Page 41 - Bonhams Chiense Paintings New York July 21 2020

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A PAIR OF EUROPEAN SUBJECT ‘JUDGEMENT OF PARIS’
PLATES
18th century
Each decorated with central scenes of Paris offering the golden apple
to Aphrodite, flanked by Juno and Minerva, with Cupid seated on the
lushly draped robes, all within gilt foliate scroll borders, all under a clear
glaze.
9in (23cm) diameter (2).

US$1,500 - 2,500
Provenance
Sotheby’s, London, 9 October 2002, Lot 248

Paris was the second son of Priam, King of Troy, and was known for 45
making fair and just decisions. Zeus selected him to be the judge of
a beauty contest between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The winner
would be awarded the golden apple from Eris, the goddess of discord. 45
Each of the three goddesses offered him a bribe in an attempt to A LARGE CANTON ENAMEL ROSE MEDALLION PUNCH BOWL
Late Qing dynasty
influence his decision. In the end, Paris chose Aphrodite who offered
him Helen, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. The massive deep bowl covered in numerous scenes of wealthy
garden denizens and bird and flower reserves separated by bands of
Paris’ choice of Aphrodite was one of the events that led to the Trojan
War. elaborate floral and butterfly scroll, all rendered in the typical enamel
palette of green and pink with gilt highlights.
19 3/4in (50.2cm) diameter
Though the origin of the story is obscure, its appearance in Homer’s
Iliad could be the the first instance it was placed into a larger narrative.
The scene has remained a popular icon in Western art. US$3,000 - 5,000
清末 廣彩開光人物花鳥圖大盌

FINE CHINESE PAINTINGS AND WORKS OF ART | 39