Page 30 - Bonhams Cornette Saint Cyr, Property from the estate of Jean-Pierre Rousset (1936-2021)

Statue of a female deity in stone Standing court lady in terracotta with a blue glazed dress
Cambodia, Baphuon style, 11th century Northern China, Tang dynasty (618-907), mid 8th century
H: 82 cm. L: 31cm. D: 15 cm. H: 39 cm; L. 16 cm
Gift of Robert Rousset, Musée Guimet, MA 4728 Gift of Robert Rousset, 1978, Musée Guimet, MA 4720
Location: Paris, Musée Guimet - Musée National des Arts Location: Paris, Musée Guimet - Musée National des Arts
Asiatiques Asiatiques
Photo (C) RMN-Grand Palais (MNAAG, Paris) / Michel Urtado Photo (C) RMN-Grand Palais (MNAAG, Paris) / Thierry Ollivier

Alter table decorated with flowers and birds Detail of the top Detail of the leg
China, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period (1522 - 1566)
Incised wood, red lacquer and gilt
H: 82.50 cm, L: 210 cm, Depth: 79cm
Gift of Robert Rousset, 1984, Musée Guimet, MA 4987

After Robert's death in 1982, and in the interest of continuing to Jean-Pierre's sister, Anne-Marie (1932 - 2019), wrote in a diary
enrich the French public collections, Jean-Pierre Rousset chose addressed to her grandson Olivier in 2002:
to donate works in lieu of inheritance tax. In view of the quality of
these works, the State accepted the proposal, further enriching "One day, an American client comes to visit and is in awe of the
the national collections. In 1984, the Musée Guimet received a Coromandel.
very large and splendid Coromandel screen with flowers on a - I would like to buy it from you, Mr Rousset. Tell me your price.
gilded background (MA 4986) and a huanghuali alter table from - I am sorry, dear sir. I absolutely do not wish to part with it. I am very
the Qing dynasty (MA 4987), which can be admired today on the attached to it.
first floor of the Hôtel Heidelbach in the "salle aux paravents". The American then took out a cheque from his chequebook, signed
These pieces all come from Robert Rousset’s personal collection. it and handed it to him.
The folding screen was in the main entrance to his apartment on - Should you change your mind, later on, please: write down the
boulevard Richard Wallace in Neuilly-sur-Seine, where Robert amount that suits you, your price will be mine”.
lived with his wife, Suzanne Legendre, "Aunt Zett".

28 | BONHAMS