A PAIR OF BOWLS, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
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In the shape of a stylised lotus leaf, with polychrome enamels depicting flowers and grasshopper, base with apocryphal mark, 27,3 cm long.
Starcrack to base.
Provenance
From the Collection of the Danish Telegraph Manager and Art Collector Sophus Marius Black (2/5 1882-22/12 1960). Black was employed by the Great Northern Telegraph Company, was stationed in China 1902 - 31. After service in Shanghai, Yantai (Chefoo) and Tianjin, he came to Beijing in 1907, and from 1919 he served as manager of the company's station there and periodically in Tianjin, Yantai (Chefoo) and Hong Kong.
Black was soon preoccupied with Chinese culture and art. He understood and respected the Chinese mentality, learned the language, lived by the country's customs and soon began to build a vast Collection.
Over the years, his collection became versatile and rich, including Buddhist figures, Paintings and Works of Art. In 1930 the family moved home, and managed to bring the collections. Thence by descent.