Wanchai Hong Kong Bonhams | Bonhams to Exhibit Rare Chinese Ceramics in Hong Kong ahead of Asia Week New York

Description

This August Bonhams will present a curated preview of exceptional Chinese ceramics at its Hong Kong galleries, ahead of its Asia Week New York this September. The exclusive showcase offers collectors and enthusiasts alike the rare opportunity to view highlights from the upcoming inaugural Asia Week New York sale— Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, set to take place on September 15. Among the 78-lot sale featuring museum- quality works with distinguished provenance, four exceptional ceramics—each representing the pinnacle of Chinese ceramic artistry—will be on preview from 25 – 28 August.

Among the highlights on preview, the headlining lot is a Magnificent and Important Blue and White ‘Boys’ Jar and Cover, bearing a Jiajing six-character mark and of the period.

Estimated between US$1,200,000–1,800,000, the jar boasts an illustrious provenance—having belonged to both J. M. Hu (1941–2010) and T. T. Tsui (1941–2010)—and is considered extremely rare due to its design and size, retention of its original cover. Painted in rich, dark violet tones of underglaze cobalt blue, this rare imperial jar features a vibrant, continuous scene of sixteen children engaged in various symbolic games and activities, each representing aspirations for success in official life. The overall theme reflects the Confucian wish for many sons—a cornerstone of fulfilling familial and ancestral duties.

More Preview Highlights:

(Left to right) A Superb Pair of Unique Famille Rose ‘Chrysanthemum’ Dishes, Yongzheng Six-Character Mark and of the Period; An Important and Massive Blue and White ‘Scrolling Flowers’ Vase, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period; A Rare and Important Large Jun foliate rim bracket-lobed Bowl, Jin dynasty

A Superb Pair of Unique Famille Rose ‘Chrysanthemum’ Dishes, Yongzheng Six- Character Mark and of the Period. Estimated at USD$800,000 – 1,200,000, the unique pair of dishes, formerly in the collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), features medallions of flowering chrysanthemums delicately painted in pink, green, yellow, white, and blue enamel. Each dish is encircled by a moulded, twenty-four petal-shaped rim—a design combination believed to be unique, with no other example pairing this enamelled motif and rim known to date.

An Important and Massive Blue and White ‘Scrolling Flowers’ Vase, Yongzheng six- character mark and of the period, estimated at USD$400,000 – 600,000.From a distinguished American family and fresh to market, this vase—never before offered at auction—is painted in rich cobalt blue with a dense floral design and framed by lappet bands and wave motifs. It stands as a striking example of Jingdezhen innovation under Tang Ying during the Yongzheng period.

A Rare and Important Large Jun foliate rim bracket-lobed Bowl, Jin dynasty, estimated at USD$120,000 – 180,000. Elegantly potted with a lightly ribbed body and creamy-blue glaze, this deep bowl exemplifies Jun ware—one of the ‘Five Classic Wares’—produced in Junzhou (modern Yuzhou, Henan) from the Northern Song through the Yuan dynasties. This bowl is considered to be one of only few rare examples of this particular large foliate rim type known to date.

Along with these four magnificent ceramics, the standout lot within the Asia Week New York’s closing Fine Japanese and Korean Art sale on September 17, an Important Korean Auspicious ‘Tortoise and Crane’ Jar, Joseon dynasty 18th century, estimated at USD$500,000 – 700,000, will also be on preview at Bonhams Hong Kong.

Cover image information: A Magnificent and Important Blue and White ‘Boys’ Jar and Cover, Jiajing Six-Character Mark and of The Period, estimated at USD$1,200,0000 – 1,800,000