14th Mar, 2025 9:30 GMT/BST
Asian Art
15
A Chinese Porcelain "Red Cliff Visit" Wine Ewer and Cover, Kangxi/Yongzheng, of ovoid form with overhead handle, painted in underglaze blue with four figures in a covered boat in a landscape panel, the reverse with a fifty-six character poem and with two mock seals, ingot brush and ruyi sceptre mark in underglaze blue
15.5cm high
The decoration on this ewer refers to the visit to the site of one of the most famous battles in Chinese history, known as Chibi Zhi Zhan "Red Cliffs" by the Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (1037-1096). The poet's Red Cliffs odes are amongst his well-known and popular works; the scene on this lot being derived from a Ming period woodblock print illustrated edition of the poem.
The battle took place in 208AD between the combined forces of the southern warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan against the northern warlord Caocoa, leading to the founding of the Three Kingdoms establishing the division between southern and northern China along the Yellow River. The subject became popular in the 17th and early 18th century with Ming loyalists at a time when the Ming Dynasty had been overthrown by the Qing.
For a similar ewer, but Yongzheng mark and period, see Bonhams, New Bond Street, 14 May 2009, lot 36
Sold for £2,800
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Examined under UV, no restoration.
The spout with a flat chip to the end and also slightly abraded. Slight pitting to the side of the knop.
Glaze rich and free of any notable scratches, wear and pitting.
Well potted with no real noted warping. To be critical, the handle has a very slight lean to one side.
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Auction: Asian Art, 14th Mar, 2025
The Spring Asian Art Sale will include part of the Doctor Eileen Cobb Collection. Born in 1932, Eileen Cobb was a pioneer for women entering the medical profession, rising to consultant status during an era when the field was heavily male dominated. After an illustrious career, Eileen and her husband Nigel Cobb, an orthopaedic surgeon, had time to devote to other interests. The pair were avid collectors of furniture, furnishings and decorative items for their numerous homes, and Eileen had a special interest in Chinese porcelain and cats. Highlight of the collection on offer in the Asian Art Sale include a Chinese Porcelain Figural Night Light and Stand, late Ming Dynasty, probably Chongzhen, and a Pair of Chinese Porcelain Models of Recumbent Deer, Kangxi.
Further highlights of the sale include a Pair of Chinese Porcelain Large Rose Water Droppers, Qianlong reign mark but not of the period, and a Chinese Porcelain Jardiniere.
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Sunday 9th March - Thursday 13th Match 11am-3pm and morning of the sale from 8am
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