On Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 November Roseberys are pleased to present an auction of Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian Art – once again coinciding with London’s Asian Art Week. Head of Department, Bill Forrest, said of the sale: “We are privileged to be offering four significant private collections in this sale … The late costume designer Anthony Powell had a great eye for the fine and unusual, and collected Chinese textiles, early ceramics, and early bronzes, acquiring works predominantly from Christie’s, Phillips, and the distinguished dealership Spink, in the 80s and 90s. Included in this collection are sancai ceramics from the Tang dynasty, magnificent Yuan and Ming dynasty bronzes, and a superb academic collection of early Chinese silks.”
The standout lots from this auction come from a private collection (Lots 1 through 11) belonging to a wealthy family of 19th Century missionaries in China. Lot 1 is an exceptionally rare porcelain cup, produced during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng (1678 – 1735). The cup, designed for imperial use, represents Chinese porcelain production at its zenith. This remarkable item is presented with an estimate of £80 to £120.
Lot 85 is a bodhisattva statue showing either Avalokitesvara or Guanyin, the bodhisattva of Mercy. The statue – despite the loss of its head and hands – is carved with great detail and takes a dynamic Royal Ease pose, making it a fine example of high Tang Buddhist sculpture. Lot 85 comes with an estimate of £20,000 to £30,000
The next highlight is Lot 116, an unmarked piece of imperial porcelain of superb quality. The rare panel is richly enamelled and its decoration is deeply symbolic. Nine peaches represent immortality and longevity, eight Buddhist emblems in famille rose enamels show bats (symbolising happiness), and a yellow-ground border decorated with archaic chilong dragons makes a nod to the artisan’s ancient ancestors. This Lot is presented with an estimate of 20,000 to 30,000.
Lot 338 is a pair of exceptionally fine Japanese cloisonné vases made by the master, Hayashi Kodenji. The vases have been stored in silk-lined boxes for much of their lives, meaning they are in remarkably fine condition given the fragile nature of cloisonné. The vases have an estimate of 3,000 to 5,000 and are sure to peak interest.
Another highlight is Lot 5, a Chinese huanghuali seal chest (“guanpixiang”) dating from the late Ming Dynasty. The 17th Century chest comes from the same collection as standout Lot 1 – a missionary family who moved to China in the late 19th Century, whose son became the assistant commissioner of the Shanghai Municipal Police in 1919. Lot 5 has an estimate of 3,000 to 5,000.
Highlight Lot 223 is a Ming Dynasty silk panel made in kesi weave, adorned with a fierce dragon. This lot is part of a large private collection of early Chinese ceramics, silks, and bronzes, and has a £600 - £800estimate. Lot 9 is a similarly exceptionally rare diorama showing a court scene. The diorama comes with a £200 – £300 estimate.
The final highlight lot of this Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian Art sale is Lot 752, an artwork attributed to Yun Shouping (1633 – 1690). The framed silk piece showing peonies was once part of a hanging scroll. The inscription appears to be imitation Xu Chongxi of Northern Song dynasty and also features several seals (two from artists, a collector’s seal of Qianlong and Jiaqing emperiors, and one other collector’s seal). The painting measures 178cm x 95cm, and its frame 213cm x 118.5cm. Lot 752 comes from an English private collection and was purchased from from Milne Henderson Fine Art in 1970s. The painting comes with an estimate between £2,000 and £3,000.
The auction will take place across two days:
Day I: Fine Chinese Art, Japanese Art, South East Asian Art (Lots 1 - 371)
Day II: Asian Art II: Chinese Ceramics & Works Of Art (Lots 372 - 814)
Viewing at Roseberys:
Thursday 3 November: 9.30 – 5 pm
Friday 4 November: 9.30 – 5 pm
Sunday 6 November 10 – 2 pm
Monday 7 November 9.30 – 5 pm
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for condition reports and further information.
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