3rd Nov, 2023 10:00

Asian Art

 
Lot 59
 

59

A pair of Chinese blue and white bowls

Lots 59-100: A Single Owner Collection

Born in Norfolk in 1873, Edmund Bruce Ball (1873-1944) had a long and illustrious career in the field of engineering.

Starting employment as an engineering apprentice in Thetford, he went on to study further at the Manchester School of Technology, achieving many academic awards along the way. After holding several senior and managerial positions in the UK, he took his first overseas appointment, residing in Italy from 1905. In 1908, Bruce Ball headed for China to take on the position of engineer and commercial agent for Messrs Samuel McGregor & Co. of Shanghai, a role which led to him travelling throughout the Far East and Siberia representing the interests of several British firms. He found the experience fascinating and unlike anything he had encountered before, no doubt fuelling his passion for collecting Asian Art.

At the end of the First World War, Bruce Ball took up the position of managing director at Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd. in Kilmarnock, Scotland, a role he held for more than a quarter of a century and where he was considered with high regard, not only for his professional expertise, but also for the efforts he made in improving the overall welfare of his employees. By the end of his life, he was a recognised authority in the field of hydraulic engineering and had received many professional honours and accolades.

A pair of Chinese blue and white bowls,
Daoguang (1821-1850), the rounded sides rising from a circular foot, the interior painted with fruiting branches of peaches, pomegranates and finger citrons, the exterior with shou characters among sprigs of lotus flowers, a four-character Baoshanzhai zhi (Studio for Treasuring Goodness) studio mark to base,
12.9cm diameter (2)

Provenance: The Collection of Mr Edmund Bruce Ball (1873-1944), and thence by descent.

清道光 青花三多纹碗 《宝善斋制》青花楷书款 一对

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From the collection of Mr Edmund Bruce Ball (1873-1944)

Born in Norfolk in 1873, Edmund Bruce Ball had a long and illustrious career in the field of engineering. 

Starting employment as an engineering apprentice in Thetford, he went on to study further at the Manchester School of Technology, achieving many academic awards along the way.  After holding several senior and managerial positions in the UK, he took his first overseas appointment, residing in Italy from 1905.  In 1908, Bruce Ball headed for China to take on the position of engineer and commercial agent for Messrs Samuel McGregor & Co. of Shanghai, a role which led to him travelling throughout the Far East and Siberia representing the interests of several British firms.  He found the experience fascinating and unlike anything he had encountered before, no doubt fuelling his passion for collecting Asian Art.

At the end of the First World War, Bruce Ball took up the position of managing director at Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd. in Kilmarnock, Scotland, a role he held for more than a quarter of a century and where he was considered with high regard, not only for his professional expertise, but also for the efforts he made in improving the overall welfare of his employees.  By the end of his life, he was a recognised authority in the field of hydraulic engineering and had received many professional honours and accolades.

Sold for £14,500


Condition Report

No obvious faults.

 

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Auction: Asian Art, 3rd Nov, 2023

Viewing

London Viewing

Viewing will be held at our London Gallery, Sworders Fine Art, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ as follows:

Friday 27 October, 10am - 4pm 

Saturday 28 October, 10am - 1pm

Sunday 29 October, 10am - 1pm

Monday 30 October, 10am - 4pm 

Tuesday 31 October, 10am - 4pm

Wednesday 1 November, 10am - 4pm

Thursday 2 November, 10am - 4pm 

All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description. 

 

The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.

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