Art lovers and history fanatics should grab the chance to see exceptional relics from several Chinese dynasties.
Prized ceramics from the Qing Dynasty will take centrestage in Christie's Imperial Sale to take place in Hong Kong on May 29, 2007. This auction brings together rare Chinese porcelain, works of art and jade carvings made for the Imperial Court.
On the same day, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale will include exquisite pieces like Longquan celadon ceramics, lacquer and cloisonné wares.
Christie's Hong Kong will also introduce a real-time multi-media auction service with
Christie's LIVE—a first among the international auction houses—enabling collectors around the world to bid on their personal computers.
A pair of famille rose peach bowls, the only known pair available on the market, from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735), and is expected to sell in excess of HK$30M.
The bowls are among the masterpieces of the overglaze enameled porcelain from the Chinese Imperial kilns. Each bowl uses a painting technique called guozhihua or guoqiangji.
The duocai sanduo bowls from the Yongzheng period is estimated at HKD$4-6M, are delicately enameled with sprays peaches, pomegranate, finger citron, producing the Three Abundances of blessings, long life and many sons.
The cinnabar lacquer chilong foliate-rim tray comes from the Xuande period (1423-1435), particularly high quality in those years, when they were made in accordance with the standards of the Emperor. The only other example of this pattern and shape is found in the Beijing Palace Museum collection. The piece is estimated at HKD$1.5-2M.
An important palace furnishing is the gilt-incised lacquered dragon throne, Baozuo from the Kangxi period (1662-1772), expected to realize in excess of HKD$12M.
Other highlights are the Imperial yellow embroidered 'twelve-symbol dragon' robe, Jifu from the Qianlong period. Gold and silver thread is blended with 9 contorted five-clawed dragons clutching 'flaming pearls', and further embroidered with 12 Imperial symbols. The entire combination, when used together, was exclusively reserved for the Emperor, signifying 'The Ruler of the Universe'. Estimated at HKD$3-4M.
An Imperial seal is also on the list—a soapstone example bearing the seal, Qinmin, meaning 'working assiduously for the people', identified as one of Kangxi Emperor's few surviving personal seals. Estimated at HKD$1.5-2M.
Pre-sale exhibitions in Hong Kong are on May 25-28 2007.
The Imperial Sale is on May 29, 10:30 AM, 2007.
The Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale is on May 29, 2 PM, 2007.
All events at the Convention & Exhibition Center.
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