Christie's Hong Kong presents 'For the Son of Heaven: The Imperial Qianlong Gold Ewer''
Fashioned in solid gold and lavishly embellished with pearls, rubies, sapphires and turquoise, the exquisitely crafted ewer exemplifies the technical brilliance and artistic refinement achieved under the patronage of the Qianlong Emperor.
HONG KONG.—
Christie's will present 'For the Son of Heaven: The Imperial Qianlong Gold Ewer', a dedicated single-lot auction taking place during Hong Kong Asian Art Week on 29 October 2026. The sale centres on a magnificent Imperial embellished gold ewer and cover bearing a Qianlong mark and of the period (1736-1795), an exceptionally rare masterpiece of Qing court goldsmithing and one of the finest surviving imperial gold vessels in private hands.
Fashioned in solid gold and lavishly embellished with pearls, rubies, sapphires and turquoise, the exquisitely crafted ewer exemplifies the technical brilliance and artistic refinement achieved under the patronage of the Qianlong Emperor. Its elegant form, intricate filigree work and sumptuous gemstone decoration reflect the extraordinary standards of craftsmanship attained within the Imperial Workshops during one of the most celebrated periods in Chinese history.
Formerly in the distinguished collection of Dr Carl Kempe (1884-1967), one of the foremost European collectors of Chinese art in the 20th century, the ewer has been exhibited internationally and published extensively. Archival records from the Imperial Workshops detailed a jewel-embellished gold ewer commissioned in 1740 and completed for the Qianlong Emperor in 1741 that closely corresponds to the present work in both scale and decoration.
Echoing the celebrated Jin'ou Yonggu cup ("Golden Cup of Eternal Stability"), the iconic imperial gold vessel used by Qing emperors during New Year ceremonies, the present ewer shares richly sculpted floral ornament, intricate filigree work and sumptuous gemstone embellishment, placing it among the most luxurious and technically accomplished creations of the early Qianlong court.
Marco Almeida, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Christie's Asia Pacific, comments: “Exceptional Qing imperial works are rare enough, but it is extraordinarily uncommon to encounter an object that so vividly embodies the personal world of the Qianlong Emperor. This magnificent gold ewer is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistic refinement, but also a powerful reflection of imperial taste, ambition, and patronage at the height of the Qing dynasty. Combining extraordinary rarity with compelling historical significance, it stands as an exceptional testament to the cultural sophistication and artistic achievement that characterised the Qianlong court.”
In 2026, Christie's, the world-leading art and luxury business, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in Asia. Over the last four decades, Christie's has established itself as Asia's leading house, orchestrating many of the region's most historic and record-breaking sales of exceptional objects and collections, driving region-wide expansion, and pioneering digital innovations that have redefined the way Asian collectors connect with and experience the industry. To celebrate this milestone, Christie's is presenting a year-long programme of art and luxury sales, exhibitions and events across the region.
