Fine Chinese Ceramics And Works of Art

This May our sale at King Street comprises 136 lots, covering a multitude of fine materials and techniques: from aloeswood to agate, porcelain to paintings, and spanning a broad period of Chinese history, ranging from a turquoise inlaid bronze dragon fitting from the Western Zhou period (1100-771BC), all the way up to fine paintings from the 20th century. Several of these paintings are part of  an exciting selection of works including jades and Buddhist works of art from the private collection of the late Sir Percy Cradock, collected during his diplomatic postings in China from the 1960s to 1980s.

These are not the only pieces to boast distinguished provenance. Headlining the sale are a magnificent pair of famille rose ‘butterfly’ double-gourd vases, with Qianlong six-character seal marks in underglaze blue and of the period. They represent the first time a pair of these rare Qianlong vases has been offered at auction. Other notable highlights include a charming celadon and russet jade mythical beast dating to the early 17th century, a large huanghuali display cabinet from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), and a rare Xuande (1426-1435) blue and white stem cup, finely decorated with two mythical winged elephants.