Tuesday 13 May 2025

Lot 4

A rare Chinese blue and white soft-paste ’walrus‘ vase Qing dynasty, Kangxi period The...

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Lot 4

A rare Chinese blue and white soft-paste ’walrus‘ vase
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period
The...

Starting Bid: £3,400

Estimate: £5,000 - £7,000

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Lot 4

Description

A rare Chinese blue and white soft-paste ’walrus‘ vase

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period

The thinly-potted, oviform shape typically covered in a fine craquelure, the creamy-white body finely painted in shades of cobalt with a pair of walruses on a rocky outcrop overlooking a turbulent sea, 23cm high.

清康熙 青花海象圖紋罐

 

Crazing in glaze probably a firing imperfection. A line to foot rim extending to the base and up to mid section of the body, possibly a hairline or a firing flaw, of approx. 2cm to base. A repaired chip to mouth rim of approx. 2.2 x 1cm with associates with tiny chips. 

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The presence of walruses on this vase highlight the Kangxi Emperor's fascination with the natural world.  His reign was marked by a desire to expand knowledge through cultural and scientific exchange with the West, facilitated by the presence of Jesuit missionaries at his court.  It is likely the presence of walruses on this vase were inspired by works like 《海怪图记》 (Illustrated Records of Sea Monsters), which blended Chinese artistic styles with Western techniques to to depict marine creatures.

Buyer's Premium

The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of 26% up to £20,000 (31.2% inclusive of VAT), 25% from £20,001 - £500,000 (30% inclusive of VAT), 20% from £500,001 thereafter (24% inclusive of VAT). The premium price is subject to VAT at the standard rate.

VAT
VAT is not charged on the hammer price unless it is stated that there is 'VAT applicable on the hammer price at the end of the description. Buyer's premium is subject to VAT.
(ARR) - ARTIST'S RESALE RIGHT

Qualifying living artists and the descendants of artists deceased within the last 70 years are entitled to receive a re-sale royalty each time their work is bought through an auction house or art market professional.

It applies to lots with hammer value over £1,000 as follows:
0 to £50,000 - 4%
£50,000.01 to £200,000 - 3%
£200,000.01 to £350,000 - 1%
£350,000.01 to £500,000 - 0.5%
Exceeding £500,000 - 0.25%
ARR is capped at £12,500

Please note ARR is calculated in euros. Auctioneers will apply current exchange rates.

Export of goods

Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain whether an export licence is required before bidding. Export licences are issued by Arts Council England and application forms can be obtained from its Export Licensing Unit. Details can be found on the ACE website www.artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning ACE on 020 7973 5188. The need for import licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions before bidding. The refusal of any such licences shall not permit the cancelling of any sale nor allow any delay in making full payment for the lot.

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