Page 57 - Tabor Collection Christie's New York April 10 2019

94
A MASSIVE PAIR OF GEESE The heavy legs and feet and the horny knob on these birds' bills are
LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY characteristic of Chinese geese; geese are known in Chinese ceramics
One standing with head held high on his long, slender neck, the other turned as early as the Han dynasty. The concept of very large porcelain models,
back, preening a wing, the plumage with molded details and the pebbly skin of however, may well have been inspired by the porcelain swans produced
their broad webbed feet glazed orange by Kändler at Meissen in the mid-18th century. On the underside are two
22½ in. (57.2 cm.) high, the taller (2) circular unglazed patches where supports were applied; their open mouths
were the only escape for air during the fring process.
$40,000-60,000
PROVENANCE: For smaller examples see William R. Sargent, The Copeland Collection, 1991
Anonymous sale; Christie's, New York, 21 January 2009, lot 116. p. 239, Sotheby's, London, The Ionides Collection, 18 February 1964, lot 273,
and Sotheby's, New York, the Estate of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 30 April 1980,
In China geese are considered romantic, symbolizing loyalty and marital lot 538.
happiness. They are said to fy always in pairs and to mate for life, even
remaining solitary if a mate dies. Flying geese are also believed to deliver Another massive pair was sold Christie's, New York, 21 May 2003, lot 102.
good news, and mean the best of luck.

55