Page 7 - Christie;es Marchant January 18 2018
P. 7
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THE ANNA-MARIA AND STEPHEN KELLEN FOUNDATION
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A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE CAT NIGHT LIGHTS
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
Modeled in mirror image, seated erect.
8 in. (20.3 cm.) high (2)
$8,000-12,000
EXHIBITED
The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, Chinese Glass Paintings
& Export Porcelain, 8 October - 9 November 1996, no. 27.
Porcelain night lights modeled as cats date to at least the late Ming
Dynasty, as evidenced by their appearance in the famed circa 1643-46
shipwreck of the VOC vessel The Geldermalsen, sold as the Hatcher
Cargo by Christie’s in 1983-84. Their purpose was to ward off rats
and mice, cats being known for both their hunting abilities and their
superb night vision. This charming night light form continued to be
produced into the Kangxi period (1662-1722), in which some of the
fnest examples were made for export to the West. Most are modeled
recumbent, this pair, with their erect seated posture, is both rare and
highly appealing.
PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION
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A BLUE AND WHITE PHOENIX-TAIL VASE
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
Decorated with two pairs of deer in a continuous landscape
18¬ in. (47.3 cm.) high, wood stand
$8,000-12,000
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