THE HODROFF COLLECTION PART II LEADS CHINESE EXPORT ART AT CHRISTIE'S NEW YORK Christie’s is pleased to offer another fine collection of Chinese Export Art in The Hodroff Collection, Part II on January 23 in New York
News-Antique.com - Jan 11,2008 - New York – Continuing on the success of last year’s auction, Christie’s is pleased to offer
another fine collection of Chinese Export Art in The Hodroff Collection, Part II on January 23
in New York. Characterized as even higher quality than the last, this sale offers an unrivalled
selection of pieces drawn largely from the collectors’ Palm Beach penthouse as well as their
Minneapolis home. The Chinese Export Art sale will feature an exquisite array of works from
virtually every category of wares made for the China trade from the 17th to the 19th century,
including notable private collections of English armorial, Kangxi famille verte, and
impressive American market pieces.
The Hodroff Collection
Reflecting an unerring eye for quality and a deep respect for the long tradition of Chinese
export art, Leo and Doris Hodroff’s collection is revered as an unparalleled assemblage of
porcelains made for export in 17th and 18th century China. Following on last year’s success,
the Hodroffs have made a further selection of pieces for auction. Featuring a strong
offering of birds, animals and figures, as well as of the armorial, European subject and 17th
century offerings, this sale promises to be an exciting event and a must for anyone intrigued
by Chinese Export Porcelain.
The sale offers an impressive and rare Pronk Cistern and Cover, circa 1738-
40, intricately painted in a Chinese Imari palette (estimate: $40,000-60,000).
Each side depicts two elegant Chinoiserie ladies rinsing their hands with water
from a basin, as well as large cobalt blue and gilt trees bearing a profusion of
blooms and berries that add to the magnificence of the urns coloration.
Highlights also include a pair of Blue and White Kangxi period jars boasting panels of
landscapes and antiques (estimate: $25,000-40,000), as well as a large Blue and White Cistern
elaborately crafted with a large biscuit Buddhist lion knop seated on top (estimate: $25,000-
40,000).
Leading an extensive offering of figures is a remarkable pair of
Famille Rose Court Lady Candleholders (estimate: $40,000-
60,000). These highly detailed and ornately painted court ladies
were very fashionable and used to decorate late 18th century
European tables. Animal figures are abundant in the sale with
precious works such as a Quianlong Period Famille Rose Crane
(estimate: $15,000-25,000), a pair of Quianlong Period Hawks (estimate: $30,000-50,000) and
a colorful pair of Quianlong Period Famille Rose Hawks (estimate: $20,000-30,000).
Examples of armorial porcelain bearing English or Continental coats-of-arms, range from a
sauceboat (estimate: $800 to $1,200) to a rococo tureen, cover and stand ($8,000 to $12,000).
Making a rare appearance on the market is a large Rose Imari ‘Provinces’ dish depicting the
arms of Zeelandt ($25,000-40,000).
Various Owner Sale
Leading the various owner sale is an oil painting by
the Studio of Lamqua (1865-60) (estimate: $50,000-
70,000). Providing a view into the intimate
universe of the Chinese Imperial Court, the piece
depicts the Empress in a pavilion at her Summer
Palace surrounded by individuals and entertained
by musicians bearing gifts. This exquisite painting
offers a
