HONG KONG.- On 29 November 2024, Christie’s Hong Kong presented the “Eternal Ming – Treasures from the MQJ Collection” auction, featuring 15 lots of important classical Ming furniture and tabletop objects. Assembled over 30 years, the MQJ Collection spans almost all categories of Ming furniture, and is unrivalled in quality and rarity throughout the world. This live auction marked the first time the extraordinary treasures of the MQJ Collection were offered in a dedicated sale. The collection was 100% sold, achieving a total of HK$56,365,000 / US$7,279,399, and exceeding the low estimate by over 200%. A Late Ming Huanghuali Octagonal Incense Stand led the sale, sold for HK$19,735,000 / US$2,548,726, reflecting the passionate enthusiasm of collectors for these prestigious and iconic classical Ming furniture treasures.
Earlier this autumn, Christie’s collaborated with Grace Wu, also known as the “Queen of Huanghuali”, to present a special exhibition of her MQJ Collection at its new Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson in Hong Kong. Grace Wu’s latest publication, Three Decades of Ming Furniture, was also launched during this historic occasion, which was followed by a book tour to Beijing and Shanghai, where she engaged with collectors and enthusiasts of Ming furniture. These events attracted over 7,000 visitors eager to witness the splendour of Ms. Wu’s collection, and to meet the esteemed collector herself. The remarkable success of this dedicated live auction further demonstrates Christie’s leadership in the market for prestigious collections of classical Ming furniture.
Grace Wu, the owner of the MQJ Collection, remarked, “Ming furniture represents the pinnacle of classical Chinese furniture art and craftsmanship and serves as a window into Chinese culture. The aesthetic forms of Ming furniture transcend time and space, captivating collectors of both modern and ancient art from around the world. Therefore, it has been my lifelong wish to publish a bilingual title on Ming furniture for collectors around the world, to help them appreciate the greatness of Chinese classical furniture. I am delighted to collaborate with Christie’s this autumn to present a special exhibition of my MQJ Collection, launch my latest book, Three Decades of Ming Furniture, in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, and bring my carefully selected pieces to auction, sharing the joy of collecting with art enthusiasts worldwide while experiencing the timeless beauty and charm of Ming furniture. Thanks to Christie’s dedicated team, my book has been warmly received by collectors and has since expanded the allure of Ming furniture among collectors. I am pleased to see the enthusiastic response to the special exhibition and dedicated auction, and I take great joy in re-engaging seasoned collectors, as well as attracting the younger generation of new collectors to join us on this journey. The marvelous white-glove result achieved today is a testament to our shared passion for Ming furniture, and for that I am immensely proud.”
Kevin Ching, Chairman of Christie's Asia, commented, “Christie’s is deeply honoured to partner with Grace Wu, the ‘Queen of Huanghuali’, to present the MQJ Collection Special Exhibition and to celebrate the launch of Three Decades of Ming Furniture, as well as the immensely successful dedicated live auction Eternal Ming – Treasures from the MQJ Collection. This sale was undoubtedly a highlight of Christie’s Hong Kong’ inaugural Asian Art Week at our new Asia Pacific headquarters and saw competitive and passionate bidding from buyers, attesting to the strong market demand. Every piece in Grace’s MQJ Collection represents a perfect harmony of the finest materials and creative ingenuity, epitomising the highest aesthetic standards across time and space. We are delighted for the opportunity to share this museum-quality private collection with a broad audience of collectors and art lovers, which showcased the extraordinary beauty of Ming furniture at The Henderson."
