Page 76 - Bonhams Chinese Paintings June 2015

Lt. Col. Elmer J. Ryan and Mrs. Marjorie Fuller Ryan

Lacquer and Scholar’s Objects

Property from the Estate of Lt. Col. Elmer J. Ryan
and Mrs. Marjorie Fuller Ryan

7115

A pair of large carved cinnabar lacquer baluster vases

Qianlong marks, 19th century

Each carved in high relief with bands of squared C-scrolls combined The bearded figures on one vase listening to the qin or engaged in a

with lotus and peony flowers on curling leaves around the neck game of weiqi combined with the young servant on the other vase,

and chrysanthemums in the lappet reserves on the shoulder, their carrying a group of rolled scrolls that may contain paintings and

elongated bodies deftly worked with related scenes of scholars and calligraphy, provide a subtle illustration for the Four Accomplishments

their young servants walking through verdant retreats, some playing of a Scholar, qin qi shu hua (calligraphy, painting, music and chess).

the qin or a game of weiqi while servants carry musical instruments

or a bag of rolled scrolls; the lower body of each carved with a tall The fine pair of cinnabar vases, shown here as lot 7115 have resided

band of strap work and conjoined leaves, a layer of black lacquer in the same Minnesota family for over 100 years. Entering the family’s

finishing the interior and the drilled base bearing the six-character collection at the turn of the 19th century, they were then passed

mark painted in gilt seal script. down to Marjorie and Lt. Col. Elmer James Ryan, Congressman to

23 1/2in (59.7cm) high the United States House of Representatives from the 2nd District

$40,000 - 60,000 of Minnesota (1935-1941), who passed away in 1958. He was also

lifetime law partner to, and ran the presidential campaigns, of Gov.

Harold Stassen. At the passing of Mrs. Ryan in 1986, the vases were

passed down to the current generation.

74 | BONHAMS