DEAR FRIENDS,

It is with great satisfaction that we present to you our Auction catalogue 164. A special auction, covering, as usual, a wide range of pieces of particular quality, rarity and antiquity.

From a variety of pieces that should be highlighted the gilt bronze sculpture with the representation of Vajrapani (lot 480), Chinese, Ming dynasty, Yongle period (1360-1424) illustrating the cover cannot be overlooked. The piece is accompanied by a study by the French expert Pierre Ansas, which states of its rarity and importance.

However, the piece with the highest national relevance is definitely, in every respect, the Centrepiece (lot 351) of the French Tableware of Queen D. Maria Pia of Portugal (Princess of the Royal House of Savoy), which reappears at an auction of art, in Portugal, 102 years after its first sale, also at auction organized by the Bank of Portugal in the distant year of 1912.

A real surprise that brings us back, whole and nearly undamaged – with the original case – the magnificent central element of this historic tableware exhibited in the Ajuda National Palace. It is worth reading the notes related to this masterpiece of the French jewellery of the time and its setbacks. An example which objectively underlines the fact that financial public and private hazards happen not only today ... but also the public nature virtues of art auctions, making transactions safer and clearer and allowing, through document registry of the pieces, to follow their course and know more about their history. An objective common to us all.

In the domain of Lusíada Art - commissioned art pieces of the time of the Portuguese Discoveries from Africa to the Far East – a crossover between Portuguese art and culture and art and culture, beliefs, traditions, styles and craftsmanship of India (Indo-Portuguese Art), Ceylon (Singhalese-Portuguese Art), China (Chinese-Portuguese Art) or Japan (Namban Art) – to name just a few countries with which we closely related to since the 16th century – we should draw your attention to, among others, the Indo-Portuguese Cabinet corresponding to lot 631. A final reference also to the various rare books (lots 169 to 192), wines (lots 561 to 593), silver and jewelry (lots 250 to 400a), included in the auction.

Hoping to have the satisfaction of welcoming you soon, we truthfully wish you happy holidays!

Pedro Maria de Alvim                                                          Miguel Cabral de Moncada