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Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

The term fahua or ‘designs with borders’ describes a particularly striking style of decoration seen on Chinese ceramics of the Ming dynasty, 15th-17th centuries. On fahua wares, the design is outlined in relief in trailing lines of slip and then filled in with brightly-coloured glazes. The distinctive palette includes tones of deep turquoise, inky blue, amber, aubergine, dark green and white. The glazes used to produce these rich colours are alkaline in nature and more often seen on ceramic wares of the Middle East. It is thought that the fahua palette is inspired by foreign ceramics introduced to China during the Tang dynasty (618-907), a period of frequent trade and exchange between China and the outside world. Fahua wares are also associated with the technique of cloisonné enamel, whereby a metal object is applied with an outline design of thin wires or cloisons and then infilled with enamels. Many fine examples of both fahua and Chinese cloisonné enamel vessels are represented in the current collection, highlighting the sensitive thought process behind the assembly of objects used to furnish the home.

A CHINESE FAHUA 'IMMORTALS' JAR

MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE FAHUA 'IMMORTALS' JAR
MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY
Decorated to the body with Shoulao seated beside his attendant and deer and the Eight Immortals carrying various attributes to one side, above a band of stylised lappets to the foot and ruyi-cartouches enclosing the Eight Buddhist Emblems, Bajixiang to the shoulder
12 ¾ in. (32.4 cm.) high, hongmu stand

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 7 November 2006, lot 183.

Literature

Michael S. Smith, Houses, New York, 2008, pp. 135-6.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Sale room notice

Please note the ~ means the lot incorporates material from endangered species which could result in export restrictions.

Brought to you by

Charlotte Young

cyoung@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2730

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