Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Asian Art Auction

Thu, Jan 13, 2022 09:00AM EST
Lot 23

Chinese Carved Black Agate Vase

Estimate: $500 - $700

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

mottled black and dark grey with white streaks, of squared tapered form, carved archaic beast with meandering body on each side, 5-3/8 x 2 in.; with carved hardwood stand

Provenance: The Estate of Ernest B. and Helen Pratt Dane, Brookline, Massachusetts; bequeathed to the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1942; re-entered the family via purchase during the 1970s; by descent in family

Note: Fogg Museum accession number 1942.185.283 and description "SMALL AGATE VASE, of slender quadrangular form with meander decoration, the stone streaked in light and dark grey, large chip inside foot, 19th century, Height 5-1/2" Width 1-1/2" With wooden stand. $98.00"

Monetary figure was the amount used by the estate for charitable tax deduction purposes with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in 1942.

Massachusetts collectors Ernest B. and Helen Pratt Dane, bequeathed a significant collection of Chinese jade and "Numbered Jun" ware to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1942.

Noted amongst this group is a jade wine vessel with dragon and phoenix, which can be viewed on the museum's website here:

https://harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/205362?position=0

For more on Harvard's collection of "Numbered Jun" ware, see

https://harvardartmuseums.org/tour/numbered-jun-ware-ceramics-for-the-chinese-palace#

To view more jade items from the Dane estate at the Fogg Art Museum, search the acquisition date "1942.185." (jade items begin at number 80) at: https://harvardartmuseums.org/collections?q=

In addition to the highly important donation of Chinese art, Ernest B. and Helen Pratt Dane generously donated a fund for the future acquisition of Oriental art.

Condition

chip to foot, small nicks and scratches