HONG KONG.- Christie’s Hong Kong Spring sales of Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, to be held on Wednesday, 1 June at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, will present over 450 rare and exquisite Chinese Imperial ceramics and works of art valued at close to HK$1 billion, which is an increase of almost 60 times Christie’s first sale of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art in Hong Kong in 1987. Offering global collectors unprecedented breadth and depth, the sale this season is the perfect place from which connoisseurs can acquire the rarest and the best.

A magnificent Qianlong revolving vase: a masterpiece in craftsmanship and technical ingenuity
Leading the sale is an exquisite revolving vase from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) (estimate on request). Preserved in perfect condition, the rotating vase has reticulated outer walls and painted interiors, with a complex form and structure that exemplifies the technical brilliance of the craftsmen at the Imperial kilns of the period. The vase, intricately decorated inside with symbols of happiness, longevity, prosperity and joy, is a tour de force of artistic and technical achievement, skilfully combining archaism, novelty and exquisite taste. As few reticulated revolving vases were successfully produced in China at the time, it is not surprising that even fewer surviving specimens are found today. Christie’s is privileged to present collectors with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire such a work of spectacular beauty and ingenuity at its Hong Kong Spring sale.

A monumental Imperial ‘dragon and clouds’ screen
Another highlight of the sale is a magnificent ten-fold ‘Dragon and Clouds’ screen measuring an imposing 9 ft 5 in. x 20 ft [2.9 m x 6.1 m]. Incorporating the finest work carving, kesi weaving, lacquerwork and painting, the rosewood screen is believed to have been made by special commission for the celebration of an Imperial birthday, possibly for the Emperor Kangxi’s sixtieth birthday in 1713, or the planned birthday of his son the Emperor Yongzheng. As no other imperial screen decorated with this wealth of materials and techniques has been published, the appearance of this extremely rare work at auction offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a truly magnificent masterpiece.

A dazzling array of fine and rare Chinese works of art
A wide range of fine and rare Chinese works of art will also be presented, including Imperial Ming and Qing ceramics, superbly crafted lacquer, jades and Buddhist art, as well as highlights from some of the world’s most important collections, such as the collections of Mr. Robert Chang, Baron James de Rothschild, Dr. Elizabeth Shing and a European private collector.