- 2322
A PAIR OF GOLD 'PRUNUS' HAIR ORNAMENTS MING DYNASTY
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
each finely executed in gold filigree with twisted thin wires branching out to a prunus blossom formed by delicate filigree petals centred with upright stamens, smaller attendant ruyi-shaped buds and flat leaves, the slender stem tied in a long flowing ribbon, small holes at the buds and at the base of the stem which once possibly held small stones (now missing)
Exhibited
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. 1954-55, cat.no. 72.
Literature
Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, cat.no. 72.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 70.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 70.
Condition
There are a few missing stamens on both flowers, the top of the leaf is chipped on both ornaments. One ornament originally had a second flower that is now missing (seen on the other ornament). The second ornament had a few more leaves near the top that are now missing. Near the foot of the ornaments there probably were beads inserted into the small circular depressions (one is missing on one of the ornaments). However, the pieces still appear to be quite intact with a little bit of malachite encrustation.
"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
Compare a similar pair of hair ornaments, illustrated in Celestial Creations: Art of the Chinese Goldsmith, The Cheng Xun Tang Collection, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007, pl.H36.