Our 19 May Asian Art auction was a huge success, including our top lot which was formerly used as a plant pot, fetching £126,100 at auction.
23 May 2023
A magnificent Chinese blue and white jardinière, cherished for generations as a vessel for hyacinth bulbs, took the auction world by storm last week, fetching an astonishing £126,100. This exquisite hexagonal masterpiece, once used to display flowers and bonsai trees in the esteemed Qing court, was sold in our 19 May Asian Art sale, emanating from a passionate vendor whose parents had been avid collectors.
A Chinese blue and white jardinière (£126,100)
Measuring nearly 2ft (60cm) in diameter, the ceramic jardinière boasts meticulous paintings depicting the enchanting Eight Daoist Immortals, bearing the revered mark of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1720). Revered as an authentic piece from the era, rather than a later copy, it stands as a testament to the timeless craftsmanship of its time. Remarkably, a strikingly similar jardinière graces the collection of Beijing's Forbidden City.
The lineage of the seller traces back to ancestors who served as missionaries in China during the late 19th century, having brought back precious items to the UK. However, this particular piece may have found its way into the family's possession more recently when the vendor's parents, who worked for renowned auction house Sotheby's in the 1950s and 60s, could have acquired it. Despite its treasured status, the jardinière was lovingly utilised in the family home, regularly nurturing plants as intended.
A Chinese blue and white jardinière (£126,100)
Originally estimated at £300-500, the jardinière attracted a lot of attention, and surpassed all expectations, captivating the attention of a discerning buyer in China. The intense bidding war culminated in a staggering final price of £97,000, reaching a grand total of £126,100 when including the buyer's premium. This extraordinary achievement testifies to the timeless allure and enduring value of extraordinary Asian art masterpieces.
Our next Asian Art auction will take place on Friday 3 November, for further information contact: Yexue Li | asianart@sworder.co.uk
In our next Design sale on Tuesday 22 October, we are lucky to offer a plethora of cameo works from many of the French greats, as well as a fine collection of contemporary Lalique works.
1 October 2024
A remarkable European private collection is set to come up for auction at Sworders later this year, offering an eclectic mix of antiquities and modern art that reflects the sophisticated taste of its owner.
20 September 2024
Featured in our next two Homes & Interiors sales (18-19 September and 8 October) are pieces from an exceptional private collection of Georgian shoe buckles. Inherited from the vendor’s parents (some even from their grandparents) they were acquired over a prolonged period since the 1950s.
13 September 2024