KANGXI (1662-1722) OR LATER

Details

A MATCHED PAIR OF RARE FAMILLE JAUNE BISCUIT MODELS OF KILNS WITH COVERS
KANGXI (1662-1722) OR LATER
Each of slightly tapering oval form with a tall cylindrical chimney at one end and a small flat detachable, (egg-shaped), cover with a recessed rectangular 'doorway' at the other end, the slightly domed top moulded with arched ribs and applied with two small lug handles, both decorated primarily with a brickwork design in yellow, aubergine and pale turquoise, one also with three butterflies on each side, the area encircling the ribbed top under a thin yellow glaze with a small spout at the rear, possibly so that the whole vessel may be used as a water-dropper
6½ in. (16.5 cm.) long and high (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Models of kilns appear to be extremely rare. A single example without cover, which also has the butterfly decoration, is in the Hodroff Collection, having been formerly in the Mottahedeh Collection; see Ronald W. Fuchs II, Made in China, Export Porcelain from the Leo and Doris Hodroff Collection at Winterthur, Winterthur, 2005, no. 96, p. 149, and Howard and Ayers, China for the West, London and New York, 1978, vol. I, no. 99, p. 121.

Compare the distinctive brickwork-pattern on these kilns with the chequered pattern of the robes on several Kangxi biscuit figures: one of two twin groups, Hehe Erxian, illustrated by Geoffrey Godden, Oriental Export Market Porcelain, London, 1979, fig. 163, p. 239; a figure of Shoulao illustrated by Walter Bondy, Kang-Hsi, München, 1923, pl. 169; and a figure of Budai exhibited Chinese Porcelain XVIc-XVIIIc, from the Collection of Dr. C. M. Franzero, Bluett & Sons Ltd., London, 1974, cat. no. 17.

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