Page 105 - Bonhams London May 13th aqnd 14th 2019 Chinese Art

The narrative scene on the present lot is likely incredible strength - he is pictured at the he then guides Liu Bang out of the perilous
‘The Feast At Hong Gate’ a famous episode front of the scene lifting an ancient bronze situation and away on a horse. Later, Zhang
of the interregnum following the Qin Dynasty vessel with one arm. Liang presents Xiang Yu with some jade
where Xiang Yu (232–202BC), a duke of the cups, apologizing on behalf of Liu Bang for
insurgent Chu forces attempts to assassinate Undeterred, Fan Zeng summons Xiang his early departure. Enraged that the plan
Liu Bang (256–195BC), a rival rebel general. Yu’s cousin Xiang Zhuang instructing him has failed Fan Zeng smashes them on the
to pretend to perform a sword dance to floor and warns the gathered company that
After defeating the last of the Qin forces in entertain the guests but kill Liu Bang. Xiang Liu Bang will one day defeat Xiang Yu.
207BC, the two generals agree to meet at a Zhuang, pictured with his sword sheathed
banquet to discuss future military plans. Fan at the top of the scene, starts dancing but True to the prediction Liu Bang crushes Xiang
Zeng, Xiang Yu’s advisor and pictured at the Xiang Bo, a Chu general secretly under the Yu’s forces in 202BC at the Battle of Gaxia
top table in a red robe, sees Liu Bang as a influence of the rival rebel army, offers to join and becomes the first emperor of the Han
future threat and recommends assassinating the performance and thwarts the plan. Dynasty.
him at the feast.
Whilst this is happening Zhang Liang, Liu In Chinese culture, the term ‘Feast at
Throughout the banquet Fan Zeng makes Bang’s chief strategist, organises another Hong Gate’ 鴻門宴 hong men yan is used
signals to Xiang Yu to kill Liu Bang but Xiang general, Fan Kuai, to burst into the party, figuratively to refer to a trap or a situation
ignores him and enjoys the company of the ingratiate himself and make a speech that ostensibly joyous but in fact treacherous.
gathered guests instead. Reputedly over implies Liu Bang will not challenge Xiang Yu’s
eight chi tall, Xiang Yu was famous for his forces. Excusing themselves to the lavatory

276
A MATCHED PAIR OF FAMILLE VERTE
WATER FOUNTAINS
Kangxi
Each of baluster form, with a flat reverse to
hang against a wall, with narrative scenes,
the first with a scholar lost in a dream, the
second with a court meeting with three
female officials, with a beast mask head
boss to the lower section with an aperture
for metal attachments, each with a tiered
lid decorated with boys at play and with
Buddhist lion finial. Each: 58cm (22 3/4in)
high (4).

£3,000 - 5,000
HK$31,000 - 52,000
CNY26,000 - 44,000

276

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART - PART I | 103