A Rare Mid-17th Century Blanc de Chine Wine Ewer.

Late Ming or Early Qing c.1640-1660.

A Rare Mid-17th Century Blanc de Chine Wine Ewer and Cover, Dehua Kilns, Fujian Province, Late Ming or Early Qing c.1640-1660. This small simple refined 17th century wine ewer belonged to the artist Dutch artist Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023). This Blanc de Chine ewer has a heavy cover. It is rather heavily potted, with the weight distributed so the top feels lighter than the base, it feels properly centered. The tone of the glaze could perhaps best be described as a warm creamy white.

See Below For More Photographs and Information.

SALE PENDING

Condition
In excellent condition, a minute frit to the spout c.1 mm or less.
Size
Height 10.3 cm (4 inches). Width 11.8 cm (4.6 inches).
Provenance
The painter Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023) and his partner, Gerard Spruyt (1922-2011) bought the neglected canal house in 1970, Keizersgracht 374. After a years-long restoration, the building was donated to Stadsherstel in 2016, with the condition that the painter was able to live there until his death. Their warm and beautiful canal house housed numerous objects and was a true eye-catcher for many visitors. Both gentlemen were known for their passion for collecting, for example the Roman Catholic Clemens collected nativity scenes and other religious objects. Gerard collected Chinese and Japanese porcelain, Japanese woodcuts, netsukes, snuff bottles and other Asian items (in the photo, lot number 4201). Largely beautifully arranged in display cabinets, spread over all floors of the building as well as in the garden house. He built up this extensive collection of Asian art from the 1970s to the early 21st century through purchases at auctions such as Mak van Waay, De Zon and de Zwaan, as well as from antique dealers in the Spiegelkwartier. He leaves behind a large and varied oeuvre. Drawings of characteristic Amsterdam cityscapes have been included in the collection of the City Archives, work went to various museums and portraits found their way to family and friends as well as Dutch celebrities. It was his wish that a sales exhibition would be organized with the work that hung in his studio. Peter van Dael, a good friend, has put together the beautiful exhibition. The proceeds will benefit Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, the museum that was very close to the heart of Mr. Merkelbach van Enkhuizen.
Stock number
27514

Photos

Information

Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023).

Self-portrait, Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023).
Self-portrait, Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023).

 

Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023).
Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen (1937-2023).

 

Clemens’ painting studio was on the top floor of the house. Under the partly glass roof, Clemens painted many portraits or cityscapes in the ambiance of a classical painter. Creep through, sneak through, past piles of canvases, pots of pigments, the easel, the smell of varnish.
Clemens’ painting studio was on the top floor of the house. Under the partly glass roof, Clemens painted many portraits or cityscapes in the ambiance of a classical painter. Creep through, sneak through, past piles of canvases, pots of pigments, the easel, the smell of varnish.