REPUBLIC PERIOD (1912-1949), WITH THE SEAL MARK OF WANG DAFAN (1888-1961)

Details

A FAMILLE ROSE INSCRIBED 'FIGURAL' VASE
REPUBLIC PERIOD (1912-1949), WITH THE SEAL MARK OF WANG DAFAN (1888-1961)
The elegantly potted vase is decorated to the exterior with a continuous mountainous landscape scene featuring the famous female poet and musician Cai Wenji riding a camel and accompanied by attendants, one of which is carrying her two young sons in a large basket. There is a long poetic inscription in seal script to the shoulder of the vessel, ending with an iron-red square seal containing the characters 'da fan'. The base has a four-character seal mark in iron-red reading 'kuai yun tang zhi'.
12 in. (30.5 cm.) high

Provenance

Private American Collection

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Sale room notice

Please note that the provenance for this lot is: Private American Collection

Brought to you by

Samantha Yuen

syuen@christies.com +44 (0)20 7104 5791

Lot Essay

The long inscription describes the life story of the protagonist Cai Wenji. The daughter of the famous scholar Cai Yong, Cai Wenji is eulogised as a talented female calligrapher and composer of the Eastern Han period. Cai's husband Wei Zhongdao died shortly after their marriage, and Cai was captured by the Xiongnu when they invaded Han territory. She remarried the Xiongnu chieftain Liu Bao during her captivity, and gave birth to two sons. Twelve years later, she was eventually freed after the Han Chancellor Cao Cao paid a heavy random for her release. The story of Cai bidding farewell to her young sons as she returns to Han territory has been portrayed in paintings and plays throughout Chinese history and she continues to be a popular symbol for female resilience.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All