Asian Highlights

Large Famille Verte porcelain fish bowl, the exterior with molded and painted enameled vignettes depicting landscape scenes with calligraphy inscriptions and red seals on a foliate ground. The interior with painted enameled fish and foliate decoration. 18 3/4" H x 22 1/4" dia. Likely Qing Dynasty, 19th century.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of David Caldwell, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Overall good condition with no cracks, chips or hairlines. The interior enamel decoration with some minor wear and losses. [See more photos →]

Chinese White Jade Bowl, inverted bowl shaped form atop a short, slightly splayed foot ring. 6 5/8″ diameter by 2 3/4″ H. Qing Dynasty, Ch’ien Lung Period, mid to late 18th century. Provenance: The collection/estate of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeter Eason, Memphis, by descent to present consignor. Condition: Excellent condition. CONDITION: Excellent condition. [See more photos →]

1st item: Asian bronze Buddha sculpture depicted seated in the Dharmachakra mudra atop a double lotus base, having tightly curled domed hair and elongated ear lobes. 13" H x 9" W. Late 19th/Early 20th century. 2nd item: Asian carved and red painted Buddha altar shrine or meditation table, comprised of a brass-trimmed platform with carved applied corner railing mounted onto a shaped plinth with a carved figural foo dog panel to the front and a graduated molded base, with gilt painted highlights throughout. 12 3/4" H x 17 1/4" W x 10" D.19th century.

PROVENANCE: Private Chattanooga, TN collection.

CONDITION: 1st item: Overall very good condition with some slight losses to lower edge of left base edge. 2nd item: Overall good condition with expected wear and light losses to paint. Structurally stable. [See more photos →]

Chinese archaic style bronze lamp in the form of a recumbent ram. Hinged top to the back that opens for use as an oil vessel with a spout to one end used to empty leftover fuel back into the body. Underside with incised character marks. Fitted with a conforming carved and pierced hardwood stand with incised marks to the top. Included are the remnants of a Chinese export wax seal. Ram measures 3 1/4" H x 6 1/2" W x 3" D. Qing Dynasty, 19th century.

PROVENANCE: Deaccessioned by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation to benefit the acquisitions fund.

CONDITION: Ram in overall good condition with old patina, some oxidation, and light general use wear. Stand with minor wear and scuffing. [See more photos →]

Korean iron censer or incense burner with silver wire inlaid Chinese "Shou" auspicious character marks to the rounded hexagonal sides and fret designs throughout; the pierced cover having a crane finial symbolizing longevity; two hinged handles. Raised on a recessed plinth supported by six bracket feet. 7 5/8" H x 5 5/8" dia. Likely from the Western province of Pyongan, early 19th century. Note: Purchased in 1956 from Samuel W. Lee & Co. Seoul, Korea. The original Lee receipt stating it may have originally come from a high ranking Korean official or Princess Yun and letter from original donor about its acquisition are available to the winning bidder.

PROVENANCE: Property of a Tennessee Religious Institution.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition with oxidation and light scattered surface wear commensurate with age. [See more photos →]

Japanese silver urn (tea caddy form), globular form raised on four leaf-form feet, decorated with applied rooster and hens in various colors of gold plate. Lift top lid features figural hen finials. Japanese character marks on base. Condition: some scratching and minor dents, overall good condition. 7″ H, 34.271 troy oz. Possibly Meiji period. Provenance: Pigeon Forge, TN Collection. [See more photos →]

Chinese White Jade Bowl, inverted bell-shaped form atop a short, slightly splayed foot ring. 6 3/4″ diameter by 2-15/16″ H (170 mm diameter x 73 mm H). Qing Dynasty, Ch’ien Lung Period, mid to late 18th century. Note: This is the companion bowl to one sold at our July, 2016 auction. This bowl is being consigned by another member of the same family. It is a slightly larger size. Provenance: The collection/estate of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeter Eason, Memphis, by descent to present consignor. CONDITION: Overall excellent condition with a couple of inclusions on the inside edge of the bowl approximately 1/32″ in length. The outside edge of the bowl has no visible inclusions or chips. [See more photos →]

Small white jade plaque with shaped corners and cloud crest, one side depicting a basket of flowers, the reverse with raised calligraphy. 2 1/2"H x 2 1/8"W x 1/4"D. Together with a geometric pierced and carved hardwood stand. Measurements of jade piece in stand: 5"H x 3"W x 1"D. Chinese, 20th century.

PROVENANCE: Collection of a Nashville Physician.

CONDITION: Excellent condition. [See more photos →]

Chinese inlaid rosewood and white jade Ruyi scepter; the rosewood frame inlaid with silver wire decoration of flowers, and inset with three white jade plaques of graduated size, each profusely carved with landscape and figural scenes. Provenance: collection of Gilbert Fox of Nashville, acquired in 1972 from Chinese Arts & Crafts Ltd., Hong Kong (original receipt retained, along with 1972 certificate of antiquity from the Hong Kong Art Craft Merchants Association, both of which will be furnished to the winning bidder). A copy of a 1973 appraisal by Allain Ramsey, Member of the Appraisers Association of America, also accompanies this lot; it states that the white jade plaques depict the life and work of a famous Chinese poet and were carved during the Kang Hsu period (1690-1712) and attributes the inlaid rosewood scepter to the late Chia Ch’ing or early Tau Kuang period (1790-1840). 21-1/4″L. Condition: Overall very good condition with a few minor natural imperfections to jade, some tiny light abrasions to rosewood. CONDITION: Overall very good condition with a few minor natural imperfections to jade, some tiny light abrasions to rosewood. [See more photos →]

Pair of Chinese Imperial yellow porcelain bowls, the exteriors with famille rose floral and scrolling vine decoration on yellow ground, the interiors decorated with five (5) red bats, and the footed bases with red six character Guangxu mark and of the period (1875-1908). Both fitted with folding hardwood stands. 3 5/8″H x 8 1/8″D. Condition: Both overall excellent condition. Interior of one bowl with slight stain. [See more photos →]

Elaborately carved Chinese export hardwood settee, the crest with dragons flanking a central carved vignette of rats among berries, the back support with two fan-carved vignettes of monkeys, deer, cranes, and other birds flanking a central circular vignette of three scholars and a horse. Carved bird finials atop rear stiles, dragon form arms, the openwork apron with bird and foliate carving, lion carved knees and claw and ball feet. 41 3/4″ H x 57 1/2″ W x 29 3/4″ D. 20th century. Condition: Overall very good condition. Very slight losses to carving on back. Condition: Overall very good condition. Very slight losses to carving on back. [See more photos →]

Chinese Archaic Bronze Censer or Ding, likely Zhou Dynasty (1122 to 256 B.C.) and later cover with jade finial. Censer is of tripod form with loop handles at ends and geometric designs around the rim and upper legs. Later carved, well-figured hardwood lid with carved and pierced jade finial depicting 4 deer in a landscape setting, and a pierced and carved hardwood stand. Ding – 8″ H (including handles) x 7″ diameter. Lid – 7″ diameter, finial 1 1/4″ H. Provenance: The collection/estate of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeter Eason, Memphis, by descent to present consignor. Condition: Censer has worn verdigris surface, 3/4″ crack to side rim, 1″ repair to rim, 1/16″ hole to side. CONDITION: Censer has worn verdigris surface, 3/4″ crack to side rim, 1″ repair to rim, 1/16″ hole to side. [See more photos →]

Pair of Chinese hardwood yokeback armchairs with carved dragon backs, carved skirts and woven cane seats, open mortise and tendon joinery. 47″ H x 26 1/4″ W x 19″ D. 20th century/Modern. Condition: Overall very good condition, light staining/mildew residue at base of feet. [See more photos →]

Chinese Famille Rose dish with enameled floral decoration and pierced rim. Red Chia Ch’ing seal mark to base. 15 3/8″ dia. 19th century. Provenance: Estate of Bill Zarnon, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Condition: Restoration evident to one side. CONDITION: Restoration evident to one side. [See more photos →]

Five (5) Pieces Chinese porcelain. 1st item: Republic period amphora-shaped vase with flared rim and figural decoration, 11 3/4″ H. Second half 19th century. 2nd item: Iron red and blue bowl depicting Shouxing, The Old Man of the South Pole in the center and 8 other deities on surface of bowl. Blue Hsuan T’ung character mark on base. 8 3/4″ dia. 3rd item: Chinese Export Rose Medallion porcelain plate with floral, bat, butterfly and key decoration. 8 1/2″ dia. Mid-19th c. 4th item: Chinese Export Famille Rose porcelain plate with vase of flower decoration to center. Paper affixed to back stating it was brought over from “God’s Providence Old Chester England.” 9″ dia. Late 18th-early 19th century. 5th item: Chinese Export Rose Mandarin porcelain plate with reticulated basket weave pattern on rim. 8 1/2″ dia. Mid-late 19th c. Provenance: From the collection of Edward S. Thompson, formerly of Columbus, Ohio and Maryville, TN, deceased 1979, by descent to present owner. CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Minor loss to gilding. 1st item: Traces of dirt inside vessel. 4th item: 3/8″ rim chip mostly below rim edge. No issues detected under blacklight examination. [See more photos →]

Chinese celadon glazed porcelain vase, bronze form, with animal mask handles, fret decoration to the neck and raised dragon decoration to the body. Blue Hsuan T'ung mark to the base. 13" H. Early 20th century. Condition: One pinprick area of glaze loss to the lower body, otherwise overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Large framed classical Chinese hand scroll, ink and color on silk, in the style of Chen Juzhong (a court painter from Nanjing in the 1201-1204 period). Depicting a Chinese official in his home, receiving petitions from the local people with his attendants at the entrance of the home and females with children in the private area of the home engaging in various social activities. Signed in black lower left “Ju-Zhong” with seven additional red collector’s seals. Housed in a deep gilt shadow box frame. Qing Dynasty. Sight – 13 1/4″ H x 89 3/4″ W. Framed – 17″ H x 93 1/2″ W. Provenance: Purchased at a liquidation auction in Chattanooga, TN of the Krystal Corporate Headquarters contents. Condition: Overall very good condition. [See more photos →]

Asian iron hexagonal shaped vase with gold and silver inlaid decoration. Each panel depicts an animal including cranes, deer, pheasants, and tigers. 6″ H. 19th century. Condition: Some oxidation to metal. [See more photos →]

Large Chinese cinnabar lacquer covered box, circular form, the top having carved landscape decoration including a central pine tree, and the sides with carved crane and peach decoration. Raised six character Hsuan Te mark to base. Fitted with a carved hard wood stand. 12 1/4″ dia. x 6″ H. 8 1/2″ total height with stand. Late 19th century/Early 20th century. Note – a photograph of this lacquer covered box is pictured in a 1963 article on the Asian and American antiques of John and Amanda Gray, Chattanooga, TN. Provenance: Riceville, TN collection. CONDITION: Overall very good condition. A couple areas of possible old repair to rim area of lower half. [See more photos →]

Large Chinese figural bronze Luduan form or foo / fu dog censer, comprised of two parts. Beast or lion is depicted standing, the head with pricked ears, two horns, a curled mane and an open mouth having four sharp teeth and broad tongue. The rotund body with raised flame decoration, a fanned tail and four stout legs having flaming pearl decoration and resting on claw type paws. Underside of torso with archaic mark. 21 3/4" H x 9 1/2" W x 14 1/2" L.Bronze weighs 56.5 pounds. Provenance: The estate of Edith (Edie) M. Bass, Nashville, Tennessee, by descent from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. McBride. A shipping manifest that descended with this object states that it was purchased on August 6, 1924 by W. P. McBride of Chicago, from Fu Teh Jung of 50 Jade St. in Peking, China, who acquired it from a retired Chinese military official, "Mr. Huei, Military Governor of Chiu-Chiang, China under [the] Ching [sic] Dynasty". The bronze is recorded on the shipping manifest as Han Dynasty. The porcelain vase referred to on this manifest is also in this auction (see lot #27). Note: Mrs. Bass's mother, Claire Childs McBride (Mrs. W.P. McBride), was the daughter of C. Frederick Childs (1875-1955), founder of the C.F. Childs & Co. Securities Co. Mr. Childs was the first dealer of U.S. Government Securities. His offices in Chicago and New York were across the street from the Federal Reserve in each city and his trading office was located at One Wall Street. Edie McBride Bass attended Miss Porter's School and graduated from Vassar. She married Jack Maddin Bass of Nashville, Tennessee, whose father owned J.M. Bass and Co., one Nashville's first securities firms. Edie served numerous charitable institutions in Nashville. She was a Lifetime Trustee of Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and the Ensworth School, and served on the Board of Miss Porter's School. She was a driving force in establishing fund raising for the Swan Ball, The Land Trust of Tennessee, and the M.S. Society. Condition: Old losses to tips of both ears. Stress fracture to joint of back left leg. Scattered pitting and wear to bronze commensurate for age. [See more photos →]

1st item: Chinese porcelain miniature, modeled as a walnut with bisque and white glaze. Interior with seed or other object to mimic sound. Fitted with a hardwood stand. 2 1/4″ L. 20th century. 2nd item: Chinese porcelain miniature modeled as a cluster of peppers. Fitted with a carved hardwood stand. 2 1/2″ H x 2 1/2″ W. Early 20th century. 3rd item: Chinese Yixing earthenware teapot in the form of a Buddha’s Hand citron fruit with branch handle, applied molded leaf decoration and fruit with twig finial. Underside of lid with stamp. 3 7/8″ H x 9″ L. Late 19th/early 20th century. Provenance: Estate of Bill Zarnon, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Condition: 1st & 2nd items: Overall very good condition. 3rd item: Very slight chipping to 2 types of fruit. Inside of pot with losses to rim edge (possible firing flaw). CONDITION: 1st & 2nd items: Overall very good condition. 3rd item: Very slight chipping to 2 types of fruit. Inside of pot with losses to rim edge (possible firing flaw). [See more photos →]

Large Chinese export silver bowl, repousse and pierced body decorated with dragons, flaming pearl and magic fungus, resting on three figural dragon feet. Base marked “WH,” “90” and with Chinese chop mark for Wang Hing & Co., Hong Kong, late 19th/Early 20th century. Fitted with a pierced carved hardwood stand. Bowl measures: 6 3/4″ H x 11 1/4″ dia. 10″ total H with stand. 44.035 total troy ounces. Provenance: Riceville, TN collection. CONDITION: Overall very good condition with moderate scratches to inside bowl. Most likely originally had a glass liner. Losses and wear to hard wood stand. [See more photos →]

Chinese School painting, manner of George Chinnery, possibly intended for export. Oil on canvas landscape depicting a boat filled with people approaching the entrance to a walled city, with various figures at the steps to the entrance and red banners adorning the portal. Smaller boats are visible in the foreground, while trees, mountains and other buildings rise in the background. 20th century label en verso reads “1548 Oriental Harbor Scene”. Housed in an ebonized Chinese style molded frame with curved and notched corners and brass fret holders. Sight – 20 1/4″ H x 15 1/2″ W. Framed – 22 1/4″ H x 17 1/2″ W. Likely late 18th to early 19th century. Provenance: The estate of Delle Brown, Nashville, TN. Delle Brown and her late husband Malvern Brown were, for many years, the proprietors of Trace Tavern Antiques. CONDITION: Relined, with significant craquelure. 1/4″ Radial dent lower right side. No inpainting visible under blacklight. Lower left frame corner separated. [See more photos →]

Chinese Qing period watercolor on silk, painted with figures overlooking a landscape. 26″ x 13-1/2″ overall (not including frame). Provenance: the estate of Margaret Wemyss Connor, Nashville, Tennessee. Condition: Glued down to cardboard, overall spotting and some thin areas, scattered abrasions. Detached from frame. [See more photos →]

Qing Dynasty embroidered silk ceremonial or Court robe, elaborately embroidered with gold, silver and colored threads on a rose silk ground, housed in a custom shadowbox frame. Body and sleeves having embroidered five toed dragons chasing flaming pearls, along with bat, longevity, and magic fungus decoration along with other auspicious symbols; multi-colored wave decoration to lower edge. Pale blue silk lining with braided and brass knotted closures. Housed in a custom fiberglass frame with Asian style silver-gilt corners; interior features magnetic backing to display the robe in upright position. Robe approx. 50" H. Frame: 63" H x 48" W x 6" D. Late 19th/Early 20th century.

PROVENANCE: Private Chattanooga, TN collection.

CONDITION: Silk background has faded to a light rose/pink on the front of the robe with minor fading verso. 3/4" dark pen mark and 1/16" dark stain to right side, near center edge; a few loose threads around center dragon motif; scattered minor pulls and subtle fraying at a couple of ends. [See more photos →]

1st item: Large cylindrical form blue and white Chinese porcelain covered jar with scenic mountain and figural landscape decoration. 14" H x 8 1/2" dia. Fitted with a hardwood stand. Late 19th to early 20th century. 2nd-3rd items: Pair of Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vases, each with polychrome decoration depicting a scholar with a young boy to one side and a bird perched in a flowering branch to the opposite side. Remaining sides with calligraphy poems and red seals. Bases with red four character mark. 11 1/8" H x 4 1/8" W. Late 19th/Early 20th century.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Raymond White, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: 1st item: Scattered glaze pops, chipping, and old putty repairs to lid. Scattered small chips to interior rim of jar. 2nd-3rd items: Both overall very good condition. Light wear to gilt and polychrome decoration. [See more photos →]

Two (2) painted and gilt bronze Daoist figural sculptures, Chinese or Japanese. One figure holds a narrow leaf and wears a sword slung over his back, the other is bare-chested and holds a large paddle shaped leaf. Both with naturalistic bases and painted Asian character marks to interior. Ranging in size from 15″ to 15 1/2″ H. Late 19th or early 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: One figure has 1″ hole to back, otherwise both items in very good condition with minor wear and oxidation. [See more photos →]

Chinese watercolor on silk scroll painting, depicting a mountain landscape with Chinese characters, possibly a poem, in the upper right hand side. 84″L. Chinese, possibly early Qing Dynasty with inscription probably later. Provenance: the estate of Margaret Wemyss Connor, Nashville, Tennessee. Condition: Several scattered tears, including across the signature and at top, where it has come detached from its hanging bar. Scattered discoloration. [See more photos →]

Chinese famille rose porcelain figures of Buddha. One in yellow ground robe, 10-1/4″ H x 9-1/2″ W. One in lime green ground robe, 10-1/2″ H x 9″ W. Both with impressed marks to base. Early 20th century. Condition: One with a firing flaw located near stomach. [See more photos →]

Art Deco Tiffany & Co. 18K green jadeite pendant and 14K yellow gold and green jadeite demi parure – pendant necklace that converts to necklace and two bracelets. The central round Tiffany & Co. 18K pendant has floral, leaf and seed pearl frame and carved and pierced jadeite chrysanthemum, bird and foliage plaque, 1-3/4″ diameter. Marked Tiffany & Co. 18K on back of pendant. 1/2″ 14K bail (tested, not marked). The necklace consists of 14K (tested, not marked) octagonal framed carved and pierced jadeite plaques depicting foliage and birds interspersed with 14K (tested, not marked) foliate motif links. Necklace unmarked. Collar necklace – 15-1/4″ L plus each bracelet 7-5/8″ L. 30-5/8″ L overall. Provenance: Nashville, Tennessee estate. CONDITION: Two consecutive carved plaques with hairlines. Plaque with fleabite loss at rim of gold mounting in right end link of the bracelet laying in horizontal line; see photo. [See more photos →]

Chinese Doucai porcelain floor vase or jar, Qianlong or Chein Lung period (1736-1796). Flared and shaped rim with figural pierced dragon handles. The ovoid body with figural and animal scenic landscape decoration including a dragon dog standing beneath a pine tree with bird, and a female figure and warrior figure with horse. Band decoration to the rim and mid-section, leaf, ruyi-head and foliate decoration to the base. 29 1/2" H x 13" W. Provenance: the estate of Edith (Edie) M. Bass, Nashville, Tennessee, by descent from her parents, Walter Paul McBride and Claire Childs of Lake Forest, Illinois. A shipping manifest that has descended with this item states that it was purchased on August 6, 1924 by W. P. McBride of Chicago, from Fu Teh Jung of 50 Jade St. in Peking, China, who acquired it from "retired Mr. Huei Military Governor of Chiu-Chiang [Jiujiang] China under Ching [sic] Dynasty." The document attributes the jar to the Chien Lung period, 1736-1796. The bronze censer referred to on this manifest is also in this auction (see lot #13). Note: Mrs. Bass's mother, Claire Childs McBride (Mrs. W.P. McBride), was the daughter of C. Frederick Childs (1875-1955), founder of the C.F. Childs & Co. Securities Co. Mr. Childs was the first dealer of U.S. Government Securities. His offices in Chicago and New York were across the street from the Federal Reserve in each city and his trading office was located at One Wall Street. Edie McBride Bass attended Miss Porter's School and graduated from Vassar. She married Jack Maddin Bass of Nashville, Tennessee, whose father owned J.M. Bass and Co., one Nashville's first securities firms. Edie served numerous charitable institutions in Nashville. She was a Lifetime Trustee of Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and the Ensworth School, and served on the Board of Miss Porter's School. She was a driving force in establishing fund raising for the Swan Ball, The Land Trust of Tennessee, and the M.S. Society. Condition: 5" hairline emanating from rim, One handle previously detached from rim and glued back. Light vertical hairline through the lower part of this handle, approx. 1/2" L. The 1924 shipping manifest stated the damage to the vase occurred during shipping. [See more photos →]

Celadon jade snuff bottle with russet inclusion carved into a scene with two scholar figures standing before a mountain or tree, with inscription or signature carved upper left. Pink Quartz stopper. 2 3/8″ H. Chinese, likely Qing period, late 19th century. Provenance: The collection/estate of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeter Eason, Memphis, by descent to present consignor. Condition: Excellent condition; stopper may be a replacement. CONDITION: Excellent condition; stopper may be a replacement. [See more photos →]

18th century Anglo Indian bone inlaid hardwood box with lacquer lining and metal handles, possibly Paktong. Rectangular form with intricate, allover arabesque floral design, the lid centered with an oval reserve depicting a coat of arms with two lions and a flowering tree; two metal bail handles with engraved plates at each side, possibly Paktong. Lacquered interior with original strap hinges, the interior of lid inlaid with an elaborate tree of life design. 5" H x 22" W x 15 1/2" D. CONDITION: Inlay missing at entire right top edge; 6" area of missing wood at far left side. Other, scattered smaller losses. Age related oxidation and shrinkage throughout. [See more photos →]

Framed Chinese panel with applied and relief carved ivory, jade, and other stones depicting vases with floral arrangements, fruit, animals and other Asian motifs. Tendon construction at corners and a pierced bronze hanger. Overall excellent condition. 41-1/2″ W x 46-1/2″ H. Late 19th/Early 20th century. Provenance: Minnesota Collection. [See more photos →]

Pair of Chinese Silver & Cloisonne Vases plus cloisonne box, 3 items total. 1st & 2nd items: Pair Chinese cloisonne enamel on silver vases, inscription to underside translates roughy as “Made by liberated women to people’s livelihood.” Mei Ping form with enamel prunus decoration over a fret band; the bodies with translucent enameled central cartouches of a deer in landscape on one side and bird in tree on other side. 7 1/2″ H. Republic Period, second quarter 20th century. “As is” condition. 3rd item: Fine cloisonne oval box with decoration of birds and branches against a dark blue ground; bronze edges, silk lined interior and bottom. 2″ H x 4 3/4″ W x 3 1/2″ D. Late 19th/Early 20th century. Provenance: Huntsville, Alabama private collection. CONDITION: 1st-2nd items: “As is” condition with wear and losses to enamel, each with 1″ dent to side. 3rd item: Fraying to interior silk lining and silk on bottom; some craquelure with miniscule losses to edges of lid. [See more photos →]

Chinese black lacquer polychrome painted tall altar stand or table with red and gilt highlights and geometric carved fretwork. Consisting of a square top with polychrome and gilt-painted scenic landscape decoration having a fret-carved frieze, raised on complex geometric pierced carved bracketed legs terminating into a lower shelf raised on carved scrolled feet. Legs with gilt-painted fret and foliate decoration. The lower shelf with polychrome and gilt floral decoration. 35 3/4" H x 18" square. Early 20th century. Provenance: Collection of Thomas M. Alexander, Greeneville, TN, former U.S. Army Captain Airborne/Special Forces during the Late 1960s/Early 1970s in Vietnam. He became a Central Intelligence Agency Field Officer in Southeast Asia, beginning in the Early 1970s until his retirement in 1994.

PROVENANCE: See description for provenance information.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with expected light use wear. Top with some infill/putty at one corner seam. Old repaired break to one foot. [See more photos →]

1st item: Chinese Blanc De Chine porcelain center bowl with archaistic figural dragon handles and blue six character Yung Cheng mark within two concentric circles to the base. 5 1/4″ H x 10 1/4″ dia. 20th century. 2nd-3rd items: Pair of Chinese Famille Rose export shallow dishes having scalloped rims, central figural decoration and blue and white borders. 6 1/2″ dia. Late 19th century. 4th item: Chinese Famille Rose octagonal porcelain plate with central enameled floral and gilt duck decoration with additional floral decoration to the underside of the rim. 8 1/2″ dia. 19th century. 5th item: Chinese shaped rectangular porcelain dish with blue and white mountainous landscape decoration and red rim. Underside of rim with additional decoration and base with blue Ch’eng Hua character mark. 6th item: Chinese yellow ground octagonal vase/cup with green precious object decoration. 4 1/8″ H. 20th century. 7th item: Chinese Hawthorne pattern blue and white porcelain lidded ginger jar with cherry blossom decoration. Base marked with blue concentric circles. 4 1/2″ H. Late 19th/Early 20th century. 8th item: Chinese porcelain light celadon vase, bottle form with flared rim with celadon floral and bat decoration. Dark brown glazed base. 13″ H. Late 19th/Early 20th century. 9th item: Chinese porcelain low bowl with dark green enameled dragon decoration to the center, outer rim with relief cloud and dark green enameled dragon decoration. Base with blue Daoguang seal mark. 7″ dia x 1 3/4″ H. 19th century. 10th item: Chinese blue and white export porcelain plate with central figural and landscape decoration and foliate decoration to the rim. 9 1/4″ dia. Late 19th century. 11th item: Chinese blue and white export porcelain plate with landscape decoration and applied European or American decorated silver handle and mounts. 9 1/2″ dia. 6 1/2″ H w/ handle. Provenance: William Zarnon Estate, Gatlinburg, TN. CONDITION: 1st item: Firing crack to side. Fleabites to spines of one dragon. One dragon handle with old repair. Interior with scratching and rust spots. 2nd-3rd items: One with minor damage/chips to rims, one with two 1/2″ x 3/4″ repairs. 4th item: Scattered chipping and losses to rim. 5th item: Few scattered shallow chips to rim, otherwise overall very good condition. 6th item: 3/16″ x 3/16″ chip to rim with fleabites to rim, otherwise overall good condition. 7th item: Overall good condition with hairline at jar rim. 8th item: Old restoration to rim, 3 1/2″ W x 2″ H with scattered overpaint. 9th item: Two areas of old restoration evident to rim, 1 3/4″ x 2″ with overglazing on bowl. 10th item: Old repaired break to rim, 2″ x 7″, scattered chips to rim and base. 11th item: Scattered fleabites to rim, otherwise overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Pair of elaborately carved Chinese hardwood throne form armchairs having dragon carved crest rails and skirts, triple panel pierced backs with dragon carved panels, foliate carved knees and ball and claw feet. 41″ H x 30 3/4″ W x 25 1/4″ D. 20th century/Modern. Condition: Overall very good condition with general wear to base of feet, minor fracture in seat area of one chair. [See more photos →]

Two (2) Chinese carved celadon jade items, Ducks and Belt Hook. 1st item: Figural carving depicting a mother and baby duck, the mother with stalk of reeds in her mouth. 2" H x 3 1/4" L x 1 7/8" D. 2nd item: Chinese jade belt buckle in the form of a dragon head top with smaller dragon figure on body. Carved flower hook en verso. 5 5/8" L. Both items Late 19th/early 20th century. Provenance: The Estate of Mary Ann Bresee, GA. CONDITION: Both items overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Pair (2) Chinese Famille Rose dishes or soup plates with turquoise glazed backs, scalloped and gilt rims, bird and floral borders on white ground, and central scenes of figures in landscape settings. Seal marks en verso. Likely made for the English market. 8" dia. First Quarter 19th century.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Edward Laudermilk, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Some scattered small spots of wear to gilding and glaze, overall very good condition. One plate with minor scattered flaking to glaze. [See more photos →]

Pair of Chinese Ming style Buddhist bronze figures depicting the warrior god guardians Veda Skanda and WeiTuo Skanda. Each depicted standing in a standing posture, the WeiTuo figure with sword and raised hand and the Veda figure with both hands in prayer posture balancing his sword. The bases of both fitted with wood inserts. 15″ H and 15 7/8″ H respectively. Late 19th/Early 20th century. CONDITION: The bases of both fitted with wood inserts. Overall general wear/ slight losses and oxidation. [See more photos →]

Chinese Qing Dynasty porcelain plaque, possibly by Yu Huanwen (1852-1892) depicting a woman on a horse next to her servant and approaching another woman outside an estate wall. Chinese inscription upper left with one red seal. Mounted in late 20th century metal table with glass inset lower shelf. Plaque – 15 5/8" L x 10 5/16" W x 1/2" D. Table – 23 3/8" H x 10 3/4" W x 15 7/8" D. Chinese, late 19th century. Provenance: The Estate of Judith E. Crosland, Knoxville, TN. Mrs. Crosland's father worked for the United States Diplomatic Corp. and the family lived in China for three years during her childhood. Condition: Plaque is adhered to table inset on left side edge. Some wear to areas of image. CONDITION: Plaque is adhered to table inset on left side edge. Some wear to areas of image. [See more photos →]

Attributed to Namcheong (Chinese, active 1840-1870), pair of oval Chinese Export harbor scene paintings depicting trade ships at the Whampoa Anchorage in the Pearl River Delta Region. Includes one painting of ships sailing below the nine story pagoda at Whampoa Reach; the other with coastline and multiple ships including one, in the background, bearing an American flag. Both housed in mid-20th century carved giltwood oval frames. Unsigned. Sight – 16 3/8″ H x 12 3/8″ W. Framed – 20″ H x 16″ W. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee Collection. Note: Namcheong, also spelled Nam Cheong, was a painter who likely had a studio in Whampoa. He was frequently commissioned to create ship and port scenes by Western clients including Thomas Hunt of Salem, Mass. Many of his canvases share the same oval format and compositional interplay of light on water; the 9-tiered pagoda at Whampoa Reach was frequently illustrated in his paintings. (Ref. Carl L. Crossman, “The China Trade,” Princeton: The Pyne Press, 1972, p. 67-71). Provenance: Private Southeast Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Both canvases with overall craquelure, wear to canvas at stretcher lines. Old wax relining to canvas. One frame with losses to the bottom edge. Scattered tiny flakes, grime and inclusions. [See more photos →]

Chinese palace size cloisonne vase, medium blue ground decorated with flowering trees, phoenix birds, and butterflies. Inner rim with a gilt wash. 37-1/2″ H x 17″ at widest. Late 19th century. Also included is a small round Chinese area rug with an image of a tree in a planter. 15″ diameter. 20th century. Condition: Overall good condition with a few inconspicuous areas of enamel loss of 1/8″ or less. There are no areas of significant bruising or enamel loss. Circular area rug in overall good condition. CONDITION: Overall good condition with a few inconspicuous areas of enamel loss of 1/8″ or less. There are no areas of significant bruising or enamel loss. Circular area rug in overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Fujinuma Noboru (b. 1945, designated Japanese Living National Treasure 2012), open weave bamboo sculpture in flower basket or Ikebana form titled "Spring Tide". Signed with Japanese character to underside. Retains original box and receipt from Tai Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2008. Basket – 13" diameter by 10"H. Box – 12"h x 14 5/8" W. Biography: "Fujinuma Noboru, from Tochigi Prefecture, studied with Yagisawa Keizo (1927-2006) and consequently became a member of the Iizuka family lineage. He began his career in engineering and photography before discovering his true metier was bamboo. After his immersion in European artistic traditions while traveling in Paris in 1974, Fujinuma felt compelled to learn more about his own culture and the traditional arts of Japan. Inspired by the works of Shono Shounsai, he began by making simple bamboo objects. Later, he worked as an independent bamboo artist, consulting with such well-known masters as Iizuka Shokansai." (Source: the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Fujinuma was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Property (Living National Treasure) in 2012 by the Japanese government for his bamboo craft (chiku kogei) technique. His works are in the collections of multiple Japanese museums, along with the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Judy and Pete Nebhut, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Excellent condition with one minor spot of wear to underside. Some wear and minor edge losses to exterior of box. [See more photos →]

Monumental Chinese Cloisonne Censer, circular form to body, the exterior decorated with enameled mountain, landscape and deer design on blue ground, with central tree image and cranes overhead. The body has two large side handles and is supported on three figural cloisonne bird form legs. Removable inset collar. Domed lid with large gilt bronze finial of a dragon head with body writhing on cloud-covered surface. Possible museum accession numbers on interior of lid. Accompanied by a hardwood platform with pierced design to sides and fret feet. Overall – 41″ H x 30″ W x 24″ D. Stand – 6″ H x 23″ W x 26″ D. Likely Qing period, circa 1900 or earlier. Provenance: Private Nashville, Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Losses to enameling on body near intersection with handles, up to 3″ W. Multiple smaller areas of scattered losses throughout, including a 5″ loss of linear enameling to lid. Some small holes to hollow bird feet. One bird leg has been reattached. [See more photos →]

1st item: Chinese white jade and hardwood table screen, the white jade relief carving depicts a bird perched amongst foliage. Contained within a hardwood frame with applied scrollwork and scroll legged feet and fully reticulated carved balls. Jade measures 2 3/8″ H x 2 5/8″ W. Stand measures 8 3/8″ H x 6 1/4″ W. Late 19th/Early 20th century. 2nd item: Carved celedon jade belt buckle with dragon and longevity decoration. 1 7/8″ H x 2 1/4″ W. Late 19th/Early 20th century. Condition: 1st item: Loss and two old breaks to one side of screen. 2nd item: Very good. [See more photos →]

Two (2) Chinese vases, including Qing Dynasty. 1st item: Qing Dynasty Famille Rose or Rose Medallion vase, celadon ground with vignettes depicting scenes of Mandarin figures engaged in various activities, enclosed within raised borders and surrounded by bird, butterfly and prunus decoration, with scalloped lip at mid-body and applied gilt elephant masks at neck. 16 1/2" H. Chinese, late 19th century. 2nd item: Gu or Beaker vase, now mounted as a lamp, with blue and white rock and flower decoration. Mounted to a round wood base, with brass double light socket mounted to top and mid 20th century wiring. Vase – 17 1/2" H. Overall – 19" H. Chinese, likely 18th century. Provenance: the estate of Victor T. Patterson, Franklin, TN. Note: born in Georgia and educated at the Parsons School of Design, Victor Patterson served as a cultural representative to Russia with Dwight D. Eisenhower's "People to People" program (prior to its privatization) before moving to the Nashville, Tennessee area to pursue a career in interior design. He was associated with Bradford's for many years before starting his own business. He decorated the Tennessee Governor's Mansion and the home of several country music stars in the 1970s, and filled his home on Franklin's historic Fourth Avenue with art and antiques from his frequent travels. CONDITION: 1st item: Some chipping and enamel loss/wear to base of vase, largest chip 1/2"; some wear and tiny glaze chips at mid section; 2 1/2" hairline or firing flaw to side (does not extend to or from rim). Needs rewiring and may not be functional. Lacks lampshade and fitting to hold lampshade. 2nd item: Professionally repaired breaks to circumference of midsection and 5 x 2 area to rim; a few other small areas of overpaint visible under UV light. Some losses/small flakes to enameled decoration. Some persistent old sales sticker residue just below mid lip. Some wear to gilt handles. [See more photos →]

Chinese Ming Period gilt bronze of Wenchang Wang, the Daoist Diety of Culture and Literature. Shown seated wearing a ceremonial robe and head dress, and holding a hu tablet. Seated on a separate, later bronze circular base. 14″ H. 17th century. Condition: Overall wear and loss to gilt. Old loss to head dress and an old hole to back left side of bronze. [See more photos →]

Pair of Chinese cinnabar lacquer bottle form vases, both with carved floral decoration to the neck and carved figural (immortal) landscape decoration to the body. Both fitted with hardwood stands. 14 1/2″ H. Late 19th century. Provenance: Riceville, TN collection. CONDITION: Slight wear to necks and bases of both. Overall very good condition. [See more photos →]