A selection of exquisite Chinese objects from some of the world’s finest private collections will be offered by Sotheby’s in London next week.
The Important Chinese Art sale will feature fine jades, early ceramics and rare furniture, amongst a catalogue which will appeal to both scholars and collectors alike.
"This promises to be one of our most eclectic London sales, dominated by fresh-to-the-market material imbued with a refined and elegant aesthetic," said Robert Bradlow, Senior Director, Chinese Works of Art, Sotheby’s London.
Notable jade highlights will include examples from the Fleischer collection, assembled by Wilfred Fleischer in Japan during the 1920s and 30s whilst he worked as Editor-in-Chief of the country’s first English-language newspaper.
The collection is led by a finely carved, Qing Dynasty celadon and russet jade figure of a fisherman, dating from the 18th Century and estimated at £40,000-60,000 ($57,917- $86,876).
A standout lot is a highly rare and intricately carved Ming Dynasty gilt-bronze Buddhist figure, dating back to the 15th century. The bronze sculpture depicts Kapaladhara Hevajra, locked in union with his consort Nairatmya, and is estimated at £150,000-£200,000 ($217,191-$289,589).
Important ceramic works on offer are led by a large and rare ‘Ding’ ‘Fish’ basin from the Song/Jin Dynasty, in a form much admired by generations of Japanese collectors and valued at £100,000-£120,000 ($144,794-$173,753).
Further top ceramic lots include a large blue and white ‘Lotus Bouquet’ dish, Qianlong Seal Mark And Period, estimated at £60,000-£80,000 ($86,876-$115,835); a rare iron-red and blue ‘Dragon’ bowl, Jiajing Mark and Period, estimated at £30,000-£50,000 ($43,438-$ 72,397); and a very rare Cinnabar lacquered Yixing teapot, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, also estimated at £30,000-£50,000.
The sale takes place on Wednesday May 11.
