Each year, Sworders conducts two auctions dedicated to Chinese, Japanese, Himalayan, Indian, Islamic, and South Asian works of art, paintings, manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, glass, wood, stone, and textiles, spanning from the ancient world to the modern day.

The department is headed by Yexue Li, whose experience growing up in China has shaped her expert knowledge and understanding of the market. In 2024, she identified a Tang dynasty (618–907) sancai-glazed pottery horse, which sold for £117,000. In 2025, a Chinese blue and white jardinière sold for £23,400, while a large Chinese parcel-gilt bronze basin realised £28,600. Other exceptional highlights include a Chinese imperial inscribed famille rose wall vase, which sold for a staggering £494,000. Her specialist knowledge, combined with an extensive network across mainland China and Hong Kong, has driven the rapid growth and success of Sworders’ Asian Art sales.

Working alongside Yexue Li, Sale Coordinator and Cataloguer, Grace Julier, has long held a strong interest in the art market, particularly Indian, Islamic, and Southeast Asian art. She studied Art History at the University of East Anglia and achieved a first-class degree, and, after graduating, spent three years at Mallams Auctioneers in Oxfordshire.

Grace has also lived in Singapore, where she spent two years travelling and working as a cataloguer and coordinator, further deepening her specialist interests. More recently, she completed the course Arts of South Asia: Ancient to Early Modern at the Victoria and Albert Museum and previously studied Indian Art: A History at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.

Sworders offer a friendly, fully bespoke service from initial consultation through to final sale, including expert valuations, comprehensive condition reporting, seamless payment facilitation, and international shipping solutions, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for consignors and buyers alike. An experienced marketing team works tirelessly to maximise exposure and all sales are promoted heavily across the leading social media platforms in China.

Further information about the specific categories within these sales can be found by following the links below. To learn more, or to discuss consignments, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our specialist team.

Results & Highlights