A large and exceptionally rare Chinese imperial porcelain seal of Emp... Lot 146

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LOT 146Seller's Estimate: USD 30,000 - 50,000A large and exceptionally rare Chinese imperial porcelain seal of Empress Xiaoyirenkangxi perioddecorated in the famille noire palette, the body evenly covered by an ink-black glaze with molded dragons in relief accentuated by soft green and purple overglaze enamels. The monumental handle formed by the interlocking horns of two finely embellished porcelain dragon heads, with delicately molded facial detailing. The seal face is carved in seal-style script, bearing the eight-character inscription 'xiao yi huang hou yu shang zhi bao' - "Imperial seal certifying the objects admired by the Empress Xiao Yi"L: 8 1/2 in., 21.5 cmPROVENANCE:The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Graham and Margaret Groves, Coral Gables, Florida.NOTE:This porcelain seal embodies the high development of potting and glazing techniques refined under the reign of Emperor Kangxi. It also is a fine example of the revival under his rule of the "famille noire" glazing method, which was first used by the Jingdezhen kilns in the mid-fifteenth century. This ceremonial seal is one of a pair, the only type of its kind thought to be in existence, with the other being of identical size and decoration and bearing the eight-character inscription of the Kangxi emperor.The rarity and indeed uniqueness of this seal is well-noted in a document authored in 1933 by the famous connoisseur of Asian art, Berthold Laufer, then curator of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. It and its Kangxi counterpart are again reviewed in detail in an academic booklet titled "Symbolism in Chinese Porcelain and Decoration," published in June 1941 by Chao Ming Chen, the instructor of Chinese Literature and Language at Johns Hopkins University and previously the Head of the Chinese Classics Department at Hwa Nan College in Fuzhou, China.NOTES:This is a premium lot for this sale. It may sell in excess of $50,000. A deposit of $10,000 is required before you can be approved to bid on this lot. We will not honor any bids during the auction that have not been approved. Please contact for more information.Condition Report:An aged breakage to whisker near nose of one dragon head, another breakage to whisker over mouth of other dragon head, two areas of whiskers broken and reattached to top of seal, a superficial hairline crack to bottom of seal (see photos)- isolated and with no repairs and associated damages; age appropriate wear and stains to surfaces.Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale.Payment:The buyer is responsible for paying the seller directly after winning the item. Details on accepted payment methods and where to send payment are provided in an invoice from the seller.Additional payment details from the seller:An invoice representing the total due of hammer + buyer's premium + sales tax (if applicable) will be issued and is due within 10 days of the sale. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, checks payable in US dollars, and bank transfers. Freeman's does not accept credit cards. Lots purchased will not be released until funds have cleared the bank.Shipping:The buyer is responsible for paying all shipping costs and arranging for shipping and delivery with the seller.Additional shipping details from the seller:Freeman's does not offer packing, shipping or freighting service. ALL shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Upon completion of the transaction, please call or email a shipper of your choice; you may call one shipper to do the job but are also welcome to cal... read more

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