Three Chinese Blanc de Chine Porcelain Figures of Guanyin
Comprising a seated figure with child, a standing figure of Guanyin holding a ruyi scepter, and a seated figure holding a ruyi scepter and standing on a lotus blossom, a child at her knee.
Heights 16, 17 and 17 ¼ inches.
Note:
By all accounts, Michael Hall, actor, collector and art dealer, was a memorable character who led a truly remarkable life. Michael delighted in being outrageous - frequently the life of the party, always with an entertaining repertory of anecdotes and jokes. Michael was also a very serious collector with an inquisitive nature, extremely passionate and opinionated concerning his chosen field of Renaissance and Baroque Works of Art, and was always willing to share his vast knowledge.Michael was mentored by Wilhelm Valentiner, a specialist in Italian Renaissance Art and then a consultant to what would become the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Through Valentiner, Hall was introduced to Sir John Pope-Hennessy and Sir Kenneth Clark, and formed friendships with a number of authorities including Rudolf Wittkower, H.W. Janson and Francis Watson. In 1963, Hall moved to New York, and with William Mills, opened a gallery at 6 East 79th Street. His clients grew to include among others, Charles and Jayne Wrightsman, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Art, Boston, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Detroit Institute of Art.In later years, Michael and his husband, Thomas divided time between their Florida, New York and Connecticut residences, but never stopped enjoying and collecting decorative arts. Those who knew Michael would agree his passion for collecting knew no bounds.
Property from the Michael Hall Collection, Miami Beach, Florida
Condition
Guanyin with child: child lacking one hand; Guanyin with chips to two fingers, small chips to edges of veil and robe. Guanyin with ruyi scepter: chips and losses to fingers; minor fleabites to edges of robes, 1/16 inch chip to edge of robe at the center base; another at the center of the back base; faint crazing to glaze. Seated Guanyin with child: very small chip to passion fruit on pedestal; faint crazing to lower half of figure.
For condition inquiries please contact palmbeachcr@hindmanauctions.com