8/3/2019 Exquisite treasures at Christies in November

1/3

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Contact:Dernagh OLeary +44 (0) 207 389 2398 doleary@christies.com

Exquisite treasures at Christies in November

LondonChristies Centuries of Style: Silver, European Ceramics, Glass, Portrait Miniatures and Gold Boxessale

on 29 November 2011, will offer new collectors and seasoned connoisseurs the opportunity to acquire awide range of rare and unique treasures.

SILVER

A previously unknown Portuguese silver-gilt dish leads the

selection of works from the 16th to the 20th century with examples

by some of the greatest silversmiths through the ages. The

extraordinary dish (estimate: 60,000-80,000, illustrated right) with its

wonderfully chased border is based on a crucial element of 15th and

8/3/2019 Exquisite treasures at Christies in November

2/3

16th century princely and domestic silver known as the salva. The salvawas used as part of a ceremony by

which a drink was served to a person of standing. Such vessels were used to

show the wealth and status of the owner. Decorated with wild-men and

exotic imaginary beasts it is an important and rare example of its form.

Alongside this wonderful dish, other treasures include a group of silver toysfrom The Portland Collection; four miniature silver items such as a George I

silver toy coffee pot (estimate: 800-1,200, illustrated left ) are offered with

estimates starting at 600.

PORTRAIT MINIATURES AND GOLD BOXES

An exceptionally fine selection of portrait miniatures and gold boxes from

renowned artists is highlighted by an important portrait of King Henry VIII

(estimate: 50,000 70,000, illustrated left) by Henry Bone, R.A. (1755-1834).

This iconic image of the monarch derives from Hans Holbein the Youngers

mural at Whitehall Palace; commissioned by King Henry VIII and completed

in 1537, the mural portrayed the powerful king, standing full-length, alongside

his queen, Jane Seymour, and his parents Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

Having been destroyed by fire in 1698, the mural is known through the oil on

canvas by Remigius van Leemput, painted circa1667,

now in the British Royal Collection at Hampton

Court Palace, and through the surviving left-hand

section of the cartoon, now in the National Portrait Gallery. This impressively

large enamel portrait miniature is exquisitely detailed from the gold-mounted

scabbard suspended from one of two white ribbons tied around the Kings

waist, to the intricately designed Turkish carpet. Another charming miniature

on offer is a portrait of Sir Henry Wriothesley by Isaac Oliver, 17 th century

(estimate: 15,000-25,000 , illustrated right ). This stunning unfinished image

provides an insight into the intricate detail and fine craftsmanship of a portrait miniature and has been

exhibited at both the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts.

The incredible group of gold boxes is highlighted by an example by a

very sought-after name in this category, Johann Christian Neuber

(1736-1808); The German oval gold-mounted, varicolour hardstone

snuff-box (estimate: 150,000-200,000 , illustrated left ), is an exquisite

example of Neubers cell-mosaic technique which creates a

wonderful translucent effect using a variety of agates and other

hardstone specimens mounted in a geometric gold cagework. The

stunning design is highlighted by the juxtaposition of opaque andtranslucent panels. Each of the sixty specimens set in the snuff-box has an engraved number on the

8/3/2019 Exquisite treasures at Christies in November

3/3

corresponding mount which would have originally related to a number in a small notebook identifying

each stone. Other highlights from this section include a charming hardstone and mother-of-pearl needle

case set with a miniature of a lady (estimate: 1,000-1,500), and a rectangular micromosaic of a dog in a

landscape with a butterfly, circa1800 (estimate: 6,000-8,000).

EUROPEAN CERAMICS

The European ceramics in this sale include a strong selection

of important Meissen pieces dating from the factorys early

years under the direction of the alchemist J.F. Bttger. The

two kendi (circa 1710-13, each estimated 20,000-30,000,

illustrated right ) are decorated with an experimental glaze

simulating Japanese lacquer, which at the time was viewed

to be mysterious as the method was unknown in Europe.

The kendiwere last sold in 1920 when they were part of the

auction of Royal pieces once in the Japanese Palace in

Dresden.

Further treasures include a stunning Meissen dish from the Swan service, circa

1738-39 (Estimate: 18,000-25,000, illustrated left). The service was made for

Heinrich Graf von Brhl (1700-1763), Prime Minister of Saxony and

Director of the Meissen factory from 1733-63. This wonderful dish,

intricately detailed with two swans and a heron among bulrushes, offers the

chance to own a piece of one of the most prestigious services produced in

the 18th century.

# # #

Images available on requestVisit Christies Web site atwww.christies.com

About Christies

Christies, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2011 that totaled2.0 billion/$3.2 billion. In 2010 it achieved global auction and private sales of 3.3 billion/$5.0 billion. Christiesis a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as internationalglamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20thcenturies, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 salesannually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles,wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christies has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubaiand Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and newmarkets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions inBeijing, Mumbai and Dubai.*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not

reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits.

http://www.christies.com/http://www.christies.com/http://www.christies.com/http://www.christies.com/