HONG KONG.- On 30 November, Christie’s Hong Kong Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Department will present The Tianminlou Collection – a dedicated single-owner sale featuring 15 exceptional pieces from one of the world’s most esteemed collections of Chinese porcelain, with a pre-sale low estimate of over HK$120 million. This exceptional group comprises 15 iconic examples of Ming and Qing porcelain, all widely published and exhibited, and for the first time, Yuan Dynasty pieces from this globally famous collection will be brought to the market.

The Tianminlou Collection was scrupulously amassed over several decades starting from the 1970s. Particularly renowned for its blue and white as well as imperial porcelain from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the collection has been showcased at numerous prestigious museums and art institutions, including the Shanghai Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Chang Foundation in Taipei.

Marco Almeida, Head of Department, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Christie’s Asia Pacific commented: “It is a great honour for Christie’s to be entrusted with these magnificent and significant pieces, from The Tianminlou Collection, one the most prestigious collections of Chinese porcelain ever assembled and arguably the finest in private hands. Encompassing the highest echelons of rarity, quality, and historical importance, The Tianminlou Collection is a true treasure trove for connoisseurs and appreciators of Chinese ceramics. Each and every exquisite example in this sale is of museum-quality, representing the epitome of craftsmanship from its respective period. This is an extraordinary and rare opportunity for collectors and connoisseurs to acquire a masterpiece of Chinese history.”

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS - YUAN DYNASTY

Yuan blue and white vases have always been highly treasured by collectors, with vases of the elegant meiping form being especially desired. This exceptional and superb example stands out further due to the retention of its original cover, a feature that is often lost in other examples. During its time, it would have served as a wine container. The intricate designs are brilliantly painted in cobalt of vibrant sapphire-blue tones, using the expensive cobalt pigment imported from the Persian regions, which is characteristic of this period.

Magnificent in size, exceeding 42cm in diameter, this extremely rare ‘plantain tree’ barbed-rim charger showcases a combination of several decorative techniques. It features 'blue-on-white' motifs in the center, reverse 'white-on-blue' motifs on the well, and additional molded decorations. Chargers with such intricate designs would have required significant cost and time to produce, resulting in only small quantities being made for the upper echelon of society. The inclusion of the barbed-rim shape further adds complexity to the design, enhancing its appeal to collectors.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS - MING DYNASTY

China's rich ceramic-making history reached a new height during the Ming dynasty when exclusive imperial kilns were established to serve the Emperor and his family. The imperial kilns in Jingdezhen, particularly during the Yongle
(r. 1403-1425) and Xuande (r. 1426-1435) reigns, upheld rigorous standards, discarding any piece with even minor flaws. This meticulous process ensured that only the finest works graced the palace, resulting in the scarcity of surviving imperial porcelain from these periods. The two highlights below epitomise the most coveted and exquisite imperial blue and white porcelain from the esteemed Yongle and Xuande eras, cherished by connoisseurs for centuries since the late Ming dynasty.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS - QING DYNASTY

Imperial porcelain from the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns in the 18th century showcases the pinnacle of technical excellence in Chinese ceramic production. During this period, a wealth of new glazes, enamels, and decorative techniques emerged. The three highlights below exemplify the diverse range of decorative styles found on Yongzheng and Qianlong imperial porcelains, including monochrome glazes, gilt enamels on colored grounds, and exquisite blue and white designs.