Page 66 - Bonhams Chinese & Asian Works of Art Los Angelis December 14 2020

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PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
COLLECTION
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A LARGE POLYCHROME ENAMELED PORCELAIN VASE WITH
FIGURAL DECORATION
Qianlong mark, Republic period
Sturdily potted in rouleau shape, the exterior decorated in a continuous
tableau of scholarly and martial mounted figures encountering each
other in a rocky grove of pine, separating elaborate patterned black
enameled bands encircling the neck and foot, the recessed base
bearing the six character mark in an iron-red cartouche.
18 1/4in (46.3cm) high
$7,000 - 9,000

The vase appears to depict the moment when the defeated Cao
Cao and his terrified retinue implore the righteous Guan Yu for safe
passage through Huarong trail. The piteous expression on Guan’s
usually ferocious face reveals the end of the anecdote: remembering
Cao’s previous kindnesses, Guan Yu ignored orders from Zhuge
Liang, spared his enemies and allowed them to escape. After enduring
decades of the stratagems of all manner of war and warlords, this
scene may have acquired special significance to the potters of the late
Republic period.

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