Press Release Hong Kong
For Immediate Release
Hong Kong | Carmen Ting / Winnie Tang | +852 2822 8140 / 129 | [email protected] / [email protected]
New York | Lauren Gioia | +1 212 606 7176 | [email protected]
London | Simon Warren | +44 20 7293 5166 | [email protected]
SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG
FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART
AUTUMN SALES
SALE S 2012
201 2 WILL BE HELD ON 9 OCTOBER
Highlighting A Pair of Yellow Ground FamilleFamille- Rose DoubleDouble -Gourd Vases
From The Qianlong Period (Est. HK$40 – 60 Million / US$5.1 – 7.7 Million)
illion)
Hong Kong Public Exhibition 5 – 8 October | Auction 9 October
Hong Kong, September 2012
2012 Sotheby’s Hong Kong is delighted to announce that the Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of
Art Autumn Sale Series 2012 will take place on 9 October 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The
sale will offer a fine selection of Chinese art from the Ming and Qing dynasties, highlighting imperial porcelains from the
collections of Dr. Alice Cheng and J.M. Hu, The Meiyintang Collection (Part IV), as well as Imperial Bannermen Portraits from
a European Collection. The four single-owner sales, together with a various-owner sale, offer over 230 lots with an estimated
total value of over HK$500
HK$500 million / US$64
US$64 million*.
million*
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Nicolas Chow,
Chow Sotheby’s Asia Deputy Chairman
Ch airman and International Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,
Art said,
“This autumn we have the privilege of offering selections from three of the world’s most prestigious porcelain collections,
including exceptional Qing porcelains from the collection of Dr. Alice Cheng, the Shanghai-born business woman and
philanthropist; exquisite monochromes from the celebrated collection of J. M. Hu, founder of the Minchiu society and
benefactor of the Shanghai Museum; as well as around 50 pieces of Yuan, Ming and Qing porcelains from the Meiyintang
collection, Europe’s grandest private collection of Chinese porcelain. Other highlights include a superb pair of yellow-ground
enamelled double-gourd vases of the Qianlong period and an extraordinary collection of 17 portraits of bannermen
commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor.”
QING IMPERIAL MONOCHROMES FROM THE J.M. HU COLLECTION
J.M. Hu (Hu Jenmou, or Hu Huichun, 1911-1995), master of Zande Lou (Studio of Temporary Enjoyment), was one of China’s
great connoisseur-collectors. His collection encompasses the finest of imperial ceramics, Chinese paintings and calligraphies
and scholarly objects. A patron and benefactor, he was known for his generous donations of ceramics to institutions including
the Shanghai Museum, as well as his support of publications, exhibitions and research. The present collection forms part of the
grand legacy of a man who was passionate about Chinese porcelain and determined to share it with others. The sale offers 12
lots with an estimated total value of HK$56 million / US$7 million.
An Exquisite Pair Of TurquoiseTurquoise- Glazed Pomegranate Vases
Seal Marks And Period Of Qianlong
Est. HK$20 – 30 million / US$2.6 – 3.8 million
Height:
eigh t: 21.5 cm
Ever since the Song dynasty (960-1279), connoisseurs have
appreciated the beauty of ceramics of harmonious form, desirable
colour and pleasing texture, and monochrome wares have held a
powerful appeal for China’s collectors. As Qianlong Emperor (r. 173695) delighted in the infinite possibilities of ceramic technology, potters at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen discovered endless
innovative ways to create objects that appealed to his baroque taste, such as this pair of turquoise-glazed relief-decorated vases
(pictured above). Pastel-coloured glazes, mixed with white enamel, were applied in an unusual way so that the opaque quality of
the glaze admirably reproduces the mat gloss and smooth texture of natural turquoise gemstone and the relief-design
contributes further to the effect of the vases being carved from stone. Another important property offered is a pair of Guantype Rectangular Jardinières, also produced during the reign of Qianlong (pictured on p.3).
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A Pair of GuanGuan- Type Rectangular Jardiniè
Jardinières
Seal Marks and Period of Qianlong
Est. HK$4 – 6 million / US$510,000 – 770,000
Length: 20.9 cm
EXCEPTIONAL QING PORCELAIN FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. ALICE CHENG
Sotheby’s Hong Kong is delighted to present a group of five pieces of exceptional Qing porcelain from the Collection of Dr.
Alice Cheng, the Shanghai-born business woman and philanthropist. Dr. Cheng grew up surrounded by fine objects. Her
parents were celebrated antique dealers, in whose footsteps her brother Robert would later follow and build an illustrious career
in the field of Chinese art. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Cheng has put together a formidable collection of imperial Chinese
porcelain. The sale offers five lots with an estimated total value of HK$78 million/ US$10 million.
A Large Blue And White ‘Fruits And Flowers’ Vase, Tianqiuping
Tianqiuping
Seal Mark And Period Of Qianlong
Est. HK$18
HK$18 – 25 million / US$2.3 – 3.2 million
Height:
eight : 52.1 cm
The floral and fruit sprays seen on the blue and white tianqiuping are “re-designs”
of a Ming pattern, although the vase itself appears to be inspired by a Yongzheng
example. Like many other blue-and-white wares of the early Ming period, this
design was reinvented and transformed during the Yongzheng emperor’s reign
before becoming one of the favourites of the Qianlong emperor. Only one
similar example, but with a Yongzheng mark, is preserved in the Palace Museum
Beijing.
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A Magnificent And Rare IronIron- Red And UnderglazeUnderglaze- Blue ‘Nine Dragon’
Dragon’ Charger
Mark And Period Of Yongzheng
Est. HK$30 – 40 million / US$3.8 – 5.1 million
Diametre
Diamet re:
re: 47.2 cm
Early Qing rulers, especially the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors, were keen to see
historical masterpieces with ancient designs and glazes re-interpreted to suit current
taste as a reminder of the nation’s glorious past. Adorned with a Yongzheng-period
interpretation of an early Ming pattern of nine ferocious iron-red dragons among
rolling waves, this dish of magnificent size and formidable decoration was made to
impress. Although a few examples of this type are known in museums and collections
around the world, the present dish ranks among the finest.
PORTRAITS OF VALOUR: IMPERIAL BANNERMEN PORTRAITS FROM A EUROPEAN
COLLECTION
Mingliyang, Attributed To Ignaz Sichelbarth (Ai Qimeng, 17081708- 1780), et al.
Est. HK$3.5 – 4.5 million / US$450,000 – 580,000
72.5 by 56 cm.
As part of his efforts towards self-aggrandisement and glorification, the Qianlong
Emperor commissioned portraits of 280 meritorious officers for display in the
famous Ziguangge (Hall of Purple Splendour) at the Imperial War Memorial in
Beijing. These painted portraits of bannermen are most likely the work of Jesuit
painters, including Ignaz Sichelbarth (Ai Qimeng) and Giuseppe Panzi.
This
collection comprises 17 portraits in oil on Korean paper, which document the heroes
deemed instrumental in two important historical events in 18th Century China,
namely the return of the Russian Torgut tribe and the pacification of the
mountainous Sichuan areas known as Jinchuan, and are therefore of tremendous
historical significance. Among the bannermen portrayed was Mingliyang, who from 1772 to 1776 fought against the Jinchuan
rebels in Sichuan. For his services during this campaign he was awarded the title Count of Xiangyong (Zeal and Bravery) of the
first class and commended by the emperor with a poem which was later added to the portrait. Very few portraits of important
officials have survived, among which oil portraits are considered excessively rare.
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THE MEIYINTANG COLLECTION, PART IV – AN IMPORTANT SELECTION OF IMPERIAL
CHINESE PORCELAINS
Assembled over a period of more than 50 years, The Meiyintang Collection is world-renowned for having brought together
magnificent examples of imperial porcelain. This fourth sale dedicated to the Collection again makes available a phenomenal
range of rare works from the kilns at Jingdezhen, covering imperial porcelains from all major reigns between the Yuan (1279–
1368) and Qing dynasties (1644–1911). The sale offers over 50 lots with an estimated total value of HK$100 million / US$13
million.
A Fine And Rare Blue And White Moulded
Mould ed “Dragon”
Dragon” Stemcup
Yuan Dynasty, EarlyEarly- Mid 14th Century
Est. HK$8.5
HK$8.5 - 10 million / US$1
US$1 – 1.3
1.3 million
Diametre: 11.5 cm
Stemcups with such freely executed sketches of vigorous dragons chasing flaming pearls appear to
have been used throughout China during the Yuan dynasty, although extant examples are rare.
The moulding of the dragons on this cup is extraordinarily crisp and the present example is the finest of its type ever to come to
the market.
A Very Rare WhiteWhite- Glazed ‘Monk’s
‘Monk’s Cap’ Ewer Incised With Tibetan
Inscription,
Inscription, Sengmaohu
Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period
Est. HK$ 3.4
3.4 – 4.8
4.8 million / US$44
US$440,000 – 610,000
61 0,000
Height: 20.2 cm
Monk’s cap ewers derive their shape from Tibetan ewers used in Buddhist
ceremonies, usually undecorated or with lotus scroll and the bajixiang adornment.
Porcelain ewers of this form became a standard vessel shape of the imperial kilns in the Yongle reign (1403-24), when the
emperor actively supported Tibetan Buddhism. Samples with incised Tibetan inscriptions like the present piece were believed to
be commissioned by the emperor as gifts for Halima, the most influential Tibetan lama of the Karma-pa sect of his time.
Applied overall with an unctuous ‘sweet-white’ (tianbai) glaze, the present piece was finely incised around the centre with a
band of lança script on peace and tranquillity.
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FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART
A Pair Of Yellow Ground FamilleFamille- Rose DoubleDouble- Gourd Vases
Seal Marks And Period Of Qianlong
Est. HK$40 – 60 million / US$5.1 – 7.7 million
Height: 17.1 cm
This pair of superbly enameled vases appears to be unique and no other similar vases
exist in collections around the world. These vases, with their fine potting as well as
splendid and auspicious decoration, would have been a perfect birthday or wedding
gift for the emperor or one of his family members. The vases are from the collection
of Mrs Christian Holmes (1871-1941).
An Outstanding MotherMother -OfOf -Pearl Inlaid Incense Stand
Mark And Period Of Kangxi,
Kangxi, Dated To The Guichou Year,
Year , 1673
Est. HK$10 – 15 million / US$1.3 – 1.9 million
Height: 69.5 cm
The present incense stand belongs to an exclusive group of nine pieces of dated
imperial lacquer furniture decorated in the virtuoso technique of mother-of-pearl inlay,
often with the incorporation of gold and silver foil, seven of which are now in the
collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing. The stand ranks among the finest examples
of the art of inlay lacquer and can arguably be attributed to a famous artist in Kangxi’s
court, Liu Yuan (c. 1642 – 91).
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium
Images available upon request | Press releases and sales information are now available at www.sothebys.com/hongkongautumn2012
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Sotheby's Hong Kong
Kong Autumn Sales 2012 Calendar (This schedule is subject to change)
Auction Date
Room
Category
Exhibition
Rm 1
The Classic Cellar from a Great American Collector 10
Important Wines From The Connoisseur Collection
––––
Rm 1
Finest & Rarest Wines
––––
7 Oct
10am
2:30pm
Rm 1
Rm 1
Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings
20th Century Chinese Art
5:30pm
Rm 1
Contemporary Asian Art
5 - 6 Oct
5 - 7 Oct
(until 1pm)
5 - 7 Oct
(until 4pm)
8 Oct
10am & 2:30pm
11am & 3pm
Rm 1
Rm 2
Fine Chinese Paintings
Important Watches
5 - 7 Oct
5 - 7 Oct
Rm 1
Rm 1
Rm 1
Rm 1
Rm 1
Rm 2
Qing Imperial Monochromes From The J.M.Hu Collection
Exceptional Qing Porcelain From The Collection Of Dr. Alice Cheng
Portraits of Valour: Imperial Bannermen Portraits from A European Collection
The Meiyintang Collection, Part IV – An Important Selection of Imperial Chinese Porcelains
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art (Various-owner sale)
Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite
5 - 8 Oct
5 Oct
10am
Approx 12:30pm
6 Oct
10am
9 Oct
10am
10:30am
10:45am
11:15pm
2:30pm
2pm & 5:30pm
Hong Kong Exhibition and Auction Venue
Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing)
1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Asia Travelling Exhibitions Calendar
Date
City
Venue
1 & 2 Sept
Shanghai
Four Seasons Hotel
4 & 5 Sept
Beijing
The Ritz-Carlton, Financial Street
7 & 8 Sept
Chengdu
Shangri-La Hotel
22 & 23 Sept
Taipei
Fubon International Convention Centre
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