Page 80 - Sotheby's London Fine Japanese Art Nov. 2019

69
A RARE KO-IMARI BOTTLE VASE
EDO PERIOD, MID-17 TH CENTURY
of tea-whisk form, with oviform body on
a ring foot, short neck and everted rim,
with panels of chrysanthemums, poppies
and scrolling foliage, divided by panels of
scrollwork, decorated in iron-red, green,
yellow and black enamels and iron-red lines,
the shoulder with a band of lappets, iron-red
neck
27.5 cm., 10⅞ in. high
PROVENANCE
The collection of Robert de Billy (1869-1953)
Robert de Billy was a bibliophile, art historian
and friend of Marcel Proust. He met Proust
in 1890 during military service and became
a life-long friend. He was the French
Ambassador to Japan between 1927-1929.
£ 30,000-50,000
€ 33,700-56,500 US$ 37,300-62,500

Reverse

French Ambassador to Japan, Robert de Billy (1869-1953)
Bibliothèque nationale de France
78 Buyers are liable to pay both the hammer price (as estimated above) and the buyer’s premium together with any applicable taxes and Artist’s Resale Right (which will depend on the individual circumstances).
Refer to the Buying at Auction and VAT sections at the back of this catalogue for further information.