Magnificent 19th century Chinese textiles celebrating the phoenix, a symbol of good fortune in the country’s ancient mythology, are set for auction.
The items come from the Dr Anthony Ray (1926-2009) Collection, a renowned world expert on Delft and Majolica ceramics. Part of his collection is on long-term loan in The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford.
CLICK HERE TO VEW CHINESE LOTS
He appreciated the craftsmanship and historical significance of colourful Chinese textiles awash with symbolism. The predominance of the phoenix in the collection is important. Throughout 5,000 years of Chinese history, a sighting of a phoenix has been considered a good omen foretelling future blessings, such as the rise to power of a virtuous emperor or the arrival of a great sage to expand wisdom. In ancient Chinese mythology the phoenix is a divine bird representing love and immortality.
Consequently, it shines bright among items offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ June 27 Derbyshire Fine Art Auction. Lot 297, £100-£200, three Chinese silk and metal-wrapped thread phoenix rank badges, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, depict a phoenix, waves, clouds and Buddhist emblems. In similar style, Lot 298, £150-£250, a Chinese silk and metal-wrapped thread phoenix rank badge, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900 shows an applique phoenix rising amid waves and clouds. The vibrant item, in gold, blue and black, also includes Buddhist emblems, shou and bat border.
The phoenix rises again in Lot 299, £100-£150, a Chinese gold-wrapped thread phoenix rank badge, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, worked with a phoenix among blue clouds and with a thunder- pattern border. The bird’s place in Chinese culture is also celebrated in Lot 300, £60-£100, a Chinese Kesi ‘Phoenix’ rank badge, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, worked with a phoenix above waves and ruyi clouds alongside Buddhist emblems. Likewise, Lot 301, £80-£120, and Lot 302, £100-£200, offer more examples of late 19th century Chinese Kesi ‘Phoenix’ rank badges.
Other items include Lot 296, £100-£200, a Chinese embroidered and calligraphic blue crepe banner, late Qing Dynasty, divided into three rectangular panels, each with two Daoist immortals framed by inscriptions.
Bidders will also like Lot 303, £200-£300, a pair of Chinese cream silk and embroidered sleeve panels, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, worked with four butterflies among orchids growing from rocks, approx. 104cm x 10cm. Another four pairs, two sewn together, include scenes of maidens and children in water gardens, and butterflies among floral vases, approx. 49cm x 18cm (two separate), approx. 70cm x 18cm and 65cm x 21cm and 89cm x 7.5cm.
Clothing is also included in the sale and Lot 304, £300-£500 is a lavishly colourful and ornate Chinese silk jacket, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912), possibly 1880-1900. Original provenance, purchased at Liberty in London on 30/9/1941. Elegance and colour come to the fore again in Lot 305, £200-£300, a Chinese silk embroidered shawl, c.1900-1920, in turquoise floral silk, and Lot, 306, £200-£300, a Chinese black silk embroidered shawl, c.1900-1920, fringing knotted in places.
All items are offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ June 27 Derbyshire Fine Art Auction. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk or www-the-saleroom.com.
CLICK HERE TO BROWSE JUNE 27 CATALOGUE
To book a free valuation of textiles, clothing or designer fashion, or bags, please email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
