Lot 255
  • 255

A SET OF FOUR FAMILLE-ROSE 'FIGURAL' PLAQUES, SIGNED ZIXU REPUBLIC PERIOD

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Porcelain
each finely painted with a garden scene depicting one of the legendary beauties in Chinese tradition, including Diao Chan, Lu Meier, Hong Funü, and Ma Gu, accompanied by a poetic inscription and a red seal, three plaques dated to the guiyou year, corresponding to 1933, framed (4)

Condition

Each in overall good condition with minor surface wear, a few spots of paint spatter, and minor firing imperfections. Not examined out of frames.
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.

Catalogue Note

The literati school of porcelain painting gained immense popularity during the Republic period (1912-1949). With Jingdezhen serving as the center of production, several generations of great porcelain painters emerged. Of those artists, there is no record of one by the name of Zixu, who signed the present plaques. However, the paintings seem to possess stylistic traits influenced by Wang Xiaotang (1885-1924) and Wang Dafan (1888-1961), who were both porcelain masters of the early 20th century and renowned for figural painting. Wang Dafan studied under Wang Xiaotang, and later became one of the 'Eight Friends of Zhushan'. Compare a set of four famille-rose plaques by Wang Xiaotang, in the Muwentang Collection, illustrated in Simon Kwan, Chinese Porcelain of the Republic Period, Hong Kong, 2008, pl. 8; see also a plaque by Wang Dafan, ibid., pl. 70.