A significant collection of Chinese artworks, kept in storage for almost a century, is set to make its debut at an auction in London this fall. Nearly 700 pieces, predominantly porcelain and enamel artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, were recently uncovered by Roseberys auction house. The collection, originally gathered by a British industrialist during his travels across the Far East in the early 20th century, will feature in a special auction on October 29th, with 220 lots going up for sale.
Bill Forrest, Roseberys’ head of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian Art, first encountered the collection in 2021. Reflecting on his experience, Forrest recalled the moment he stepped into the storage rooms filled with delicate Qing dynasty porcelain, untouched since the 1920s.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be allowed access to these storerooms,” Forrest said. “Seeing these items that had been hidden from view for nearly a century was simply awe-inspiring. The sheer volume and the exceptional quality of the pieces were overwhelming.”
Among the highlights of this treasure trove is a selection of Imperial porcelain bowls from the Qing dynasty, crafted during the reigns of emperors Qianlong (1735-96), Jiaqing (1796-1820), and Daoguang (1820-50). These finely decorated bowls, once used at the Imperial court, are highly sought after by modern collectors, particularly in Asia.
The collection includes eight ‘dragon and phoenix’ bowls, estimated to fetch between £4,000 and £18,000 each. Decorated in the traditional wucai (five-color) palette, these bowls depict the dragon symbolizing the emperor and the phoenix representing the empress. Although they share a similar design, they were produced over different decades, with five featuring Qianlong marks, two marked Daoguang, and one Jiaqing.
The Daoguang period pieces, known for their refined craftsmanship, stand out in the auction. Four large Daoguang mark and period ‘floral’ bowls, each about 18cm in diameter, carry pre-sale estimates of £60,000-£80,000 each. These bowls are adorned with vivid yellow backgrounds, a color exclusively reserved for the emperor, and intricate floral patterns. The interior features red bats, symbolizing good fortune.
Also featured in the sale is a smaller pair of bowls with a similar design, estimated to be worth between £40,000 and £60,000. Another notable item is a Daoguang ruby-ground bowl decorated with lantern motifs, associated with the Lantern Festival and symbols of prosperity, which is expected to sell for £15,000-£25,000.
The collection’s origins trace back to an Edwardian industrialist who traveled through Asia between 1905 and 1930, during a period marked by the fall of the Qing dynasty and the end of Imperial rule in China. He spent several years living in China, acquiring artworks during a time when many pieces from the Imperial collection were being dispersed. His acquisitions were then shipped back to his estate in the UK, where they remained undisturbed in storage for decades.
The sale also includes over 300 painted enamel pieces from the 18th century, offered across 100 lots. These items, primarily produced in Guangzhou (Canton), feature both traditional Chinese designs and motifs inspired by European influences. Highlights include a pair of Qianlong period boxes and covers, estimated at £6,000-£10,000, and a grand jardiniere adorned with cloisonne enamel panels, estimated at £20,000-£30,000.
Among the unique pieces is a clock dial featuring Arabic numerals and a painted landscape with pheasants, valued at £500-£800. This item reflects the blend of European technology and Chinese artistic tradition, a hallmark of the period when Western clocks were adapted to suit Chinese tastes.
One of the standout items in this category is a Guangzhou-made clock with a Qianlong period case, expected to reach between £8,000 and £12,000. This piece exemplifies the merging of European clockmaking techniques with Chinese decorative elements.
This sale will be a key feature of Roseberys’ autumn Asian Art auctions, leading into a broader event on November 6-7 that will showcase a diverse range of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian art. The timing aligns with Asian Art in London, a major event that draws collectors and enthusiasts from around the world, set to run from late October to early November, with Roseberys as one of the 32 participating venues.
