May 10, 2023

Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auction Chinese Porcelain Special Session will kick off at the end of the month, featuring a selection of must-see Ming and Qing dynasty, imperial, and Song dynasty porcelain!

by Ruby Yiu

Christie’s will hold its annual spring auction at the end of the month, covering a wide range of art, jewelry, handbags, and more from ancient to modern times. There will also be a highly anticipated “Bogushaoqiu-Palmer Family Collection” special auction, featuring 63 exquisite treasures from this European private Chinese art collection. Not only will there be imperial porcelain from the Qing Dynasty and blue and white porcelain from the Ming Dynasty, but also metal utensils, painted enamel, and jade carvings.

This collection was established by William Howard Palmer (1865-1923), the great-grandfather of the current owner, and his wife Ada (1870-1953). It was then inherited by their only son Reginald Howard Reed Palmer (the grandfather of the current owner) and his wife Lena, who further enriched this collection with many exquisite Chinese art treasures.

Raymond Palmer and his wife Lena have a significant presence in the Chinese art collection scene in the UK. They continue the family’s keen taste for the beauty and craftsmanship of Chinese art, and have had a profound influence on the art collecting community. With their passion and generosity, most of their precious collections have been exhibited in important exhibitions throughout the UK, including the “International Chinese Art Exhibition” held at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1935. This rare opportunity to get up close to these treasures through an auction platform will now unveil several must-see porcelain works for everyone.

1. Clear Yongzheng black enamel with pink color inside, depicting a scene of plum blossoms and sparrows competing for spring on a plate.

Black-glazed porcelain plate with a design of plum blossoms and sparrows competing for spring. Inscribed with six characters in regular script in two circles. Diameter 7.5/8 inches (19.3 cm). Estimated value: HKD 5,000,000 – 7,000,000.

2. Qing Kangxi Five-Color Scenic Landscape Brush Holder

Qing Kangxi. Multicolored landscape painting brush holder. Estimated price: HKD 600,000 – 800,000.

3. Ming Wanli blue and white polychrome entwined lotus pattern gourd vase

Ming Wanli Blue and White Polychrome Chrysanthemum Pattern Gourd Vase Estimated Price: HKD 400,000 – 600,000

4. Qing Kangxi Five-Color Lychee Bird Poem and Picture Vase

Qing Kangxi Five-Color Lychee Bird Poem and Picture Vase Estimated Price: HKD 400,000 – 600,000

5. A pair of Qing Qianlong cloisonné phoenixes wearing peony round covered boxes with longevity patterns

Qing Qianlong Cloisonné Phoenix and Peony Round Covered Boxes, Estimated Price: HKD 400,000 – 600,000

6. A pair of Qing Yongzheng ink ground polychrome floral pattern vases.

Qing Yongzheng Ink Ground Five-Color Floral Pattern Vase Pair. Estimated value: HKD 400,000 – 600,000.

Hong Kong Station Preview
Date: May 25-29, 2023
Location: Conference Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

On-site Auction
Date: May 30, 2023
Location: Conference Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Image source and learn more: Christie’s