PROPERTY FROM THE ECKENHOFF COLLECTION OF CHINESE EXPORT TANKARDS
FIVE EUROPEAN SUBJECT MUGS
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 2,750
Estimate
USD 2,000 - USD 3,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
The Swedish East Indiaman, 'Gustaf Adolph', did not make it to Canton in the winter of 1784-85, but had to sit out the storms of the South China Sea in the Yalong Bay of Hainan Island, south of Macao, until she could sail again at the end of April. A very small group of mugs commemorating this experience are known, one in the Nordiska Museet, Stockholm. See Kee Il Choi, 'A Chinese Export Painting as China Trade History', Orientations magazine, April 2003. Edward Eckenhoff grew up in a collecting family, and after he and his wife, Judi, were married, they began to acquire good quality American furniture. Chinese export was a perfect corollary. In time, Ed became fascinated with the quality and rarity of Chinese export porcelain mugs and decided to focus on this singular category, which would allow him to build a strong, representative collection of objects that were not only beautiful but that also told the many stories of the China trade. Beer, ale and cider-drinking was extremely common in the 18th century, viewed as nutritious alternatives to water. Chinese porcelain mugs were drinking vessels for the elite, often ordered in sets of three. Special orders included those for guilds, livery companies, public houses and, of course, armigerous families.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Each with some overall light wear to the enamels and gilding, additional condition notes and dimensions listed below:
The first (63⁄8 in. high) - Nice condition. The second (53⁄4 in. high) - Restored around the rim, proabably small rim chips and/or frits. The third (41⁄2 in. high) - With an unusally grey hue; there is a restored break to the left side of his face, extending from the rim down the left side of his nose and back up to the right of his ear, encompassing his eye and his cheek. The fourth (33⁄4 in. high) - With two flat chips to rim. The fifth (41⁄4 in. high) - With some more extensive wear to the gilding, otherwise nice condition.
No further damage apparent under ultraviolet light. Photos available upon request.
Cost calculator
Lot 138Sale 19271
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)FIVE EUROPEAN SUBJECT MUGSEstimate: USD 2,000 - 3,000
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