HONG KONG.- Following the success of its inaugural auction in Hong Kong last November featuring Ming and Qing ceramics, classical Chinese furniture and Chinese paintings, Sungari Hong Kong is pleased to present its second auction in Hong Kong in October. The Autumn Auction will be divided into two parts: Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art (7-8 October) and Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy (30 October). The highlight is a rare blue and white hexagonal vase from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) (Estimate: HK$6,500,000-9,000,000 million). The sale also showcases a superb selection of classical Chinese furniture, including seven pieces of Ming furniture from the prestigious private collection of renowned furniture collector Dr S Y Yip. Of particular interest are six pieces of Ming and Qing furniture acquired from Artasia Fine Asian Antiques which have never been offered at auction before. Mr John Kwang-Ming Ang, one of the founders of Artasia, is a renowned Ming furniture connoisseur. Public viewing will take place from 4 to 6 October at Sungari (HK) Art Space.
The Fine Chinese Paintings sale on 30 October will feature over 100 lots of exquisite classical and modern paintings and calligraphy. Important works by Yuan dynasty masters Chushi Fanqi and Wang Meng are among the notable highlights.
Mr Xue Shiqing, General Manager at Sungari Hong Kong remarked: “Our inaugural Hong Kong auction last year was a testament of our strong commitment to the dynamic art market. This autumn, we will present to collectors with another exceptional array of rare treasures while promoting the enduring legacy of Chinese cultural heritage.”
A Rare Blue and White Hexagonal Vase Qianlong mark and period (1736-1795) H: 66.5cm. Estimate：HK$6,500,000 - 9,000,000. Provenance: Acquired by a lady in 1930’s in Cornwall, England. Inherited from the family in 1980’s Hansons Auctioneer and Valuers, 30 June, 2016, Lot 80
Leading the Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Sale is a rare and magnificent blue and white hexagonal vase, Qianlong six-character mark and period (1736-1795) (Estimate: HK$6,500,000-9,000,000). It is painted in vibrant tones of cobalt blue and decorated on its six facetted sides with fruiting and floral sprays. The body is adorned with sprays of peaches, pomegranate and finger citron, symbolizing the ‘Three Abundances’ (Sanduo) of longevity, fertility and prosperity. Vases of this shape and decoration were first made in the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735) and perfected in the early Qianlong era, after which production ceased. According to Qing dynasty archives, such hexagonal vases are extraordinarily rare, even among early Qianlong imperial porcelains, and there are fewer than a dozen pairs recorded. Their complex form and meticulous craftsmanship made them exceptionally challenging to produce, resulting in strictly limited quantities as imperial tributes. This masterpiece previously graced the imperial halls of the Qing court, rendering it a treasure of profound historical and artistic significance.
Lot 70: A Blue and White ‘Floral Scroll’ Bowl. Xuande six-character mark and period (1426-1435) H: 8cm; W: 17.3cm. Estimate：HK$4,000,000-6,000,000
This spectacular bowl, adorned with scrolling floral motifs, captures the vibrancy of seasonal blooms in full splendour. Painted in rich and delicate underglaze-blue tones, the vigorous strokes evoke the elegance of blossoming branches. The composition is both expansive and refined, with a luminous white glaze that complements the vivid blue, exemplifying the unparalleled beauty of Xuande imperial porcelain. Such masterful brushwork represents the zenith of Xuande kiln artistry which was often imitated by later generations but never surpassed.
Lot 101: A Junyao Tripod Censer Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) H: 19cm; W: 22.5cm. Estimate: HK$3,5000-4,500,000. Provenance: Sotheby’s London, 13 December 1988, Lot 113 The Tsui Art Foundation Collection. Christie’s New York, 19 September 2006, Lot 212. Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 11 July 2020, Lot 138
This extremely rare tripod censer is large in size with luminous glaze of vibrant purple and sky blue. Vessels of such large size often feature splashed glazes or elaborately moulded decoration. The present lot is only adorned subtly with mythical beast masks on the top of the legs while the body is plain with no decoration. This further highlights its elegant form and clarity of the glaze.
The captivating purple and blue colour combination in Jun wares is a significant innovation in the history of Chinese ceramics production, making it stand out among the various Song dynasty kilns. The bright sky blue tone is not created by pigments but from an optical illusion. Microscopic glass droplets are formed during firing of the glaze and resulted in sky blue light. The beautiful purplish-red splashes are achieved through an application of copper-based pigment which is very difficult to control, making it impossible to predict the final colour of the piece. Each Junyao piece is therefore unique as if created by nature due to the one-of-a-kind colour variation. The present lot is an excellent example of Jin dynasty Jun wares with shades of sky blue and splashes of purple reminiscent of sunsets, showcasing the high level of masterful techniques in controlling the heat and the glaze.
Lot 58: A ‘Jun’ Purple-Splashed Blue-Glazed Bowl Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). H: 6.5cm; D: 12cm x 2. Estimate：HK$ 2,600,000-3,000,000
These well proportioned bowls are delicately potted and covered with luminous and fine textured glazes. Their interiors and exteriors are adorned with vibrant glazes of mesmerizing rose-purple and enchanting sky blue. The exterior red tone is exceptionally rare as it is technically very difficult to achieve while the interior milk blue tone and patterns are equally beautiful. They exemplify strong aesthetic appeal and are highly coveted by collectors.
Lot 100: A Junyao-Type Purple and Blue Washer Early Ming Dynasty. D: 21.5cm; H: 8.2cm. Incised with the numeral ‘four’. Estimate: HK$ 2,500,000-3,500,000. Provenance: Dr. W. Kilgenberg Collection, Bonn The Reach Family Collection Christie's Hong Kong, 28 April 1997, Lot 696 Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2 May 2000, Lot 590 Sotheby’s London, 11 November 2015, Lot 81 (cover lot)
This exquisite washer with rounded sides is supported on three ruyi-shaped feet. It is covered with a rich purplish-blue glaze on the exterior, reminiscent of a hazy blue sky. Its interior is infused with the characteristic 'worm-trails’ markings and its flat base is incised with the Chinese numeral ‘Four’. This ‘numbered’ washer belongs to a group of Jun vessels where each vessel has been incised or stamped with a Chinese numeral on the base before firing. The inscribed numbers of such wares range from one to ten, with one designating the largest and ten the smallest. The present lot with numeral ‘Four’ at its base indicates that it belongs to a relatively large category, highlighting its rarity and imperial status.
Lot 421 A Bronze Sword Inscribed With Yuewang Zhujiyushi, Warring States Period
Lot 421: A Bronze Sword Inscribed With Yuewang Zhujiyushi Warring States Period (472-221 AD) H: 58cm; W: 5cm. Estimate：HK$ 2,000,000-2,600,000. Provenance Ito Family Collection, Kansai region, Japan (Acquired during the early Showa period)
A special highlight in the sale is a magnificent sword, belonging to the King of Yue during the Warring States period. It has been in the collection of the Ito family in the Kansai region, Japan for more than a century and is arguably the finest sword of the King of Yue in excellent conditions in any private collections.
Measuring 58 cm in length and 5 cm in width, its blade is broad with a pronounced central ridge and beveled edges that curve and narrow toward the sharp point. The hilt is distinguished by a disc-shaped pommel and a cylindrical grip with two raised collars intricately decorated with beast-mask patterns. The guard is inlaid with turquoise written in “bird and insect script” with the front reading "Wang Yue" (King of Yue) and the reverse reading " Zhuji Yushi". " Zhuji " is the surname of the King of Yue, and " Yushi " is his given name, indicating that this sword belonged to him.
King Zhujiyushi was the son of the famous King Goujian of the Kingdom of Yue during the Warring States period. Although his reign was brief, lasting only six years, he shared his father's passion for exceptional swords. More than ten swords attributed to him have been discovered and are now in museum collections, including the Palace Museum in Beijing, the National Museum of China, the Shanghai Museum, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, the Suzhou Museum, the Jingzhou Museum, and overseas private collections. Despite being over two thousand years old, this sword still shines brilliantly and remains extremely sharp, making it a rare treasure.
Lot 372: An Extremely Rare Carved Cinnabar Lacquer ‘Peony’ Box and Cover, Yongle mark and period (1403-1424), Zhang Cheng mark H: 6.1cm; D:15 cm. Estimate：HK$ 1,800,000-2,500,000. Provenance: Christie’s Hong Kong, 31 May 2010 Acquired on 30, 1956 at Corkhill & Job, Birkenhead, England
The top of the cover of this extremely rare cinnabar lacquer box is meticulously carved with thick layers of three resplendent peonies in full bloom surrounded by dense foliage. The sides are similarly adorned with undulating peony branches, and the base coated in glossy black lacquer, bears finely incised marks of the Yongle reign and the renowned artisan Zhang Cheng. Known for his “thick leaves and plump flowers,” Zhang Cheng’s distinctive style imbues this box with a tactile richness and timeless sophistication.
Lot 405: An Extremely Rare Cloisonné Enamel and Gilt-Bronze Ewer and Cover Qianlong mark and period (1736-1795) H: 31.2cm; W:26.1cm. Estimate: HK$ 1,600,000-1,800,000 Provenance：1. Sotheby’s London, 5 November, 2008, Lot 56 2. A Private European Collection acquired in the 1980’s 3. A&J Speelman Collection
The shape of this majestic enamel ewer is derived from archaic Shang and Zhou dynasty bronze vessels. It is exquisitely enamelled with a spout decorated with a gilt bronze dragon head and a phoenix head crowned with a lofty crest. With the dragon head clasping the phoenix head, it demonstrates a harmonious interplay of mythical motifs. Embodying grandeur and opulence, it is an excellent example of Qing imperial cloisonné.
According to the archives of the Qing imperial workshop, such ewers were first recorded on the 9th day, 8th lunar month, 4th year of the Qianlong reign (1739). This majestic ewer was produced by imperial command in the 4th or 12th lunar month, 7th year of the Qianlong era. It was modelled on the form and design of Ming dynasty cloisonné enamel ewers now in the Palace Museum collection in Beijing. Only one single piece and two pairs of this type was believed to have produced at that time. Currently, these known surviving cloisonné enamel ewers with handles are in museum collections. The present lot is thought to be the only existing example in private hands and with the other one of the pair missing, this ewer is extremely rare and sought after.
Lot 311: A Huanghuali Single-Plank Table, Qiaotouan Late Ming Dynasty to Early Qing Dynasty H: 82cm; L: 181cm; W: 44cm Estimate：HK$ 3,200,000-3,800,000 Provenance: The Dr S Y Yip Collection
Also highlighting the sale is a superb selection of Ming furniture from the distinguished private collection of Dr S Y Yip. This magnificent table is crafted from a single, thick plank, left unadorned to showcase the natural beauty of the highly prized huanghuali wood. The table’s surface seamlessly integrates with the graceful everted ends resembling wings in flight. Paired with unembellished legs, the design is a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, defining the meticulous craftsmanship and sophisticated aesthetic of Ming furniture.
Lot 307: A Huanghuali Yokeback Armchair Late Ming Dynasty to Early Qing Dynasty H: 101cm; L: 59cm; W: 51cm Estimate：HK$1,600,000-1,800,000 Provenance：The Dr S Y Yip Collection
The elegant simplicity of this ‘official’s hat’ armchair is epitomized by its curved and robust back rest with wood grain resembling flowing water and mountains. Its sleek curving arms are supported by goose-neck front posts and eel-head terminals, blending both functional structure and decorative purpose. The lustrous, jade- like sheen of the huanghuali wood marks this chair as a pinnacle of Ming furniture craftsmanship.
The sale will present six pieces of furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties acquired from Artasia Asian Art Antiques which have never appeared at auction before. This rare huanghuali bookshelf, with its open framework and four tiers, is a paragon of the functionality and elegance of Ming style furniture. Each shelf is inlaid with precious nanmu wood, prized for its insect-repellent and durable qualities, ideal for storing scrolls and books. The lower section features two drawers with carved begonia shaped apertures and bronze fittings. Ornate aprons at its base further enhance the balanced proportions of this spectacular piece.
Lot 306
A Desirable Huanghuali Bookshelf Early Qing Dynasty L: 86.3cm; W: 35.6cm; H: 181cm Estimate：HK$: 1,200,000-1,500,000 Provenance：Acquired from Artasia Asian Art Antiques
Lot 305: An Extremely Rare Large Huanghuali Hat Box Early Qing Dynasty H: 21.6cm; D:34cm Estimate：HK$ 800,000 – 1,200,000 Provenance：Acquired from Artasia Asian Art Antiques
This imposing cylindrical hat box, crafted from a single, robust huanghuali trunk, showcases the lavish use of material. Its fine, rippling grain radiates like water, while the gently convex lid, with a subtly concave center, balances aesthetic variation with structural integrity. It is custom-made for elite families to store official hats.
Other Highlights:
Lot 234: A White Jade ‘Dragon’ Spoon with a Gilt-Bronze Washer Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Spoon W: 9.5 cm; Washer D: 12cm Estimate：HK$ 800,000-1,000,000 Provenance: Hong Kong Private Collection
This rare set comprises a finely textured white jade spoon carved from a single piece crowned with a majestic dragon-head handle with curled horns and expressive eyes. The accompanying gilt-silver basin, adorned with animal-mask and ring handles, reflects aristocratic refinement. Both pieces exemplify the sophistication of Han dynasty craftsmanship.
Lot 255: A Rare Green and Russet ‘Human Face’ Jade Cong Liangzhu Culture, Neolithic Period (circa 3300-2300 BC) H: 1.7cm; W: 7.2cm Estimate：HK$ 800,000-1,000,000 Taiwan Private Collection
This composite jade cong from the Liangzhu culture, crafted from lustrous yellowish green jade, radiates an ancient, ethereal glow. Combining the square cong form with a bracelet-like structure, its exquisite design balances ceremonial gravitas with decorative allure, making it a rare and captivating artifact.
Lot 247: A Small Jade Figure of Bixie Song Dynasty (960-1279) H: 3.3cm; L: 5cm Estimate：HK$ 350,000-450,000 Provenance: 1. An American Private Collection in Wisconsin (24 February 1921 – 22 December 2021) 2. An American Private Collection in Wisconsin
This finely white jade with rich, russet-brown staining is delicately carved depicting a mythical beast in a couching position. Its robust head, pebble-like eyes, subtle fangs, muscular limbs and detailed claws are rendered with great precision, showcasing the Song dynasty’s mastery of jade carving.
Lot 419: A Fine ‘Dragon’ Hand Warmer and Cover Yongzheng mark and period (1723-1735) H: 9.7cm; L: 16.5cm; W: 13.5cm Estimate：HK$ 500,000-600,000
This rectangular copper handwarmer, with its soft, lustrous finish, exudes understated elegance. The lid features intricately pierced dragon and cloud motifs, centered around a stylized ‘shou’ character, symbolizing longevity. The unadorned body and inscribed Yongzheng reign mark underscore its refined simplicity, making it an excellent example of Qing imperial metalwork.
Part Two: Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy (30 October)
The Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Sale on 30 October will present an impressive array of over 100 works, including a spectacular calligraphy piece by virtuoso Yuan dynasty calligrapher Chushi Fanqi and a handscroll by Wang Meng, one of the Four Great Masters of the Yuan Dynasty. The modern paintings session will feature important works from fabulous Hong Kong collections Yu Sun Studio and Tsi Ku Chai. Of note are works by Huang Yongyu, Shi Fu and other celebrated artists from the collection of art historian Fu Shen. A highlight is Chrysanthemum by Rock, a magnificent hanging scroll by Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), executed in 1918 (Estimate: HK$500,000-600,000).
