- 50
A PAIR OF FRENCH RÉGENCE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED BLANC-DE-CHINE PORCELAIN FIGURES OF CRANES, AS TWO-LIGHT CANDELABRA |
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Haut. 26 cm ; height 10 1/4 in.
- the mounts circa 1720, the porcelain Kangxi period
with two arms of lights ; (the porcelain nozzles and drip pans probably European porcelain, one pan replaced)
Provenance
Galerie Kugel, Paris
European Distinguished Private Collection
European Distinguished Private Collection
Literature
Related literature
Blumenfield, Robert H. Blanc de Chine: the great porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002.
Donnelly, P.J. Blanc de Chine: the porcelain of Têhua in Fukien, London, 1969.
Blumenfield, Robert H. Blanc de Chine: the great porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002.
Donnelly, P.J. Blanc de Chine: the porcelain of Têhua in Fukien, London, 1969.
Condition
This exquisite pair is in overall good conserved condition and are ready to be placed. The gilt bronze mounts are in good condition retaining their original gilding. One gilt-bronze flame replaced (of the candelabra with crane on left and tree stump on right) Porcelain Left-hand crane: All of the porcelain elements appear to be Chinese. The sconce on the left has two cracks to the nozzle, with some overpainting and surface scratches. The other nozzle appears to be in good order. Both porcelain drip pans are in good order. The model of the crane and the tree stump is generally intact. Some minor restoration to the top of the stem and slight chipping to the underside of the waisted section at the top of the stem. Right-hand crane: The right hand nozzle has two faint hairline cracks to the upper rim, otherwise the nozzle and drip pans are in good order. One ormolu branch is slightly bent. The bird and tree stump support have been extensively damaged, but well restored. Slight difference in colour in comparison with the left hand example. One drip pan replaced and marked Limoges.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
These blanc-de-chine porcelain cranes are typical of the production from the beginning of the 18th century of the porcelain factories of Dehua, Fujian province, in southeastern China. The production of this type of white porcelain, known from the 19th century as 'blanc de chine' in the West, finds its origins in the 11th century. The crane has been an auspicious symbol of longevity, harmony and filial respect from the earliest times in China. Another important and related pair of mounted candélabres aux cicognes possibly supplied to Madame de Pompadour by Lazare Duvaux, sold Christie's London, The Exceptional sale, 9 July 2015, lot 129. Whilst the gilt-bronze mounts differ in style, the design of the crane standing before a tree trunk is similar. Other pairs of gilt-bronze mounted cranes are recorded in the Jean de Jullienne sale, of 20 March-22 May 1767, citing '1446. Deux cicognes, d'ancien Chine, blanc foncé, sur pieds à gaudron de bronze' and '1525. Deux petites cicognes, d'ancien & très beau blanc de Japon, garnies de pieds à gaudron de bronze'.
Mounted cranes in coloured porcelain were sold Sotheby's Paris, The Léon Lévy Collection, 2 October 2008, lot 43. Furthermore, the treatment of the porcelain relates to a pair of blanc-de-chine peacocks mounted on a pot pourri, sold Christie's New York, Connoisseur's Eye, 20 May 2014, lot 264 and to a peacock illustrated Blumenfield, Robert H. Blanc de Chine: the great porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002, p.88, fig.c.
The fine engraved gilt-bronze base is similar to the base of a pair of gilt-bronze mounted blanc-de-chine vases, sold Sotheby's Paris, B. B. S. Hommages, 30 June 2016, lot 70, while the nozzles and drip pans are similar to those of a pair of candelabra sold Christie's Paris, Le Goût Français, 6 November 2014, lot 240.
Mounted cranes in coloured porcelain were sold Sotheby's Paris, The Léon Lévy Collection, 2 October 2008, lot 43. Furthermore, the treatment of the porcelain relates to a pair of blanc-de-chine peacocks mounted on a pot pourri, sold Christie's New York, Connoisseur's Eye, 20 May 2014, lot 264 and to a peacock illustrated Blumenfield, Robert H. Blanc de Chine: the great porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002, p.88, fig.c.
The fine engraved gilt-bronze base is similar to the base of a pair of gilt-bronze mounted blanc-de-chine vases, sold Sotheby's Paris, B. B. S. Hommages, 30 June 2016, lot 70, while the nozzles and drip pans are similar to those of a pair of candelabra sold Christie's Paris, Le Goût Français, 6 November 2014, lot 240.