Take 5 with Li-Chun

Introducing Li-Chun and the Take 5 chosen by her from the upcoming

Chinese, Japanese & South East Asian Art auctions taking place on Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 May.

Li-Chun is an independent art consultant specialising in Chinese ceramics and works of art.  She has a background in classical music and industrial design before receiving her Master’s in Art Market & Appraisals in England. Li-Chun’s profession takes her to international Chinese art auctions, and she continues to give advisory services to private collectors, dealers, and regional auction houses around the world. Her connoisseurship, experience, and market acumen help her source the highest quality objects for a global client base.

_{Lot 52: A Chinese mother-of-pearl-inlaid 'Scholars' box and cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi Period, Qianli mark}

My first pick is lot 52, a mother-of-pearl-inlad box and cover, decorated with a scene of a scholar and a lady. I was instantly drawn to the couple’s mild for and sweet expressions as if they were talking to each other.

_{Lot 83: A rare Chinese Bleu de Hue 'dragon and phoenix' bowl for the Vietnamese market, Qing dynasty, 19th century}

The second one is lot 83, a rare Chinese dragon and phoenix bowl, commissioned by the Vietnamese Royal family. The dragon has a very distinct spiky tail, and the double-circled eyes make the dragon look like he is wearing a pair of glasses. 

_{Lot 94: A large Mughal-style carved celadon jade ladle Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century}

Next is lot 94, a large Mughal-style celadon jade spatula. Its size is the biggest I’ve seen for its kind. It also comes with a fitted box with a John Sparks sticker and the company’s valuation report from 1953.

_{Lot 328: Youqua (Chinese, active 1840-1870) Interior scenes Gouache on pith paper}

The next one is lot 328, six gouache paintings. These paintings provide us a chance to go back in time and see what daily life was like. I personally enjoy spotting the art and antiques from these paintings, it’s like treasure hunting for me.

_{Lot 482: A large Chinese famille verte 'fish' plate Qing dynasty, Kangxi mark and of the period}

And finally, lot 482, a large famille verte fish plate. The fish on the top is a Mandarin fish. This fish was very common and appeared often on Chinese Ceramics. My friends told me they can still buy this fish from the market sometimes, and it tastes absolutely delicious.