, 17th century.
Ovoid shape, rounded shoulder, decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous floral scroll. Height 17 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1089. A blue and white incense burner, 17th century.
Decorated in underglaze blue with four clawed dragons chasing the flaming pearl. Diameter 24.5 cm. Height 18.5 cm .
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare with an incense burner in the collection of the British Museum, number PDF,C.607.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1088. A blue and white bowl, Transition, 17th century. The base with a six-character Jiajing mark within double circle. Slightly flared sides on a short foot rim, decorated to the interior with a roundel with a flower, and a chrysanthemum petal border. The exterior painted with three buddhist lions and flowers. Diameter 17.7 cm. Height 5.7 cm.
Exhibitions: Compare with a smilar dish at the Asian Art Museum, San Fransisco, Credit Line Gift of Roy Leventritt, Object number B69P124L.2. There is also dishes of this type in the Palace Museum in Taipei, Object Number 故瓷 018045N000000000.
Estimate: SEK 6 000 – 8 000 / EUR 550 – 740
1091. A blue and white vase/table lamp, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
1090. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Decorated with a central motif of a flower basket filled with flowers, around the rim further flowers depicted in a garden. Exterior decorated with peach, magnolia and pommesgranate on branches, flower mark to the base. Diameter 34.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collection.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
Baluster shape, lobed, decorated in underglaze blue with flowers and svasticas. Height 27.5 cm. Height with mount as a lamp 50 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1092. A pair of blue and white vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
With six character mark to base. Of baluster shape, decorated in underglaze blue with elegant ladies and boys at play. Height 27 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Exhibitions: Compare a similar pair at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, credit line: purchase in 1879, object number: 79.2.168. Compare with vases of this type in the collection of The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, for example. Inv. no PO 7059, PO 7061.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1093. A blue and white jar, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Ovoid shape with an unglazed rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a figure scene featuring boys and a qilin. Height 17 cm.
Height with wooden stand and cover 23 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1094. A blue and white Gu shaped vase, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Of archaic bronze shape, decorated in a vibrant underglaze blue with mascaron handles, leaf-lappets and sylized patterns.
Height 24 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1095. A pair of blue and white vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Of baluster shape, decorated in underglaze blue. Height 26 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1097. A blue and white ‘foreigners bearing gifts’ bowl, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Hallmark to base. Rounded sides on a straight footrim. Exterior decorated in underglaze blue with a scene featuring foreign merchants carrying goods and gifts. Interior with a four clawed dragon chasing a flaming pearl amidst cloud formations.
The interior of the rim with cash border and shou characters.
Height 10 cm, diameter 21.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1096. A pair of blue and white ‘dragon and fish dishes’, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Decorated in underglaze blue with a leaping carp and a dragon amidst fierce waves. Diameter 16 cm.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1098. A blue and white tea pot with cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Round with an upturned handle, decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and a garden in full bloom on the other side. Height 19 cm. Length 18.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1099. A matched set of eight blue and white cups and stands, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Decorated in underglaze blue with landscapes, birds, flowers and figures. Diameter cup 7.2, height c. 4 cm. Diameter dish 11.8 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of Professor Gustaf Söderlund (1884–1967) thence by descent within the family.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 920 – 1 380
1100. A blue and white ‘lange lisen’ tea caddy with silvered cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Lobed ovoid shape, decorated in underglaze blue with alternating panels of lange lisen and potted flowers. Height 16.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1101. A blue and white tea caddy, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Rectangular shape, decorated in underglaze blue with antiques and precious objects alternating with flowers. Height 17.5 cm.
Length 13.5 cm. Depth 6 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1102. A blue and white censer, 17th century.
Tripod decorated with three panels depicting a scholar in a landscape setting. Diameter 28 cm. Height 11.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1103. A blue and white jar, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Ovoid shape, decorated in underglaze blue with panels with antiques and precious objects against a cracked-ice ground.
Height 22 cm. Height with wooden cover and stand 34 cm.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1103 A.Two Chinese porcelain jars, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
Ovoid shape. Similar decoration with figures in a garden carrying lanterns and objects. One figure riding a qilin and holding a ruyi sceptre. Height 17.5 cm. Height including wooden covers 19.5-21 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 6000 – 8000 / EUR 550 – 740
1104. A blue and white tripod censer, 17th century.
Tripod decorated in underglaze blue with three sections depicting a scholar in conversation with an attendant alternating with flowers. Diameter 26.5 cm. Height 10.8 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector and member of the Oriental Ceramics Society.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 100 – 1 380
1105. A blue and white floral bowl, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662–1722).
With an apocryphal Chenghua mark to base within double circle. Decorated in a vibrant underglaze blue with a continuous floral scroll. Height 8 cm. Diameter 16.2 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1106. A blue and white dish, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Well painted in deep tones of cobalt blue with a scaly sinuous five-clawed dragon contesting a centralised flaming pearl, amongst cloud scrolls. The decoration is repeated on the back with two striding sinuous five clawed dragons pursuing the flaming pearl. Diameter 34.7 cm.
Provenance: Property of the jeweller Karin Torndahl 1902–1982. Founder and owner of Torndahls Juvelerare, active during the first part of the 20th century. Thence by descent.
Catalogue note: The painting of the magnificent five-clawed dragon, rendered with a ferocious expression with gaping jaws revealing sharp fangs, bulbous eyes and flaring nostrils, is meticulously detailed and naturalistic. The dragon’s scaly body is depicted in the moment of leaping above turbulent crashing waves in pursuit of the flaming pearl amongst the milliard swirling clouds and flames. The five-clawed dragon symbolized the Emperor.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 75 000 / EUR 4 580 – 6 870
1107. A pair of blue and white plates, Qing dynasty, early 18th centruy. With Johanneum mark M:483. Decorated in underglaze blue with squirrels amidst grape vine and the rim with carved anhua decoration.
Diameter 22.5 cm.
Provenance: Purchased at Bonhams, Brussels.
Exhibitions: Compare with a pair sold in these rooms, Bukowskis 583, catalogue number 590.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1109. A blue and white ‘lotus bouquet’ dish, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Gently rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to an everted rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones to the interior with a medallion enclosing a leafy lotus bouquet, encircled in the well by classic and lotus scroll bands, the exterior with a lotus scroll band, the base unglazed. Diameter 20.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Collection of Klas E Böök (1909–1980), thence by descent. A Swedish diplomat and civil servant. Mr Böök first had a career within banking, that led up to the position of Governor of the Swedish National Bank from 1948 to 1951. His diplomatic career began when he was appointed head of the Commercial Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and envoy from 1947 to 1948. He was minister in Ottawa from 1951 to 1956, ambassador in Beijing from 1956 to 1961, also accredited as envoy to Bangkok from 1956 to 1959. Böök was ambassador in New Delhi, also accredited to Colombo and Kathmandu from 1961 to 1965 and in Bern from 1965 to 1972. He had special assignments for the Foreign Ministry from 1972 to 1975.
Exhibitions: To see other lots sold from the Collection of Klas E. Böök, see a Zitan Altartable with cloisonne placques, Bukowskis, Sale 649, lot no 981.
Literature: Inspired by the celebrated wares of the early Ming dynasty, dishes painted with this lotus bouquet motif were revived under the Yongzheng Emperor, who was keen to see historical masterpieces replicated as a reminder of the nation’s glorious past. Antiques from the Palace collection were sent to the Imperial kilns in Jingdezhen, where craftsmen were instructed to use them as standards for quality, models for designs and as inspiration for innovation.
See a Yongzheng example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Geng Baochang ed., Gugong bowuyuan cang Ming chu qinghua ci [Early Ming blue and white porcelain in the Palace Museum], Beijing, 2002, vol. 2, pl. 195. Five Yongle prototypes of this lotus bouquet design, in the Ardabil Shrine in Iran, are illustrated in John Alexander Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington D.C. 1956, pls 30 and 31.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 840
1108. A blue and white octagonal dish, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Octagonal shape, decorated with a central scene with peonies, chrystanthemum and pine tree. Measure 43.5 x 33.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1111. A blue and white tureen with cover and stand, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
After a Meissen model, decorated in underglaze blue with a riverscape. Length 37 cm. Height 31 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
1110. A pair of of blue and white dishes, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated in underglaze blue with a duck in a lotus pond. Diameter 38 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
1112. A blue and white dinner service, Qing dynasty, late 18th century. (56 pieces).
Decorated in underglaze blue and gold with a blue rim and a central flower bouquet. Comprising; 12 dinner plates, diameter 24 cm. 12 soup dishes, diameter 24 cm. 12 small plates, diameter 20.5 cm. Two sauce boats with stands, length 19 cm. Eight custard cups with covers, height 8 cm. A punch bowl, diameter 26 cm. Two pierced oval dishes, length 23 cm. A vegetable tureen with cover, length 33 cm. An oval dish with a cover, length 34 cm. A serving dish with strainer, length 41 cm. Tureen with cover, length 36 cm. Tureen stand, length 40 cm. Two oval serving dishes, length 27–30 cm. Two round serving dishes, diameter 34–37 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 60 000 / EUR 3 670 – 5 500
1113. A pair of blue and white salts, Qing dynasty, Qianlong (1736–95).
Decorated in underglaze blue with flowers. Diameter 9 cm. Height 3.5 cm.
Estimate: SEK 5 000 – 7 000 / EUR 460 – 650
1114. A large blue and white fish basin, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated with a garden in full bloom. Height 37 cm.
Diameter 41 cm.
Provenance: Bukowskis Important Winter Sale 629, 10 December 2020, lot 886.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 290 – 2 750
1115. A blue and white Meiping vase, late Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Decorated in underglaze blue with pommegranate, peaches and pumpkins. Height 18.5 cm.
Provenance: A Swedish private collection.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1117. A blue and white dragon tray, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Rectangular shape, decorated in underglaze blue with a ferocious four clawed dragon amidst cloud formations and lotus scroll.
Measure 17.5 x 24 cm.
Provenance: Property of a Finnish private collector.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1116. A pair of blue and white dishes, late Qing dynasty, 19th century. Ingot shaped decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous floral scroll, shou characters and flowers. The base with a seal mark.
Length 13.5 cm.
Provenance: A Swedish private collection.
Estimate: SEK 4 000 – 6 000 / EUR 370 – 550
1118. A blue and white Chinese double vase, Republic, 20th century.
With elephant handles, decorated with a continuous lotus scroll. Height 33 cm. Width 23 cm.
Provenance: Property of a private Swedish collector.
Estimate: SEK 8 000 – 10 000 / EUR 740 – 920
Estimates are given in Swedish kronor (SEK) and € (EUR). Bukowskis general terms and conditions for buyers and sellers, bidding instructions, and special terms and conditions for individual lots can be found at bukowskis.com. We also reserve the right for any possible typographical or printing errors.
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All lots with a low estimate value of 15 000 SEK and above in the Art section of Modern Art and Important Winter/Spring’s hammer sales are searched against the Art Loss Register database.
