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Elegant Embellishments: Featuring the Hsiao Family collection — Bonhams

Auction House:BonhamsNumber of lots recorded:130
Sale Title:Elegant Embellishments: Featuring the Hsiao Family collectionLots with images:130
Auction Location:SydneyPrices available:94
Date:8-Aug-2021
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A group of eight gold hairpins, Song to Yuan dynasty Varying sizes from 15.5 cm to 19.2 cm long (8). Hairpins made from folded long pins such as this example are called zhegu chai and were popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Simpler designs such as plain and ribbed examples are associated with the Song dynasty. Twisted examples, such as those in this lot, emerged as a new trend during the Yuan dynasty, known as ' chi -tiger' pins. The top fold of the pins are chiselled into 'floral' designs, and…
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A group of six gold hairpins, Ming to Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 10.6 cm to 16.0 cm long (6). To compare a similar flat pin to the ' guanyin ' piece in this lot, also with a chased ornament applied to the beaten gold sheet cut at the top with slender stamen, see Christie's, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, 26 March 2010, New York, sale 2297, lot 1293. The 'dragon' hollow pins in this lot are called qitong zan . First produced during the…
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A group of 19 gold and silver hairpins, Ming to Qing dynasty varying sizes from 7.7 cm to 17.5 cm long (19). The group of four pointy-legged hairpins with small decorative tops are called huatou zan, or the flower-head hairpin. They were popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and a plethora of new designs emerged during the Ming dynasty. Their tops are typically made of gold, connected to silver legs, such as the two pieces from this group. More elaborate examples included pearl or precious stone…
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A pair of gold 'goddess' earrings, Song dynasty 5.0 cm and 5.1 cm long, 5g each, 20ct (2). Images of apsara, goddesses, or child attendants are common design elements of the Song dynasty decorative arts. In earrings they typically appear in three-dimensional form. The two goddesses in this pair stand upon lotus thrones, wavy robes draping from their shoulders. Despite their sizes, the hairdress, facial expression, hands, and the decorating dragon heads are all clearly defined under a magnifying glass.…
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A group of pierced and repousse gold sheet appliques and ornaments, Ming dynasty with box, varying sizes from 0.8 cm diam. to 11.5 cm wide (49).
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A group of four ornaments, in gold filigree, silver and kingfisher feather, and bronze, Ming and Qing dynasty With box, the gold filigree 4.5 cm wide and 20ct, the silver 6.2 cm wide, the other two 3.2 cm and 3.4 cm long (4). The hair crowns used by men during the Ming dynasty are said to only be able to hold a small hairdo, hence they are typically no more than two inches. In the gold-filigree example, the pediment above the entrance to the palace reads 'Guanghan Gong', which is the palace on the Moon…
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Two gold repousse finials, Ming dynasty 3.8 cm high, 12.8g; 4.2 cm high, 10.2g (2).
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Two gilt flowerheads of hairpins, Ming dynasty with box, 2.7 cm diam. each (2).
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A group of three gold filigree ornaments, Ming to Qing dynasty 4.5 cm long, 2.5 cm long, 1.8 cm long (3). For the possible usage of the 'flower' piece, see notes of lot 15.
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A group of four gold filigree hair ornaments, Ming dynasty the inlaid ornaments 3.7 cm and 6.5 cm long, the phoenix ornaments approx. 2.1 cm long each, (4). The two gold examples inlaid with precious stones are the decorative top of a type of hairpins during the Ming dynasty, called xiao cha, or small pin. Each is fixed with a small tube to the back, for the addition of the legs, usually flat shaped, of such hairpins. The design of xiao cha is usually of floral motif or similar objects in three dimension,…
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One gold filigree and hardstone hair ornament along with three pairs of gold earrings, Ming and Qing dynasty the hair ornament 6.5 cm wide, the earrings from 2.0 cm to 3.0 cm long (7). The two pairs of earrings with hooks typically dating from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, initially designed after the clove flower, hence its colloquial name, dingxianger, or 'the tiny clove'. They are fixed to the earlobes, unassumingly, and are a favourite for informal occasions
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Eight pairs of gold, silver and gilt bronze earrings, Ming to Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 2.7 cm to 5.4 cm long (16).
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Two pairs of gold ornaments, Ming to Qing dynasty the flowerheads approx. 3.0 cm diam. each, the pendants approx. 4.0 cm long each (4).
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A gold filigree 'phoenix' ornament, Republic period, 'Dian Laofuyuan' studio mark 4.5 cm long, 7.3g, 23ct
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A suite of gilt silver filigree headdress and hairpins, Possibly Liao dynasty with box, the headdress extended 20.0 cm wide, the hairpins 10.0 cm and 12.5 cm long (5). In traditional Chinese female hairdress designs, top knots are usually accompanied by a decorative band, called huadian, or flower band. According to the imperial edict, it is to be used together with a phoenix-crown. Informally, it can also be used by itself. The decorative 'flowers' and 'phoenixes' in this flower band are made separately…
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A gilt bronze 'phoenix' plaque, Liao dynasty with box, 10.2 cm long, For a similar piece, see Artemis Gallery, Colorado, Auction 17 June 2021, lot 109
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A pair of 'phoenix' openwork gilt applique, with box, 17.0 cm and 18.0 cm long (2).
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A gilt silver 'butterfly' headpiece, Qing dynasty with box, 21.5 cm wide
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A group of five silver and gold hairpins, Ming to Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 10 cm to 11.7 cm long (5).
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Four pale celadon jade and silver hairpins and a plaque, Qing dynasty with box, the hairpins from 10.6 cm to 21.0 cm long, and the plaque 7.1 cm long (5). The three longer pins with a small spoon at the tip were initially intended as ear cleaners, and these pins named erwa zan, ear-cleaner hairpin. Popular during the Qing dynasty, they were worn by both men and women. The spoon later lost its functional purpose, and were incorporated into a multitude of hairpin designs
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A group of six silver and hardstone hairpins, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 11.5 cm to 14.8 cm long (6).
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A group of five silver, coral, and turquoise hairpins, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 17.0 cm to 21.1 cm long (5).
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An enamelled silver two-part hairpin, Qing dynasty box, 23.5 cm long
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A group of six silver hairpins, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 8.4 cm to 28.5 cm long (6). For reference on the long and flat hairpin, see notes of lot 25.
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Three silver repousse hairpins, Qing dynasty 17.6 cm long, 18.0 cm long, and 22.9 cm long (3). During the Qing dynasty, the Manchu and Han ethnic groups each had their own style of costume, including headdress designs and decorative ornaments. The flat and long hairpin in this group is called bian fang, or 'flat and square', and was commonly used in all kinds of Manchurian hair styles
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A group of four silver hairpins, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 13.3 cm to 17.2 cm long (4).
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A group of three gilt-silver repousse and filigree hairpins, Qing dynasty The pair: 14.6 cm long each, and 24.5 cm long (3).
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A group of five gold or gilt filigree ornaments, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 4.5 cm to 5.5 cm long (5).
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An enamelled silver marriage lock, Qing dynasty 27.2 cm long
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Three pairs of gilt bronze bangles, Qing dynasty box, varying sizes from 6.5 cm to 8.1 cm wide (6). Provenance: The 'bat' bangles: C. C. Teng, Taipei, 28 February 1995, no. 000470 (label and receipt)
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A horn 'dragon' hairpin, and three bangles, Qing dynasty the hairpin 13.9 cm long, the bangles approx. 8.0 cm diam. each (4).
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A group of five ornaments, Qing dynasty comprising a pendant from a court necklace, a yellow amber 'bat' pendant, an 'elephant' container with a sliding cover, a silver 'cicada' pin with jadeite inlays, and a 'hand' joint segment, and with box, varying sizes from 3.3 cm to 18.9 cm long (5).
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A gold repousse figure of a Buddha, Ming dynasty, dated according to inscription, 'the 22nd year of the Wanli reign (1594)' with box, 5.3 cm long, 7.7g, 17ct. Provenance: J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 17 July 2000, no. 1050 (label and receipt) According to the inscription, this statue was commissioned by the second son of the king of the Shanyin state, Zhu Chongliao, and his family during the 22nd year of the Wanli reign. The Shanyin state, in present day Shanxi province, was a fiefdom state during the…
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A gold repousse hairnet ornament of a Buddhist figure, Ming dynasty 3.5 cm long, 6.2g, 22ct
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A rock crystal covered box inset with a gold 'goat' plaque, the box of Qing dynasty, the gold-leaf possibly earlier 5.6 cm long
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A gold 'ram and crane' belt hook, Possibly Ming dynasty 3.2 cm long, 13.0g, 20ct
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A group of four openwork and repousse gold sheet applique, Qing dynasty or earlier the openwork gold appliques 13.5 cm wide, 15.6g, 22ct; 14.5 cm wide, 15.6g, 18ct; the other two 9.5 cm and 5.7g, and 6.4 cm wide and 1.8g (4).
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A 'lotus' gold stem cup, Qing dynasty with box, 9.8 cm diam., 40.4g, 22ct
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A gold plaque with two deer, with box, 3.9 cm wide, 9.8g, 20ct
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Two gilt silver repousse circular boxes, Qing dynasty one with box, approx. 5.8 cm diam. each (2).
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A gold filigree and seed pearl embellished white jade double snuff bottle, 20th century with box, 7.5 cm high
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Two rock crystal pagodas with gold-applique insets, 37.0 cm high, 15.5 cm high (2).
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A Tang-style gilt silver oblong eight-lobed cup, with box, 9.5 cm wide
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A pair of gold leaf and turquoise earrings, and two circular gold appliques, the earrings of Shang dynasty the earrings 6.9 cm and 6.0 cm long, the plaques approx. 4.2 cm diam. each (4).
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A group of 11 gilt bronze 'cowrie shell' coins, Zhou dynasty, possibly the Jin, Lu, and Wei cultures with box, Approx. 2.8 cm long each (11). Provenance: C. C. Teng, Taipei, 28 February 1995, no. 002550 (label and receipt) Cowrie shells are amongst the earliest known forms of currency. In Neolithic China, cowrie shell currency was in large circulation during the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. During the late Shang dynasty, the bronze age, bronze was cast into shell forms as money. During the Spring and…
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Three gold leaves and a gilt bronze 'animal mask' currency, Zhou dynasty two leaves in the shape of cowrie shell, removed from their bronze core, the other in the same 'animal mask' design as the gilt bronze piece, also removed from its bronze core, The animal-mask piece, 2.9 cm wide each, and the shell pieces, 2.0 cm long each (4).
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Two sets of gilt bronze belt plaques and fittings, Possibly Song dynasty with box, (23). Plaque segments of belt in this form, in metal or jade, were likely influenced by the central Asia nomadic cultures, with known examples dating from as early as Han dynasty through until the 14th century. Typically a set would include a longer plaque with a curved end. For examples of such segments from various periods, see the Metropolitan Museum collection, New York, decorative gilt-bronze and jade belt plaques, Tang…
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Four sets of gilt-bronze belt plaques and fittings, Possibly Song or Liao dynasty with box, the decorative segments of varying sizes from 2.0 cm to 2.8 cm wide (62). Segments of belt in this form, in metal or jade, were likely influenced by the central Asia nomadic cultures, with known examples dating from as early as Han dynasty till 14th century, though more commonly in the form of plaques, such as the ones in lot 47. Each of the decorated segments in this lot is fixed with two nails to the back. Some of…
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An assortment of 42 glass beads, cowrie shell currency, and beads of various material, Shang and Zhou Dynasty, and later Varying sizes from 0.6 cm to 3.6 cm long (42). Cowrie shells were the most widely used currency during the Shang and Western Zhou dynasty. For convenience, these shells were drilled of holes, or, during the late Shang dynasty and the early Western Zhou period, flattened and removed of their back such as the three shells in this lot. The appearance of glass beads such as the three in this…
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Two strands of glass and hardstone beads, Warring States period to Han dynasty with box, the glass beads approx. 0.5 cm diam. each, strand 36.0 cm long fully extended, the hardstone beads approx. 2.6 cm long each, strand 18.0 cm long fully extended (2). Provenance: the glass bead strand: C. C. Teng, Taipei, no. 002526 (label)
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A bone belt hook, Warring States period with box, 15.7 cm long. Provenance: C. C. Teng, Taipei, 28 February 1995, no. 001650 (label and receipt) Compare a similar slender-formed hook, see Sotheby's, Chinese Art including Property from the Collection of Cheng Huan, 18 December 2020, Hong Kong, lot 1145
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An assortment of beads, consisting of 41 shuttle-shaped long beads, possibly agate, 53 turquoise beads, 5 shell beads, and 10 others, with box varying sizes from 0.8 cm diam. to 2.8 cm long (109).
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A painted grey pottery figure of a lady of the court, Northern Wei dynasty 29.0 cm high. Provenance: J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 17 July 2000 (receipt
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A group of 28 metal and hardstone seals, Han dynasty or later Varying sizes from 1.2 cm to 4.5 cm wide (28).
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A group of 36 bronze seals, Han dynasty or later Varying sizes from 0.6 cm to 2.5 cm wide (36).
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A group of 49 bronze and hardstone seals, Han dynasty or later Varying sizes from 0.9 cm to 2.1 cm wide (49).
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A group of 45 bronze seals, Han dynasty or later the snake-knot seal possibly silver, varying sizes from 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm wide (45).
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A group of bronze and hardstone seals, Han dynasty or later Varying sizes from 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm wide (51).
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A group of 40 bronze seals, Han dynasty or later, varying sizes from 0.8 cm to 2.5 cm wide (40).
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A gilt bronze 'chi-tiger' nesting seal, Han dynasty the inner seal missing, with box 3.8 cm high, 42.5g. Provenance: C. C. Teng, Taipei, no. 003267
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A bronze 'mythical creature' seal, Han dynasty or later 3.8 cm high
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A group of 12 bronze arrowheads, pole finials, and coin, Warring States and later Varying sizes from 2.3 cm to 7.5 cm long (12).
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A celadon jade 'luohan' bracelet, Qing dynasty and box, jade luohan approx. 2.0 cm long each, the necklace fully extended 20.5 cm long. Provenance: C. C. Teng & Co., Taipei, 1 Oct 1996, no. 002776 (label and receipt, NTD180,000, approx US$6,480)
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A jade figure group of a mythical figure riding a qilin, Qing dynasty 9.0 cm long, 230g
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An archaistic brown jade pendant, Ming dynasty 4.7 cm long, 31g
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Two archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century 5.1 cm long, 9.8 cm long (2).
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A group of five archaistic jade and hardstone carvings, 19th/ 20th century one with box, Varying sizes from 3.2 cm to 6.9 cm long (5).
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A group of five archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century Varying sizes from 3.7 cm to 7.9 cm long (5).
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A group of four archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century Varying sizes from 5.5 cm to 8.5 cm long (4).
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A group of five archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century Varying sizes from 5.9 cm to 10.2 cm long (5).
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A group of five archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century Varying sizes from 3.1 cm to 9.2 cm long (5).
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A rock crystal barrel-shaped pendant, Qing dynasty 4.0 cm long, 34g
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An amber-bead necklace, Qing dynasty with box, each beads approx. 0.8 cm diam., the necklace 48.0 cm long fully extended. Provenance: C. C. Teng, Taipei, 28 February 1995, no. 001147 (label and receipt)
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Two associated repousse gold plaques, Yuan to Ming dynasty display case, approx. 2.2 cm diam. and 0.5g, approx. 2.1 cm diam. and 0.7g (2). Provenance: Private collection, Melbourne, acquired in Hong Kong in 1992
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A nutshell court necklace, comprising 88 nutshell beads, divided by four larger lapis lazuli beads, suspending a champagne quartz plaque and a purple quartz pendant, with fitted box, the nutshell beads approx. 0.9 cm diam. each, the necklace fully extended 91.0 cm long
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A celadon hard stonecourt necklace, comprising 108 celadon hardstone beads divided by four larger beads, and suspending a decorated gilt bronze plaque and a silk tassel in brown, the celadon hard stone beads 0.7 cm diam. each, the necklace fully extended 78.0 cm long
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A rose quartz court necklace, comprising 108 rose quartz beads, divided by four larger blue quartz beads, suspending a silk tassel in pink, the rose quartz beads 1.2 cm diam. each, the necklace fully extended 91.0 cm long
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A spinach-jade and glass bracelet, comprising 16 spinach-jade beads, divided by four larger glass beads, suspending a glass plaque, and two hardstone pendant, the jade beads approx. 0.8 cm diam. each, the bracelet fully extended 27.0 cm long
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A blue-ground 'baoxianghua' silk gauze for informal robe, changfu, 19th century approx. 8m long, 80 cm wide. Provenance: Sir Francis Aglen thence by descent Judith Rutherford Antique Chinese Textiles, Sydney, acquired from the above on 3 September 2006 Private collection, Sydney, acquired from the above, 18 January 2016 Sir Francis Aglen was an Inspector General, head of the Chinese Maritime Customs in Beijing in the early 1900's. Complete length of blue silk gauze were intended to be made into changfu,…
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A yellow-ground 'dragon and Buddhist emblems' kesi piece, approx. 2m long, 81 cm wide
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A bamboo undergarment, 19th century 170.0 cm wide, 70.0 cm long. Provenance: Judith Rutherford, Sydney Private collection, Sydney Note: The use of bamboo jackets and vests dates back to the Ming dynasty. They were worn as an undergarment to aid air circulation, which helped to protect the outer garments from perspiration stains during the hot weather. A similar jacket was included in the exhibition, Dress in Hong Kong: A Century of Change and Customs, Hong Kong Museum of History, Urban Council, Hong…
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A group of four embroidered and woven pouches, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 5.0 cm to 33.0 cm long (4). Provenance: Judith Rutherford Antique Chinese Textile, Sydney Private collection, Sydney
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A turquoise-glaze moulded 'longevity' belt buckle, Late Qing dynasty 7.0 cm long. Provenance: Private collection, Sydney, purchased in Hong Kong in 1999
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An enamelled silver 'abstinence' plaque, Qing dynasty 7.3 cm long, 60g, Small abstinence plaques, such as the current lot, were physical signs of the ceremonial requirement for abstinence before worship of ancestors, the Heavens or other deities. The required abstinence usually lasted for three days and involved refraining from drinking alcohol, eating meat and fragrant herbs such as onions, chives and garlic, and from any intimate acts. Devotional in origin, the small plaque would have functioned as a…
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Two aloeswood plaques, fitted pewter box, 6.0 cm long each (2).
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A red glass official hat finial, 5.8 cm long
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An enamelled silver finger cover, Qing dynasty 10.6 cm long
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A gilt-silver hairpin and six 'phoenix' ornaments, the 'phoenix' ornaments Qing dynasty with boxes, the hairpin 13.6 cm long, the ornaments approx. 2.5 cm long each (7).
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A group of four kingfisher-feather and silver hairpins, Qing dynasty Varying sizes from 11.5 cm to 16.0 cm long (4).
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Two pairs of 'dragon' and 'butterfly' earrings, with display boxes, 8.0 cm and 9.0 cm long (4).
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A silver filigree 'floral' necklace, and a gilt silver brooch, Republic period boxes, the necklace fully extended 22.5 cm long, 3.8 cm diam.
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A suite of gilt silver and gem set jewellery, Mid-20th century comprising a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, three pairs of earrings and pendants, and a brooch, with box, necklace 48.5 cm long, bracelet 18.5 cm long (10).
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A group of three archaistic jade carvings, 19th/ 20th century 4.8 cm long, 6.5 cm long, 6.0 cm diam (3).
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A celadon jade dog, Qing dynasty 6.0 cm long, 45.5g
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A celadon jade mythical beast, pixiu, Qing dynasty 6.3 cm long, 77.4g
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Two 'animal and mythical beast' jade carvings, Late Qing dynasty to Republic period 4.8 cm long and 43.0g, 5.0 cm long and 54.5g (2).
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A group of four reticulated jade plaques, Late Qing dynasty to Republic period Varying sizes from 5.1 cm to 5.6 cm diam. (4).
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A group of four reticulated jade plaques, Late Qing dynasty to Republic period Varying sizes from 5.0 cm to 6.2 cm diam. (4).
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A spinach jade 'landscape' pendant, 5.1 cm long, 34.2g
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Two strands of celadon jade beads, Qing dynasty the beads approx. 1.8 cm long and 2.1 cm long each (2).
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