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THE LIZZADRO COLLECTION (LOTS 1483-1495 INCLUSIVE) Christie's are delighted to offer a selection of jade carvings from the Lizzadro Collection in this sale and in Chinese Interiors on 6th November. The Lizzadro Collection is a rare assemblage of fine jade carvings amassed by one man: Joseph Lizzadro (1888-1972). He was Italian by birth but emigrated with his family to the United States in the early 1900s. In 1916 Joseph joined Meade Electric Company that operated a retail appliance store and converted gas lighting to electricity. He joined as a labourer but was promoted rapidly. In 1929, he was appointed Chairman of the Board, a post he held until his death. In 1932 Joseph married Mary Sandretto (1910-2001) and the couple had six children. He developed a fascination with stones and began collecting, cutting and polishing them to make jewellery for friends and family. He acquired his first Chinese jade carving, a small hanging vase, in the late 1930s with the intention of cutting it into pieces for jewellery. His admiration for the skill of the carver prevented him from doing so. Thus began a lifelong passion for Chinese jade and hardstone carvings. In Joseph's own words, his desire to "share with others our enjoyment of the eternal beauty in gem stones and our appreciation of art with which man has complemented the work of nature" inspired him to establish a museum.The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art opened its doors to the public in 1962. It exhibits several hundred pieces of jade and other hardstones and celebrates the art of the lapidary. The museum continues under the discerning eyes of his son, John Lizzadro, Sr.

A PALE CELADON JADE RECTANGULAR PLAQUE

19TH CENTURY

Details

A PALE CELADON JADE RECTANGULAR PLAQUE
19TH CENTURY
The plaque is carved in low relief to the top with two confronting stylised dragons. It is decorated to one side with a bearded immortal beneath a pine tree on a lake shore. The reverse is carved with the inscription qian li yue xiang sui, which may be translated as "accompanied by the moon for a thousand miles". The stone is of an even pale celadon tone.
2.5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) long

Provenance

Lizzadro Collection, Chicago, Illinois, acquired prior to 1960.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

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