DUKE’S OFFERS CHINESE SOLDIER VASES AT DORCHESTER AUCTION

Duke’s in Dorchester will auction a pair of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain Soldier vases from Breamore House in the New Forest on Wednesday, 21 October. The auctioneer estimates the Kangxi-period pair at £100,000 to £200,000. The vases stand 106cm high and have remained at the country house for decades. Duke’s plans to offer around 80 lots from Breamore House in its Autumn Auction. Ceramics make up most of the collection, which also includes sculptures, clocks and books.

Panels on the vases depict warriors on horseback, court officials, attendants and musicians. Other scenes show figures in gardens and walled cities. The Soldier name comes from an account of Augustus the Strong of Saxony trading 600 cavalrymen and horses for 151 Chinese porcelain vessels, including 18 vases of this form. Collections at Windsor Castle and Petworth House hold comparable Kangxi examples. The National Trust holds the Petworth House collection.

The auction also includes a Chinese Export iron-red dinner service dating from about 1720, which Duke’s estimates at £10,000 to £20,000. Its more than 70 pieces bear the arms of the Gosselin or Gosling family. Duke’s estimates a 76cm Kangxi iron-red rouleau vase at £2,000 to £4,000; its decoration shows mountains and pagodas. A 1537 English Bible carries an estimate of £6,000 to £8,000. The auction estimates state expected sale ranges, with the prices to be determined when bidding takes place.