Panoramic view of the landscape and poem on a brushpot
China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng (1723–35)
or early Qianlong (1736–95) period, commissioned by Tang Ying (1682–1756)
Porcelain with famille-rose (fencai) decoration, height 13.5 cm
Private collection
The 19th Asian Art in London runs from 3rd-12th of November and promises once again to bring a wide mixture of art and antiques from all periods. I would especially like to draw your attention to the special exhibition that the Oriental Ceramics Society is holding at Sotheby’s in Bond Street. Entitled ‘China without Dragons’ (3rd-9thNovember 2016) it features some two hundred ceramic pieces with the majority coming from either Japan or China.
Moonflask with carnations and asters
China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Ming dynasty, Yongle period (1403–1424)
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue decoration, height 28 cm
Private collection
As the curator Regina Krahl (a former Society president) says: “This exhibition aims to celebrate the rich store of Chinese ceramics collected within the Oriental Ceramic Society. The fascination of an exhibition such as this lies in its phenomenal spectrum. It covers the full range from the rarest masterpieces that we might see in a major museum show to minor items that would otherwise rarely be exhibited but which display some unusual or noteworthy aspect, are particularly well made, or are simply beautiful. It is hoped that this selection will be enjoyed by specialists as well as by amateurs.”
Zodiac figure of the horse
China, Henan province, Gongxian region, Tang dynasty, 7th or 8th century
Earthenware with sancai glazes, height 22.2 cm
Private collection
The Oriental Ceramics Society (OCS) was founded in Craven Hill Gardens in London in 1921 and has a long-established reputation as being the leading international society for those interested in studying and appreciating Asian Art and has over seven hundred members worldwide.
Porcelain vase decorated with yangcai overglaze enamels
China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Qing dynasty, Qianlong mark and period (1736-1795)
Height 47 cm
Private collection
Archaic Jade Notched Disc
Late Neolithic period – Shang period, 2000 – 1500 BC
Diameter: 33.0cm
Courtesy of Eskenazi
One cannot write about Asian Art in London without mentioning the renowned firm Eskenazi and what a corker of an exhibition (Early Chinese Art from Private Collections, 3rd – 25th November 2016) they offer us this year. It consists of twenty-four early examples of Chinese art (early jades, bone carvings, archaic bronzes and inlaid metalwork) dating from the Neolithic period to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). They all come from private collections and many have illustrious provenances having been previously owned by well-known collectors, including Luo Zhenyu, Pan Zuyin, Alexandre J. Argyropoulos, Edward T. Chow and Adolphe Stoclet. Many of the items have a common theme in that they feature animal decoration or animal motifs. Alongside this they are showing works by the well-known contemporary Chinese ink painter Zeng Xiaojun (b.1954) in what is his first European show.
Archaic Bronze Wine Vessel and Cover (You)
Shang or Early Western Zhou period, 11th century BC
Height (to top of knop): 27.4cm
Weight (without handle): 3.80kg
Courtesy of Eskenazi
Gilt-bronze, Agate and Turquoise Bear
Han period, 206 BC – 220 AD
Height: 10.6cm
Courtesy of Eskenazi
Bonsai I
Ink and colour on paper
Dimensions: 180cm by 138cm
Signed: Zeng Xiaojun
Artist’s seal: Painted by Zeng Xiaojun
Courtesy of Eskenazi
Tim Forrest's E & A 