A SET OF FOUR FAMIILE-ROSE PLAQUES DATED TO THE JIMAO YEAR CORRESPONDING TO 1939, SIGNED LIU YUCEN (1904-1969)

each plaque of square outline with chamfered corners, painted with quail amid rocks and plants representing one of the four seasons, with an inscription identifying the season, signed Liu Yucen and seals reading zhu ren, the edges beveled for insertion into a frame (4)

Collection of Lewis Clark, Minister-Counselor of Chinese Embassy, Nanking 1947-1949.

There is a yellowish haze around some of the enamels which are perhaps slightly overfired, otherwise all are in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Liu Yucen is one of the Eight Friends of Zhushan, a group of porcelain artists active during the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Zhushan is in the vicinity of Jingdezhen, which was the location of the Imperial kilns for two dynasties.

When the Imperial kilns were closed after the fall of the Qing dynasty, there were no more Imperial orders for porcelain. A group of  renowned porcelain artists therefore shifted their attention to supplying the general public. This group called themselves the Yueyuan Hui (Round Moon Society). There were eight members in the initial group, and in Jingdezhen they were nicknamed the Eight Friends of Zhushan, a name that stuck, even after the group expanded to include new members. Other members in the group included Wang Qi, Wang Dafan, Wang Yeting, Deng Bishan, He Xuren, Bi Botao, Cheng Yiting, Xu Zhongnan and Tian Hexian. Liu was the last member of the group to pass away in 1969.

Liu also went by the name Danhuyu, which also appears on the present lot.  His studio was called Jue An, and this appears on the plaque representing Autumn.