Large antique Chinese period vase. Manatee Galleries image.
This sale will present the arts of China, Japan and Southeast Asia from the Ming Dynasty period through the 20th century. Offerings include porcelain, jade, scholars’ objects, bronzes, ivory, silver, furniture and paintings.
Manatee Galleries, a second-generation auction house and gallery in Palmetto, Fla., is proud to to offer the second part of the Wagner family estate plus the estate of well-known philanthropists Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Kaul. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Hugh Kaul was a highly respected entrepreneur, devoting much of his life to his charitable foundation. A state representative and a founder, director and president of the Alabama Forestry Council, Kaul committed his time and assets to many area nonprofits during his life as well. He and his wife traveled the world amassing a large collection of antiques. From their collection, Manatee Galleries is able to feature four Chinese Republic period porcelain plaques.
The artists that are said to have painted these plaques are members of the famous Eight Friends of Zhushan ( 珠山八友). The Eight Friends of Zhushan were among the best Fencai master artists of the Republican period. They were members of the Yue Yuanhui (月圆会), a society which members met on the full moon of every lunar month at Zhushan to interact and exchange ideas. Each of the artists specialized in a particular subject and had their distinctive style. It is now generally accepted that there were 10 artists who were at one point or another members of the society. The gallery is honored to be able to present these items.
Also offered in the Kaul estate sale is a lovely collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century Chinese porcelain. A rare Chinese famille rose peaches rouleau vase has beautiful color and style and is from the 19th century. Large in stature, measuring 24 3/4 inches tall, the vase is decorated with an allover design of nine peaches issuing from gnarled leafy branches with blossoms. On the other side it has a scene with an imperial yellow and verte vase.
Among the gems is a beautiful, large pair (24 inches) of 18th century antique Chinese porcelain famille noire vases. The quality and detail of these famille noire vases is fine and suggests that they are of the 18th century period and came from the late Herbert Schiffer.
Another find is a rare Chinese blue and white export porcelain tureen. It is from the Qianlong period, circa 1785. This tureen depicts a scene of the Great Wall of China painted in underglaze blue. Much research was done on this important historical subject. Rarely is a scene such as this, painted on a piece of Fitzhugh Chinese export porcelain.
Also available to the highest bidder is a fine of antique ivory, including a set of the Four Immortals wearing long flowing robes and serene expressions on their faces while holding precious objects. Of superb quality, each one is mounted on carved lotus formed hardwood bases and each measures 7 inches tall. An antique Chinese pavilion depicts a procession of Immortals to a pavilion in the sky. This is from the Qing Dynasty and measures 9 1/2 inches high by 3 3/4 inches wide.
There is also a stunning Chinese carved ivory emperor and empress pair. Heavy and elaborately carved, they are signed by the artist. Each is dressed in ornate and densely carved robes and seated in reticulated thrones raised on paw feet. He is of a dragon motif; she of a phoenix motif holding a gift. They are on hardwood bases measuring 10 1/4 inches.
One of the most spectacular pieces of ivory is the rare 19th century carved ivory puzzle ball. Skillfully hand-carved in Canton with intricate three-dimensional carving, this according to our expert in Asian Art is not only the finest but one of the largest puzzle balls he’s seen on the market.
Also offered is a huge antique Japanese ivory figure group, which measures 10 inches tall by 9 inches wide, on a wooden fitted stand. In addition there is a collection of nine 19th century ivory card cases, all intricately carved. A stunning antique 19th century carved ivory Guan Yin figure is depicted wearing a layered robe and holding flowers. This marvelous ivory collection will delight the serious collector and dealer both.
Manatee Galleries can be reached by phone at 941-722-4800 or via email at info@manateegalleries.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Large antique Chinese period vase. Manatee Galleries image. Four Chinese Republic plaques. Manatee Galleries image. Collection of antique ivory. Manatee Galleries image. Pair of 25-inch antique Chinese Famille Noire vases. Manatee Galleries image. Antique Chinese bronze censer, signed. Manatee Galleries image. Antique Chinese ivory card case from a collection of nine such cases. Manatee Galleries image. Rare Chinese Qianlong tureen adorned with scene of Great Wall of China. Manatee Galleries image. 18th-century Chinese export china in Tobacco Leaf pattern. Manatee Galleries image. Republic marked porcelain in the Chinese taste. Manatee Galleries image.
