The highlight of the auction, which takes place on March 20 at the Gloucestershire saleroom, is a set of four rectangular porcelain plaques representing the four seasons by Bi Botao (1885-1961). He was a member of ‘The Eight Friends of Zhushan,’ a group of artists who revitalised the porcelain industry following the political unrest of the 19th century.
The group were said to have met on the full moon of every lunar month at Zhushan. Each specialised in different subjects and had their own distinct styles. Bi Botao specialised in birds and flowers.
The plaques are delicately painted with frogs, a spider, turtles and a snake are estimated at £18,000-22,000. Adding to their attraction is the association with Peter Wain, the collector credited with bringing Republican porcelain to Western attention. These pieces were acquired from his ‘Millennium List’ in 1999.
Sale highlights
Other stand-out lots from this collection include a garniture of three Kangxi vases, c.1700, painted in the famille verte palette with panels of animals and flowers. They are estimated at £8000-10,000.
Beyond the Asian art offerings are a private collection of Irish glass originally from the Kildare country house Friarstown; a collection of Western saddles and harnesses; a study of a horse by Lionel Edwards and a View of the Severn Vale from Rodborough Fort by Edward Smith.
Among the more unusual lots is a late 18th or early 19th century creamware jug entitled The Town and Trade of Shrewsbury for Ever.
It is inscribed with a verse reading in part: Here’s my Place: and here/I ought to Speak! – I warrant I’ll not sneak into Taverns to drink/humbug Toasts, that I am afraid to explain not I! my Motto is “Independence & Old England”
It is estimated at £50-70.
