Lot 1014
  • 1014

A YIXING 'AUBERGINE' WATER-DROPPER QING DYNASTY

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • ceramic
naturalistically modeled in the form of an elongated aubergine issuing from a short stem, supported by two smaller aubergine with a few leaves, the flow of water controlled from an opening beneath one leaf, a square seal reading Chen Mingyuan on one end of the stem, the stoneware of a reddish-brown color (7)

Condition

The aubergine is in overall 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.

Catalogue Note

Chen Mingyuan was one of the leading and most versatile potters active during the late Kangxi (1662-1722) and Yongzheng (1723-35) periods. Trained by his father Chen Ziqi, a distinguished 17th century potter, he is best known for his scholar's articles through which he was able to achieve a particularly refined sense of realism. His vessels are best known for their thin bodies and fine craftsmanship while his inscriptions were said to be in the style of the Sui and Tang calligraphers. Other names he used include HecunHefengShixiashanren and Huyen.

Compare closely related examples illustrated in Terese Tse Bartholomew, I-Hsing Ware, 1977, p. 77, pl. 52; and another from the I.M Pei collection in the Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Museum illustrated in Themes and Variations. The Zisha Pottery of Chen Mingyuan, Hong Kong, 1997, p. 76, pl. 1 (fig. 1).  Another aubergine waterdropper of similar form from the Rene Dreyfus collection was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 28th November 2011, lot 221