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Featured lot selected by the auctions House.
Rossini
10
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CHINA FOR VIETNAM – 18th century
See original version (French)
10
-
CHINA FOR VIETNAM – 18th century
See original version (French)
Estimate €4,000 - €6,000
Voluntary lot
Description
CHINA FOR VIETNAM – 18th century
A porcelain bowl decorated in underglaze blue, depicting a scholar on the edge of a cliff admiring birds, whilst his maid brings him his qin. On the reverse, the raised mark in white on white: Nội phủ thị đoài 内府侍兌 (Inner Residence, Western Enclosure); the rims are decorated with flowering rocks and birds (Crack). Diameter 14.5 cm
This piece was commissioned for Đặng Thị Huệ, a favourite and later concubine of Lord Trịnh Sâm (1739–1782). In accordance with the etiquette of the Trịnh court, its decoration is limited to a pair of phoenixes – a symbol reserved for concubines, the dragon motif being reserved for the principal wife – accompanied by lakeside landscapes.
According to ancient sources, Đặng Thị Huệ, originally from the village of Trà Hương in what is now Gia Lâm district (Hanoi), came from a humble background and is said to have initially worked as a tea picker. Noted for her great beauty whilst serving at the palace, she caught the eye of Lord Trịnh Sâm, who took her as his favourite. She quickly became influential at court and, in 1777, gave birth to a son, Trịnh Cán, who was recognised by the lord and designated as heir, earning her the title of concubine.
Living in great luxury, Đặng Thị Huệ was particularly fond of refined porcelain featuring the so-called ‘Hue blue’ decoration, notably pieces adorned with phoenixes, weeping willows, bamboo and lakeside landscapes, as illustrated by this piece. Her political influence, however, provoked fierce opposition: upon the death of Trịnh Sâm in 1782, just as her son was ascending to the throne under her regency, a military coup restored his rival, Trịnh Khải, to power. Deposed and imprisoned, she met a tragic end by taking her own life shortly afterwards, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable and controversial careers at the Trịnh court.
Provenance:
From the collection of Mr Moïse Barbaud, then passed on by inheritance. Mr Moïse Barbaud, a banker in South America and later in Hanoi, was a discerning collector who brought back numerous objects, pieces of furniture and paintings from his travels.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
CLASSICAL ART, Asian collection, antique paintings & works of art
Auction location
Auction time
11/04/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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