Asian Art I - 21st May 2014
Lot 253
A Chinese miniature guan Yuan/Ming dynasty
Estimate £2,000 - £3,000 | Hammer £8000
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Description
A Chinese miniature guan Yuan/Ming dynasty, the ovoid body decorated in sancai glazes, with three large scaly fish and lotus to the exterior, all reserved on a green ground stopping short of the foot, paper labels for Bluett London and The Cunliffe Collection, 9cm.
Provenance: the collection of Andrew Williams Esq., Oxfordshire. Formerly the Lord Cunliffe Collection.
This small fahua-type jar, passed through Bluetts' hands several times. It was purchased from Shimizu (a London-based dealer connected with Yamanaka & Co., from which Bluett's bought a number of pieces) on the 21st March 1931 for £20, and was sold to Arthur J Whittall on the 24th March 1931 for £25. It was among the many pieces from Whittall's collection sold through Bluett's from 1948 onwards, selling to Lord Cuniffe on the 29th October 1948 for £35. It is among the pieces photographed by Brian Morgan when much of the remaining Cunliffe Collection was in storage as Mssrs. C R Fenton in 1987.