Important Americana: Silver, Chinese Export, and Prints
Important Americana: Silver, Chinese Export, and Prints
An Instinctive Eye: Property from A Distinguished Collector
Lot Closed
January 22, 06:52 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
An Instinctive Eye: Property from A Distinguished Collector
A Rare Pair of Chinese Export 'Tobacco Leaf' Pattern Pomegranate-form Tureens, Covers and Stands
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, circa 1785
清乾隆 約1785年 粉彩花卉紋石榴形湯盆及托盤一對
each of circular form and molded with a blue floral handle on one side, painted with yellow and puce flowers in the center surrounded by large turquoise, yellow, blue and green tobacco leaves, the cover painted with three pomegranates culminating in a blue stem-form knop that surmounts the cover, the stands with fluted rims and similarly decorated
diameter of stand 11 5/8 in.; 29.4 cm
The present examples are a variation of the classic and well known 'Tobacco Leaf' pattern, with the addition of three pomegranates to the central design. The pomegranate symbolizes fertility in Chinese iconography due to its numerous seeds, a rebus for 'many sons'. Along with the Buddha's Hand citron and peach, the three auspicious fruits are often depicted together and known as the 'three abundances'. However, this meaning is unlikely to be understood by the Western audience who ordered these tureens in the 18th century. Pomegranate tureens are also seen with other decorations; one tureen and cover, decorated in 'faux marbre' pattern, was sold in these rooms, January 20th-21st, 2017, lot 4137; another pair complete with stands, decorated with a central panel depicting a pair of pheasants in a fenced garden, sold in these rooms, January 25th-26th, 2013, lot 51.
The present tureens were formerly in the collection of Mrs. Lytle Hull (1893-1976), arts patron, philanthropist and a founder of the New York Opera Company. She was also a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and on the board of directors of numerous cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic Symphony Society.