Washington Fall Asian Week Antique & Jewelry #74

The upcoming Washington Fall Asian Week Antique & Jewelry #74 sale by Capitoline Auction Gallery features several important estate finds includes collections from former diplomats and statesmen.  The presence of Imperial famille-rose(rose family) porcelain or wares help to distinguish the auction as an important sale of Chinese decorative art.  

Famille-rose porcelain is often characterized by an opaque glaze that enhances a vibrant color palette, and consists of complex imagery like detailed flowers and insects. The immediacy of this artform is still apparent today, apparent in the butterflies that take flight on a Qing dynasty vase and the gem hued lotus blossoms on an Imperial bowl, simply breathtaking accomplishments.  The color palettes are so saturated and mystical, full of poison greens and scarlets, that it almost remains a wonder they were produced by hand at all.  

In addition to porcelain the varied auction contains many other decorative categories, including textiles and jewelry. A 19th century Chinese embroidered skirt is a wonderful example of 19th century handwork, and there are several embroidered panels too. The jewelry component contains mainly polished jade and coral pieces, but an unusual ring is an auction highlight, consisting of an opal intricately set in gold and studded with diamonds.

There are also rosewood objects, like a 19th century brush pot still in its natural wood form, as well as a beautiful inlaid Chinese Luodian wood box. Rounding out the collection are paintings of Chinese provenance, as well as bronze sculpture, jade and stone carvings, and lacquer boxes.  To view the complete collection and to register to bid go to Bidsquare.