Large Chinese Bronze Ewer for the Eastern Market

An oval cameo with profile bust of youthful Hermes wearing a petasos. 7.4 grams, 29 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Rectangular slab with raised border and high-relief scene; three standing females wearing floor-length draped and tiered robes, holding hands; the left figure with right hand extended slightly, holding out the folds of her robe, head turned back towards the middle figure whose hand she holds; middle figure facing with diadem in her neatly dressed hair, holding the extended hand of the third figure holding the hem of her robe and angled stiffly away from the others. 145 kg total including stand, 106.5 cm wide



Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13391-259010.

A group of three young females is often interpreted as the Three Graces. However, in classical art, these three figures usually stand close together and are nude or sparsely clothed - unlike the females in this carving. Groups of three goddesses - such as Persephone, Demeter and Hekate - may denote the phases of the moon or, more broadly, the three phases of a female life as maiden / mother/ elder. The scene bears some resemblance to the 1st century AD relief of 'Three dancing nymphs' in Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California; however, that has a more exuberant and lively air contrasted with the rigid formality of the piece.

With disc bezel, high-relief hexafoil with pellet centre, beaded rim. 3.80 grams, 25.45 mm overall, 20.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Ex North London gentleman; formerly with Robin Symes Gallery, Mayfair, before 1999. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.