Information below is the lot/description information from our Holiday Estates Auction, December 6 & 7, 2008. Descriptions listed below are NOT guaranteed accurate. Call 1-800-467-5329 for general information on Neal Auction Company. Follow the catalogue link to order our beautifully illustrated catalogue.

101. Three Continental Porcelain Polychrome and Gilt-Decorated Dessert Plates, mid-19th c., with incised number "7" as well as letters "p" and "M", bleu royale borders with foliate scrolls, the wells with achievements of quartered arms, the shields surrounded by the motto "No Saldras de la Prision in los Veras Mas.", diameter 7 1/2 in. $300/500

102. Two French Gilt Bronze Sconces, 19th c., with applied porcelain flowers, height 15 in., width 9 1/2 in. $800/1200

103. A Continental Polychromed Porcelain Plaque of "Marguerite", late 19th c., signed "Wagner" lower right, with manufacturer's impressed mark en verso, numbered 107 and titled en verso, plaque 5 3/4 in. x 4 in., in an elaborate gilt and gessoed frame, all encased in a shadowbox. $1500/2500

104. A Fine Irish Belleek Porcelain Floral Basket, c. 1863-1891, "Belleek Co. Fermanagh" mark on base, woven of delicate threads of porcelain and decorated with applied shamrock and floral decoration in pale colors, the handles in the form of thorny rose stems, height 3 1/4 in., diameter 9 3/4 in. Note: Minor losses to petal tips. $800/1200

105. A Group of English Porcelain, comprising a Georgian "trio" (teacup, coffee cup, and saucer), c. 1820, polychrome floral, yellow and gilt accents, an English porcelain cake dish and "trio", c. 1850, polychrome avian decoration with gilt accents; dish diameter 9 1/2 in.; and an antique Minton porcelain "trio", c. 1850, very finely painted floral bands on gilt ground, diameter 5 1/4 in., 10 pcs. $500/700

106. An American Brilliant Cut Glass Pitcher, early 20th c., hobstar, vesica, cane, bar and fan motifs, notched handle, height 9 in. $500/750

107. An American Brilliant Cut Glass Bowl, early 20th c., clear button hobnails, with a ray center, height 5 in., diameter 9 3/4 in. $700/1000

108. A Pair of Antique Cut and Faceted Canary Glass Lidded Compotes, 19th c., urn-form with diamond point flange above a body with oval panel cutting, circular domed lids, height 9 1/2 in., diameter 8 in. $600/800

109. An American Brilliant Cut Glass Low Bowl, early 20th c., hobstar, pinwheel and fan motifs, scalloped rim, height 3 1/2 in., diameter 8 in. $600/800

110. A Large "L'Interdit" by Givenchy Perfume Flask in Silver Metal-Mounted Floral Brocade Casket, flask unopened, casket with fitted removable tray and display brace, flask: height 7 3/4 in., width 4 1/4 in.; casket: height 11 in., width 11 3/4 in., depth 11 1/2 in. $200/400

111. A Pair of 18 kt. Gold and Diamond Mask of Pan Earclips, approx. 0.35 ct. total weight, length 3 1/5 cm. $600/800

112. An Edwardian 18 kt. Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel and Diamond Pendant Watch, French import marks, Le Coultre movement, sky blue and white enamel, diamond ornament on case, in working order. $1000/1500

113. A Pair of French Art Nouveau Gilt Metal and Marble Five-Light Candelabra, c. 1890, having black-and-white marble bases supporting sinuous standards mounted with sunflowers, height 26 1/2 in., width 12 in. $800/1200

114. A Pair of Louis XVI-Style Marble Pedestals, each reddish brown color with gilt bronze mounts, height 44 1/2 in., width 16 in., depth 16 in. $1800/2500

115. A Pair of Chinese Carved Hardstone Trees in Cloisonné Jardinières, the flowers and leaves carved of semi-precious stones, the rectangular pots predominately turquoise with multi-color scroll and floral motifs; height 16 in. Note: Edge of one jardinière bent and loss to flowers. $300/500

116. A Near Pair of English Arts and Crafts Brass Fire Dogs, c. 1885, attributed to Benham & Froud, London from a design by Dr. Christopher Dresser, each globe body supported on three cylindrical legs and surmounted by log carrier, all partially turned to create ribs, height 6 3/4 in., width 7 1/4 in. $600/900
Note: An identical firedog is illustrated in Truth, Beauty, Power: Dr. Christopher Dresser 1834-1904, catalogue for Historical Design, 1998.

117. A Good English Beadwork, Wool and Silk Bell Pull, c. 1840, worked in white floral designs on a coral ground, the bottom anchored to a pressed brass ornamental pull in the Gothic Revival taste, length 78 1/2 in., width 5 in. $150/250

118. A Large French Limoges Porcelain Dinner Service, c. 1880, decorated with green bands bordered by fine black lines and "B" monograms on white ground, some pieces marked by Haviland & Co., comprising 1 oval covered vegetable dish, 1 round covered vegetable dish, 1 punch bowl (diameter 10 in.), 1 meat platter (length 15 3/4 in.), 1 oval entree dish, 1 pair open vegetable dishes, 1 covered sugar bowl, 1 pair oval relish dishes, 6 plates (diameter 9 1/2 in.), 13 plates (diameter 9 1/2 in.), 8 soup plates, 8 plates (diameter 7 in.), 30 large saucers with 4 cups, 11 small saucers with 1 cup, 1 odd saucer, 1 cover for sauce boat, 1 cover for oval vegetable dish, (94 pcs.) $600/800

119. A Pair of Vintage Faux Marbre Obelisks, set on rectangular plinths and painted to resemble carrara marble with black accents, height 24 in., 5 1/2 in. square. $700/1000

120. An Extensive Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service, in the "Strasbourg" pattern, introduced in 1897, engraved G on upperface, comprising 12 dinner forks, 12 luncheon forks, 12 dinner knives (HH), 12 luncheon knives (HH), 11 dessert spoons, 12 teaspoons, 12 iced tea spoons, 12 cream soup spoons, 12 citrus spoons, 12 demitasse spoons, 12 butter spreaders (FH), 12 fish forks, 12 oyster forks, 7 ramekin forks, 5 tablespoons, 1 slotted tablespoon, 1 large carving set (HH, knife length 13 1/4 in), 1 steak carving knife and fork (HH), 1 salad serving fork and spoon, 1 cake server (HH), 1 cake comb (HH), 1 tomato server, 1 cold meat fork, 1 cheese server (HH), 2 sauce ladles, 1 bonbon spoon, 1 sugar shell, 1 jelly spoon, 1 lemon fork, 1 olive fork, 2 salt spoons, and 1 letter opener, combined weight 193.40 troy ozs., (193 pcs.) $3000/4000

121. A Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Service, c. 1912, marked 18389, comprised of a teapot, coffee pot, covered sugar, creamer and waste bowl, the oblong bodies having incurvate corners, flat bottoms, and chased classical motifs, hollowcast angular handles with ivory insulators, coffeepot height 8 1/2 in., combined weight 68 troy ozs. $3000/5000

122. A Pair of Classical Gilt Bronze Garniture Urns on White Marble Stands, the tall plinth bases with bronze egg and dart foot molding, height 16 1/2 in., diameter 8 in. $1000/1500

123. A René Lalique "Coquilles" Pattern Art Glass Bowl, c. 1925, molded signature "R. Lalique" on base, molded in opalescent glass with faint bluish undertones, diameter 9 1/4 in. $700/1000

124. A Group of Six Limoges Porcelain Boxes and Two Battersea Enamel Boxes, including one of pineapple shape, one containing three tiny perfume flasks, one topped by a cupid figure, and several with floral decoration; together with a small Danish porcelain figurine of a girl seated with a bouquet in her lap, (9 pcs.) $150/250

125. A Good American Cut Glass Footed Center Bowl, c. 1905, signed by T.G. Hawkes & Co., cut and engraved in the "gravic" method in a wild rose and foliage pattern, etched trefoil with owls on lobed base, height 8 1/2 in., diameter 13 in. $300/500

126. An American Brilliant Cut Glass Wide Rim Bowl, early 20th c., floral motif, height 2 1/4 in., diameter 12 in. $500/750

127. A Small American Brilliant Cut Glass Dish, early 20th c., floral motif, height 1 1/4 in., width 5 3/4 in. $100/200

128. An American Brilliant Period Cut Glass Punchbowl, c. 1900, with hobstar and snowflake cutting, on base with scalloped bottom edge, height 10 1/4 in., diameter 12 in.; together with a pair of large American brilliant period cut glass decanters, c. 1900, tapering form cut with rows of starbursts, height 16 1/2 in., diameter 5 in. $700/1000
Provenance: Payne-Strachan House, First Street, New Orleans, the house where Jefferson Davis died, December, 1889.

129. A Pair of American Blown and Cut Clear Glass Lustres with Original Shades, 19th c., baluster-form standards on domical bases with thumb-mold decoration, scalloped bobêche/prism rings, shades of waisted shape with flared rims, height 25 in., diameter 7 1/2 in. $1200/1800

130. A Set of Twelve Bohemian Etched Ruby Glass Finger Bowls, c. 1860, circular form with vintage decoration, height 3 1/2 in., diameter 4 3/4 in. $300/500

131. A Large French Molded Glass Surtout de Table, marked Baccarat, comprised of 6 segments with wave-molded sides, Note: Minor chips. $400/600

132. An American Brilliant Period Cut Glass Footed Shallow Centerbowl, c. 1895, well-cut in a variation of the Russian pattern with narrow rows of star motifs, height 4 1/4 in., diameter 15 1/2 in. Note: Tiny rim chips. $200/400

133. A Finely Painted Porcelain Pendant of a Madonna with Putti, mid-to-late 19th c., probably Eastern European, in a delicate floral silver filigree mount, relief-pressed 10 kt. yellow gold backing of a crowned Madonna and Christ Child, pendant length 75 mm., width 73 mm. $150/250

134. An Art Moderne Tortoiseshell Handbag, mid-20th c., of faceted rectangular bucket shape with scrolling latch and hinged top and a chain link strap, the front with applied monogram "EJ". $200/300

135. A Rolex 18 kt. Yellow Gold Precision Lady's Wristwatch, c. 1960, serial #214XX, nickel plated 17 jewel manual wind movement, silvered dial, applied gold markers, approx. case width 16 mm.; together with an 18 kt. yellow gold spring loaded oyster band, signed Rolex. $600/900

136. A Patek Philippe 18 kt. Yellow Gold Man's Wristwatch, Reference #2530-1, serial # 749 XXX, nickel plated 18 jewel manual wind movement, silvered dial, applied gold markers, case approx. width 27 mm., signed Patek Philippe. $7000/10000

137. A Platinum and Diamond Necklace, set with one round faceted diamond (approx. 1.5 ct., VS2, J) and 123 small round and marquise cut diamonds totaling approx. 11.9 cts. $10000/15000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, New Orleans.
The shrine houses the statue of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, brought to New Orleans from France in 1810. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, the patron saint of New Orleans, protected New Orleans in the Great Fire of 1812, and again during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

138. A Pair of Platinum and Diamond Earrings, set with 2 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approx. 4.9 cts., one SI1, the other VS2, I. $25000/35000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

138A. A Lady's Platinum "Fashion" Design Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring, approximately 8.0 to 8.8 mm. wide, set (prong) with 1 oval cabochon cut (high dome) natural blue star sapphire (medium violet blue: medium intensity, medium to heavily included: medium strength 6 ray star well centered) approximately 14.2 x 12.2 x 11.3 mm., 20.00 ct and bezel/channel set with 8 step cut diamonds (2 bullet shape/6 straight baguette (VS/G-H) approximately 1.23 ct total weight (approximately 7.4 dwts.) $2000/4000

139. An 18 kt. White Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Bracelet, set with 77 small old mine cut diamonds totaling approx. 7.8 cts., VSI - SJ1, I-J, and 23 French cut small onyx (2 stones missing). $7000/10000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

140. A Platinum and Diamond Bracelet, set with 63 small European cut diamonds totaling 4.3 cts., SI1 - VS2, I. $7000/10000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

141. An 18 kt. Rose Gold Platinum and Diamond Ring, set with 16 small old mine cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.6 cts., SI1-I1, I. $1000/2000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

142. A Yellow Gold and Diamond Flexible Bracelet, set with 52 small diamonds, 1/2 ct. total weight. $200/300
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

143. A Pair of Platinum and Diamond Clips, set with numerous small round and emerald-cut diamonds, approx. 6 cts. total, with an unusual 14 kt. white gold attachment for use as a brooch. $7000/10000

144. An 18 kt. White Gold, Diamond and Black Pearl Bracelet, the pavé links suspending 5 bumblebee pendants of baroque black pearls and small diamonds, total approx. 6.2 cts. $5000/7000

145. A Pair of Regency-Style Giltwood and Faux Bois Convex Mirrors, each circular cove molded frame with gilt spherules and ebonized rabbet, diameter 9 1/2 in. $800/1200

146. Ramon Prats (Spanish, 1928-2003), a group of four works of art including two mixed media on paper, each signed lower right, image 12 1/2 in. x 9 3/4 in., attractively matted and framed alike; and two carved wood sculptures, one with painted accents, signed on back, height 18 1/2 in., width 7 3/4 in., depth 7 3/4 in.; the other titled "Menina 4", signed on back, height 28 in., width 5 3/4 in., depth 5 3/4 in. $1000/1500

147. A Pair of Renaissance-Style Cast Stone Caryatid Architectural Elements, 20th c., in the form of female nudes with swagged drapery, cascading fruit and foliage, tapered acanthus terminals, height 60 in., width 13 in., depth 11 in. $2500/3500

148. A White Painted "Memento Mori" Fantasy Armchair, the seated human skeleton form with framed seat and stretchers, height 52 in., width 22 in., depth 17 in. $1500/2500
Note: The inspiration for this distinctive chair is perhaps a known Russian example signed and dated in Cyrillic, "Ivanovic Cheshcevi to Nickolai Ivanoovic Kolemin, Chair from Masonic Lodge 1838" which sold as lot 278 at Christie's, New York, January 25, 1992 and was illustrated in Payne, 19th Century European Furniture, p. 484, pl. 1423.
Vincent Price notably had a suite of chairs of this design furnishing the dining room of his California residence.

149. A Decorative Venetian-Style Paint-Decorated Secretary, late 19th/early 20th c., arched scalloped crest, paneled doors, shelf interior, slant front base with fitted desk interior, long drawer, scalloped skirt, cabriole legs, chinoiserie decoration in shades of pastel green with well-painted figures, landscapes, birds and flowers, height 87 in., width 43 in., depth 17 1/2 in. $1500/2500

150. A Wrought Iron and Patinated Metal Low Table, the thick white marble top on reticulated base with silvered metal foliate appliqués, tapered legs, height 21 in., width 64 1/2 in., depth 34 1/2 in. $800/1200

151. A Louis XVI-Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Guéridon, late 19th c., onyx top, bronze molded edge, foliate scrolled skirt, turned, fluted, mounted legs connected by pierced X-stretcher with urn finial, height 29 1/2 in., diameter 24 in. $1500/2500

152. A Chinese Chippendale-Style Giltwood and Gesso Wall Mirror, pagoda crest, foliate scroll frame with rocaille and phoenix birds, oval mirror plate, height 57 in., width 32 1/2 in. $800/1200

153. A Fine Antique French Brass-Mounted Red Leather Sarcophagus-Form Sewing Box, mid-19th c., having gilt paw feet and lion's head handles; the handsomely fitted interior with printed silk and gilt leather elements, filled with sewing implements, thread and keepsakes, drawer with folding writing surface, inkwells and pen tray, height 7 in., width 13 in., depth 11 in. $800/1200

154. Two Fine Chinese or Mongolian Silver and Gilt Cloisonné Enamel Bird-Form Lidded Ewers, probably Daoguang (1821-1850), one in peacock form, the other in duck form, each brilliantly enameled in yellows, greens and blues and set with coral, turquoise, and malachite, the peacock ewer set with additional mother-of-pearl, heights 8 1/4 in. to 8 3/4 in., widths 10 1/2 in. to 12 1/2 in. Note: Some losses to enamel feathering. $800/1200

155. A Fine Japanese Ginbari Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Kumeno Teitaro (Nagoya, 1863-1939), the body of tapering ovoid form with a short slightly flared neck, covered overall in translucent and colored enamels with a lone heron wading in a pond surrounded by vibrant lotus blossoms, the largest blossoms slightly raised, the rims silvered, impressed mark of Kumeno Teitaro to base, height 14 1/2 in. $1500/2500

156. An Early Nagoya Bronze and Cloisonné Enameled Figure of Amida Buddha, third quarter 19th c., probably school of Kaji Tsunekichi, the figure seated in padmasana on a raised lotus pedestal base with his hands resting in dhyana mudra, wearing loose flowing open robes, his expression down-turned and serene, with cloisonné enamel highlighting the robe, the lotus petals and the pedestal base, the base with cartouche containing Ming markings, height 31 1/4 in. $1000/1500
Note: Kaji Tsunekichi (Nagoya, 1803-1883), a former Japanese Samurai, is considered responsible for the rebirth of Japanese cloisonné arts. Legend has it that during the early 1830s, in an effort to supplement a meager income, Kaji broke apart, studied, and eventually was able to reproduce a piece of Chinese Ming cloisonné, thus reintroducing the "lost" art to Japan. Kaji's subsequent efforts were so successful that by the late 1850s he had formed an art studio of his own and was appointed official cloisonné maker to the regional warlord of Owari province (modern Aichi Prefecture). Under Kaji's influence, Nagoya and the surrounding area quickly became renowned for its innovations in the production of cloisonné objects, which, by the reopening of Japan in the 1850s and the ensuing Western obsession for all forms of Japanese art, became a highly lucrative business.
The peak of Japanese cloisonné's artistic and technological sophistication was reached during the years 1880-1910, a period often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Japanese cloisonné. It is not uncommon for pieces of "early" Japanese cloisonné to bear spurious, mostly honorific, Ming Dynasty markings.

157. A Chinese Carved Wood and Polychrome-Decorated Figure of a Guanyin, the figure modeled standing on a tall rockwork base wearing long robes, a beaded necklace and a crown on her head, her expression down-turned and serene, now mounted as a lamp stand, carving height 26 1/4 in. $400/600

158. A Pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases and Tripodal Pedestals, early Meiji (1868-1912), the vases of pear shape with flared trumpet necks and slightly splayed feet with overall bird and flower decoration, the pedestals having three splayed feet and a wide foliate rim, with overall floral and geometric design, vase height 14 1/4 in., pedestal height 5 in. $500/700

159. A Large Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Bowl, Meiji (1868-1912), the well with a central lotus blossom roundel encircled by a series of geometric and floral banding, the exterior with large floral sprays, all on a green scrolling cloud ground, diameter 14 3/4 in. $300/500

160. A Japanese Bronze Vessel, probably Meiji (1868-1912), the squat ovoid body with a concentric geometric relief band, the shoulders with twin loose ring mask handles, the neck flared, raised on a short splayed foot, the original base missing, now with a separated relief-decorated bronze mirror with a scenic design of chrysanthemums, rocks and water beneath a stylized tsuru-maru crane mon, height 13 3/4 in. $300/500

161. Japanese School, probably Meiji (1868-1912), "Flower Cart", two panel screen, ink, color, and gold on paper with gofun highlights, signed and sealed lower left, image 30 3/4 in. x 67 in., overall 36 in. x 72 in. $600/800

162. A Small Chinese Double Gourd-Shaped Tiger's Eye Box on Stand, carved in the form of bamboo shoot segments, height 3 in., width 6 in., depth 4 in. $100/200

163. A Small Chinese Rose Quartz Urn with Cover, carved with dragons and fish, height 6 1/2 in., width 5 in., depth 3 in. Note: chip to rim. $100/200

164. An American Victorian 14 kt. Yellow Gold, Black Enamel and Half-Pearl Necklace, c. 1860, with slide and tassel, length 47 in., weight 40 dwts. $1000/2000

165. A Hermes Enamel Bangle Bracelet, Austrian manufacture, polychrome decoration of ducks and reeds. $50/100

166. A Pair of Marie-Claude Lalique Silverplated Rhodium and Amber Crystal Cabochon Clip Earrings. $100/200

167. An Arman for Art Curial Yellow Gold Violin Pendant Necklace, weight 13.9 dwts.; together with an Arman for Art Curial sterling silver violin pendant necklace. $1000/2000

168. A Platinum and Diamond Watchband, set with 184 round small diamonds totaling approx. 7.5 cts., VS2, I. $4000/5000
Note: Sold to benefit the Ursuline Convent's Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

169. An 18 kt. White Gold, Diamond, Sapphire and Opal Sailboat Brooch, 19 square cut channel set sapphires, total diamond weight approx. 1 ct., total sapphire weight approx. 1 ct., width 55 mm. $3000/5000

170. A Fine Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring, c. 1940, modern brilliant cut diamond centered by two tapered baguettes, center stone 1.25 ct., G color, I1 clarity, baguettes approx..01 ct. each, size 5 3/4. $1500/2500

171. A Necklace of 11.5 to 14 mm. Dark Grey Cultured Pearls, 14 kt. white gold and diamond clasp, length 17 1/4 in.; together with 4 loose pearls. $7000/9000

172. A Strand of Baroque White and Pink Akoya Pearls, length 15 3/4 in. $5000/7000

173. A Double Strand of Akoya Cultured Pearls, with a white gold, diamond and cabochon emerald clasp, pearl diameter graduated from 7-10 mm., inside length 53 cm., outside length 57 cm. $2500/3500

174. An Art Deco Diamond, Ruby and Platinum Bracelet, approx. total diamond weight 7 cts., the center stone approx. 0.5 ct., J color, SI1 clarity, length 17 4/5 cm. $5000/7000

175. An Art Deco Platinum Filigree and Diamond Brooch, European cut diamonds, approx. 2 ct. total weight, width 4 1/2 cm. $1500/2500

176. A Rare Patek Philippe 18 kt. Yellow Gold Automatic Man's Wristwatch, c. 1955, reference 2526, serial # 760 XXX, enamel dial, waterproof case, gold markers, 30 jewel automatic movement, 18 kt. yellow gold rotor, approx. case width 36 mm., signed Patek Philippe. $20000/25000

177. A Vacheron & Constantine 18 kt. Yellow Gold Man's Wristwatch, c. 1945, 17 jewel, manual wind nickel plated movement, silvered dial, applied gold markers and a sub-second dial, case approx. 28mm. wide, approx. 37mm. long, signed Vacheron & Constantine. $3000/5000

178. An Italian 14 kt. Yellow Gold Choker, of interlocking links, 29.7 dwts. $1500/2500

179. Japanese School, probably 18th c., "Shinto Wedding", a six-panel screen depicting an outdoor wedding ceremony with musicians and servants in attendance in front of a Shinto shrine, in which san san kudo accoutrements are visible, ink, color and gold leaf on paper, image 64 in. x 139 in., overall 70 in. x 145 in. Note: Found in generally distressed state. $1000/2000
Note: San san kudo is the ancient Japanese wedding custom of sharing sake once the wedding purification and vows are performed. The term literally means "three, three, nine times." By custom, the bride and groom each take turns taking three sips of three different bowls of sake. Three is an indivisible number and, as such, is considered sacred. Nine means triple happiness.

180. Fei Danxu (Chinese, 1801-1850), a corresponding pair of paintings, "Two Sisters Floating in a Stream Beneath a Willow", ink and color on paper, signed and sealed upper right, and "Two Sisters Studying in an Outdoor Pavilion, Beneath a Paulownia", ink and color on paper, signed and sealed upper left, bearing an inscription on silk border, middle left, relating the story of how the two paintings were matched to create a "pair", each 37 in. x 7 1/2 in., framed and glazed. $4000/6000
Note: The oval faces, slanting eyes, and tiny mouths of these slender and delicate beauties are characteristic of the female ideal as conceived by Fei Danxu, the famous Qing-dynasty figure painter. Fei was considered the inheritor of the tradition established by the Ming master Tang Yin (1470-1523).

181. Chinese School, Qing Dynasty or earlier, "Two Genealogy Portraits", the male figure portrayed wearing a red, four-clawed dragon robe with crane-decorated collar and sleeve bands and an elaborate headpiece, the female with a crane rank-badge and a bejeweled hat knob, ink, color and gold on silk, 24 in. x 16 1/4 in., framed and glazed. $4000/6000
Note: This type of image is related to the larger-scale "ancestor portrait." It is known as a pu xiang or "genealogy portrait", wherein each sitter is portrayed in the relevant costume appropriate to his/her rank with a caption identifying their place within the generational hierarchy and their name. The headwear, robes and rank badges depicted here indicate that the sitters were either members of the nobility or high-ranking officials.

182. Japanese School, late Edo/early-to-mid 19th c., "A Collector's Album of Frog Paintings and Calligraphy", 68 leaves mounted with 135 frog paintings and calligraphy on front and verso, ink, and ink and color on paper and silk, each leaf signed and/or sealed by the various artists, the leaves further mounted with title cartouches in the collector's hand, each painting approx. 4 1/4 in. x 4 1/4 in., album 5 1/4 in. x 5 1/4 in. $1000/1500
Note: One of the most famous of all Japanese works of art is the group of 12th century narrative scroll paintings, "Choju jinbutsu giga" (also known as Choju-giga) or "Frolicking Animal" scrolls, in which animals, including frogs, imitate and caricature human activity. Centuries later, in the Edo period, Zen painters such as Sengai Gibon (1750-1837), often depicted frogs as humorous stand-ins for meditating monks. In this album of 68 leaves, various artists have painted frogs in a variety of aspects - humorous, charming, meditative - all closely observed.

183. A Chinese Carved and Pierced Ivory Covered Vase, late 19th/early 20th c., probably Canton, of flattened baluster form, the body deeply and finely carved in relief, the two flattened sides with shaped relief panels with intricate scenes of figures climbing to or descending from mountainside temples, reserved on geometrically patterned relief-ground, the waisted neck with loose ring, lion head handles and Buddhistic lion raised panels, the pierced domed lid carved with figures seated on rock outcroppings beneath gnarly pines, the base of the lid incised with floral head, base marked, height 20 1/2 in. $3000/5000

184. A Group of Japanese Carved Ivory and Bone Items, probably Taisho (1912-1926) / Showa (1926-1989), including a snuff bottle carved in low relief with figures engaged in scholarly activities; a snuff bottle carved in low relief with two scenes of scholars; a mystery-puzzle ball on stand; a figure of a seated Immortal at rest, marked; a seated figure of Hotei; a small figure of an elephant; a figure of a Scholar holding a scroll, marked, tallest height 4 in. $600/900

185. A Group of Japanese Carved Ivory and Bone Netsuke, probably Meiji (1868-1912) / Taisho (1912-1926), including a monkey embracing a small human skull, unmarked; a mother rabbit crouching over her baby, marked; a recumbent dragon, marked; a curled sleeping dragon, marked; a Daruma doll rendered with mechanical telescoping eyes peering out from voluminous robes, unmarked, Daruma height 1 1/2 in. $300/500

186. A Collection of Four Japanese Carved Ivory and Bone Netsuke, probably Meiji (1868-1912) / Taisho (1912-1926), including a Buddhistic lion cub crawling up a human skull, unmarked; a baby rabbit crawling up its mother's side, unmarked; a figure of a happy fishseller, marked; a figure of a seated man holding a large sack, unmarked; a figure of a man holding his head, marked, tallest height 2 1/8 in. $300/500

187. A Collection of Five Japanese Carved Ivory and Bone Netsuke, probably Meiji (1868-1912) / Taisho (1912-1926), including a Gibbon skull, marked; a mother rabbit carrying a baby on her back, marked; a lion cub crawling up its mother's back, marked; a stained figure of an Immortal carrying a staff with a monkey on his shoulder, an attendant at his feet, marked; a figure of a man holding a pipe, tallest height 1 7/8 in. $300/500

188. Two Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dressing Mirrors, late 19th c., each having a molded frame with meander border, shaped upright supports, frieze panels in the base with persimmons and blossoms, shoe feet, note: one mirror slightly canted, one height 30 in., width 19 1/2 in., depth 9 in., the other height 28 1/2 in., width 18 1/2 in., depth 9 in. $600/800

189. A Carved Wood and Polychrome Decorated Figure of Guanyin, 20th c., the elegant figure carved standing on a rockwork pedestal, dressed in waisted flowing robes revealing a bare chest and a beaded necklace, her hair tied high in a chignon, height 45 in. $500/700

190. A Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Scenic Wall Plaque, late 19th/early 20th c., the rectangular form painted to depict Shoulao, the God of Immortality, taking a peach from a young maiden, possibly Magu, his female equivalent, or Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, beneath two gnarly pines with twin bats flying above, sight 9 1/4 in. x 6 3/4 in., framed. $400/600
Note: Shoulao is often portrayed with a long staff and the peach of immortality. The peach is an allusion to the peach orchard of the Queen Mother of the West, whose trees blossom once every three thousand years and whose fruit takes another three thousand years to ripen. Bats in Chinese mythology symbolize good luck and happiness; the pine symbolizes longevity and steadfastness.

191. A Chinese Oval Lidded Wooden Shipping Box with Carrying Handles, 19th c. or earlier, painted on each long side, one with two wrestlers in front of mountains, the other with a couple in a landscape, the lid with peach branches and blossoms, remnants of pitch inside, height 15 in., length 19 1/2 in., width 12 1/4 in. $200/300

192. A Chinese Longquan-Style Crackle-Glazed Celadon Bowl, probably Ming (1368-1644), carved on the exterior with radiating line decoration, covered overall with a soft sea-green crackle glaze falling in an irregular line above and onto the unglazed foot, the interior glaze pooling in the well around the slightly mounded center, the base and foot with areas of burnt orange, height 2 in., diameter 5 1/4 in. $600/800

193. A Chinese Famille Rose Yellow Ground Porcelain Bottle Vase, probably 19th c., the sturdily potted body boldly painted with a Red Cliff landscape scene in blue, iron red, purple, iron brown and green enamels on a yellow ground, the tall neck inscribed, possibly with Su Dongpo's "Red Cliff" poem, the recessed base bearing a Qianlong seal surrounded by a pale turquoise blue ground, the interior of the neck similarly glazed, height 15 1/4 in. $600/800

194. A Chinese Famille Rose Graviata-Ground Porcelain Bottle Vase, probably Qianlong (1736-1795), the well-potted, pear-shaped body narrowing to a stout cylindrical neck, intricately enameled overall with scattered floral sprays of peony, lotus and prunus, reserved on a pale blue, needle-point incised ground of endless scrolling vines, the base bearing a Qianlong seal mark in iron red, height 11 in. $600/800

195. An Antique Japanese Bronze Suiban (Flower Basin), the quatrefoil body incised allover with stylized geometric design, banded below the flat everted rim with raised cloud design, raised on four short cabriole legs, the base marked, height 3 in., length 9 1/2 in., width 7 1/2 in. $300/500

196. A Chinese Sancai Glazed Figural Ridge Tile, modeled as a bearded Immortal astride a fanciful dragon, height 9 in. $200/400

197. Wan Ding (Chinese, b. 1955), "Winter Landscape Serenity", ink on paper, sealed middle left, 35 in. x 39 in., framed. $1500/2500
Provenance: Purchased from the artist, Baton Rouge, LA, mid-1990s.

198. Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864-1957), "Flowering Peony with Bumble Bees", ink and color on paper, signed and sealed upper left, 39 1/8 in. x 13 1/8 in., framed and glazed. $15000/20000
Provenance: Exhibited Beijing c. 1946/1947; with Chinese WWII Lieutenant General Hu Bohan ((1900-1973), General Officer Commanding 8th New Army (1944-1945)); thence by descent to the current owner.
Note: Qi Baishi is considered one of China's greatest modern masters working within the traditional style. With no formal training, Qi's interest in art began when, as a boy, he happened upon the Qing Dynasty painting manual, "The Mustard Seed Garden." After making obsessive copies of the manual, Qi began to look to the old masters for inspiration and guidance, preferring those who worked in the Chinese Xie Yi style.
The Xie Yi style stresses the artist's ability to convey the spirit of the subject matter rather than its realistic depiction. The style is divided into two distinct classifications – 'Xiao' Xie Yi (small Xie Yi) and 'Da' Xie Yi (big Xie Yi). Xiao Xie Yi is founded on the principle of small strokes and tight rendering to form a detailed picture, while Da Xie Yi is based on large, swift, strokes which serve to simplify the subject matter and to capture its inner essence. When rendered spontaneously, the Da Xie Yi style is considered the most impulsive and expressionistic form of Chinese traditional painting and is represented by such great masters as Xu Wei of the of the Ming Dynasty, Bada Shanren of the Qing Dynasty, and Qi Baishi of the 20th century.
In the early 20th century, a division emerged in the arts between artists seeking to preserve their heritage in the face of rapid Westernization and artists advocating reform through the adoption of foreign techniques. Qi Baishi experimented with many different styles of painting from China and the West, but it was under the strong influence of the Ming and Qing masters that he was able to develop his own Individualist modern style. With free-handed, broad strokes and bewitching washes of color, Qi uniquely captures the spirit of his subject.
During the 1920s in Beijing, Qi's style reached its maturity and the artist began to receive widespread recognition. He received a great many commendations and is credited with having internationalized the traditional Chinese aesthetic.

199. Wan Ding (Chinese, b. 1955), "Silent Autumn Moon", ink and light color on paper, presented on five individual framed panels in the manner of a folding screen, signed, sealed and dated upper left, each panel 45 1/4 in. x 15 in. $4000/6000
Provenance: Purchased from the artist, Baton Rouge, LA, mid-1990s.
Note: The celebrated contemporary artist Wan Ding is a disciple of painter He Haixia (Chinese, 1908-1998), who was, himself, a disciple of Qi Baishi (see lot 198 in this sale). Wan is a faculty member at the prestigious Xian Art Institute in China and has been a visiting professor of art at the Louisiana State University. Wan's art has been exhibited throughout China in Beijing, Xian, Guang Zhou, and in Louisiana at the Louisiana State Archives and LSU's Foster Hall Gallery.
The lot offered here suggests a "protest painting" with the Huyang tree aptly carrying out the metaphor. The Huyang tree is known for its endurance and the remarkable fact that it can live for a thousand years; then, when it falls, can lie without rotting for another thousand. In the foreground of the Wan composition, there appears to be a group of four rotting Huyang trees, in the background, a phalanx of the younger, healthy trees, with a silent blue autumn moon rising in the distance. The interesting adaptation of the traditional six panel screen painting, the variation of light and shadow, the economy of color and ink, and the predominance of nothingness, act to create a dramatic effect.