An embroidered silk pouch in the shape of a gourd. China, 17th century. H. 10 cm. Condition Report: https://www.zeeuwsveilinghuis.nl/noticesPROVENANCE Blitz Oriental Art All things must come to an end, the career of Dries Blitz as well. Unfortunately he has been admitted to a nursing home in Leiden. No one of his friends had seen this coming, yet it came true. His wife, partner of the firm Blitz, Oriental Art, had no choice but to liquidate the firm. For this purpose she has chosen Zeeland Auctioneers, nationally and internationally known as a solid company specialized in Asian art with an international clientele. Who was Dries Blitz? Born in 1947 in Ede, the son of a doctor who was a passionate collector himself, Dries came into contact with art from a young age. After discontinuing his academic study he decided as a young man to move to London, where he ended up working with the world famous firm Bluett from 1968 to 1978. During this time he got acquainted with Diana, who was employed in the London art world as well and worked for Howard Philips, a glass specialist. They married in 1972. After a great time at Bluett, the young couple decided to launch their own art shop in Amsterdam, initially with the help of Dries’ father. It did not take long before it became apparent that his great passion was Chinese art. Formerly, while employed by Bluett, he had already written various articles and books about oriental art. Before long, Dries gained a certain reputation in his field. He was the most honest man I have ever met in the art world, unshakeable in his assessment of colleagues and customers. When someone was not to his liking, it was best for him of her to depart. Dries was a self-willed man with a no-nonsense mentality. The many customers who remained loyal to him often did so because they appreciated these characteristics and his vast knowledge of Chinese ceramics. He also assisted many new collectors with all kinds of suggestions and advice. Internationally he acquired the reputation of being one of the greatest dealers and specialists in his field. Impressive are the names of famous collectors and museums he sold to. To name just a few museums, of which he also knew the curators well: the Metropolitan Musem of Art, The Freer Gallery, Peabody Essex Museum, British Museum, and The Museum of East Asian Art. Many museums in the Far East bought from him as well. In our country he supplied splendid art works to the Groninger Museum and the Haags Gemeentemuseum. In short, an impressive list and too many to mention. We hope this auction will be a great success for Diana, and we wish Dries still much light in the twilight of his life. J.v.T.