拍品專文
THE KWONG YEE CHE TONG COLLECTION – SCIENCE AND COLLECTING
It is that often asked question of division: Art versus Science? The use of left-side or right-side of the brain? Logic or senses? It is always interesting to see synergies of polar-opposites coming together to form an art collection as in this instance of the Kwong Yee Che Tong Collection. Faithful to a Hong Kong tradition, the name retains its Cantonese ethnicity. The hall name is derived from a group of three family collectors: the father, Chan Tai Kwong (Emeritus Professor of Medicine – Hong Kong University Queen Mary Hospital); mother, the late Vivian Chan Nap Yee (Emeritus Professor of Molecular Medicine – Hong Kong University Queen Mary Hospital); and son Derek, Chan Hung Che (Medical Doctor, Specialist in Hematology, University College Hospital & Royal Free, London). Both Professor Chans were first introduced to Chinese Art by two visiting medical professors – and science mentors - in the early 1990s, and who themselves were collectors of works from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Through their inspiration, the Chans started a thirty year collecting journey concentrating on their favourite areas of Song and Ming ceramics. Carefully advised and guided by Mr Lai Tak and his sons, Eugene and Andrew, of Tai Sing Antiques, the collection took shape over the decades with the addition of pieces purchased through auctions and galleries in Hong Kong, New York and London.
As busy professionals, the Chans would make an effort to dedicate their time in attending auction previews over the years. They became very familiar with auction house catalogue terminologies and the quintessential condition reports. Vivian’s meticulous eye, and no nonsense attitude, would strictly collect ceramics that are in good condition with vibrant colours and interesting designs. Her husband, TK, on the other hand with his analytical mind would delight in deconstructing designs, working out their meanings and symbolisms. TK’s favourite topic is to research and catagorise the differing species of fish and plants depicted on ceramics, and find their Latin names.
Evidently, the integrity and enthusiasm of the Collectors are reflected in the present offering of 47 lots in the collection with each piece carefully selected through the eyes of dedicated scientists who just happen to be highly respected in their own field of work.
Chi Fan Tsang
Deputy Chairman, Asia Pacific
It is that often asked question of division: Art versus Science? The use of left-side or right-side of the brain? Logic or senses? It is always interesting to see synergies of polar-opposites coming together to form an art collection as in this instance of the Kwong Yee Che Tong Collection. Faithful to a Hong Kong tradition, the name retains its Cantonese ethnicity. The hall name is derived from a group of three family collectors: the father, Chan Tai Kwong (Emeritus Professor of Medicine – Hong Kong University Queen Mary Hospital); mother, the late Vivian Chan Nap Yee (Emeritus Professor of Molecular Medicine – Hong Kong University Queen Mary Hospital); and son Derek, Chan Hung Che (Medical Doctor, Specialist in Hematology, University College Hospital & Royal Free, London). Both Professor Chans were first introduced to Chinese Art by two visiting medical professors – and science mentors - in the early 1990s, and who themselves were collectors of works from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Through their inspiration, the Chans started a thirty year collecting journey concentrating on their favourite areas of Song and Ming ceramics. Carefully advised and guided by Mr Lai Tak and his sons, Eugene and Andrew, of Tai Sing Antiques, the collection took shape over the decades with the addition of pieces purchased through auctions and galleries in Hong Kong, New York and London.
As busy professionals, the Chans would make an effort to dedicate their time in attending auction previews over the years. They became very familiar with auction house catalogue terminologies and the quintessential condition reports. Vivian’s meticulous eye, and no nonsense attitude, would strictly collect ceramics that are in good condition with vibrant colours and interesting designs. Her husband, TK, on the other hand with his analytical mind would delight in deconstructing designs, working out their meanings and symbolisms. TK’s favourite topic is to research and catagorise the differing species of fish and plants depicted on ceramics, and find their Latin names.
Evidently, the integrity and enthusiasm of the Collectors are reflected in the present offering of 47 lots in the collection with each piece carefully selected through the eyes of dedicated scientists who just happen to be highly respected in their own field of work.
Chi Fan Tsang
Deputy Chairman, Asia Pacific