Freeman’s Presents Notable Imperial Chinese “Balsam Pear” Bowls, Bronze-Covered Ritual Wine Vessel, & Large Vietnamese Bronze Drum

The upcoming Asian Arts auction at Freeman’s features nearly 300 lots of fine porcelain, decorative pieces, art, and artifacts spanning different periods and styles. A key highlight in the ceramics section is a pair of elegant Imperial Chinese “Balsam Pear” bowls. Chinese porcelain decoration is characterized by four colors with a rich history in Chinese art and culture. As a relatively recent development, famille rose porcelain dates from the early 18th century. Enamels in pink, red, and gold define this style. Decorative items like vases, jars, and other larger pieces reflected this style, which was popular with the elite of China. The rare pair of Imperial Chinese “Balsam Pear” bowls featured in the auction are on circular bases with slightly flared lips. Both are decorated with vines, bamboo, and butterflies with an underglaze seal mark on the underside.

Another notable lot is a Chinese bronze-covered ritual wine vessel. With its elaborate decoration, this wine vessel shows the splendor of ritual ceremonies during the Shang and early Zhou periods. The piece may represent a family shrine’s accumulated wealth during the Zhou conquest of the Shang. Formerly, this piece belonged to a New York City private collection. Additional lots available in the auction sessions include Chinese patinated bronze censors, a large Vietnamese bronze drum, Chinese cloisonné vases, and more. Visit Freeman’s to find more information on the Asian Arts sale and to place a bid.