In April 2025, China Guardian Hong Kong’s Spring Auctions showcased an exceptional pair of celadon-glazed ‘double-gourd’ vases from the Qianlong period (1736-1795).These vases, standing at 37.5 cm tall, bear the six-character seal marks of the Qianlong Emperor and were part of the esteemed collection of Quincy Chuang, a notable Hong Kong entrepreneur and former chairman of the Min Chiu Society.
The Min Chiu Society, established in 1960, is renowned for its assembly of distinguished Chinese art collectors, including bankers, industrialists, and professionals united by their passion for Chinese antiques.Quincy Chuang, influenced by his brother-in-law, the esteemed connoisseur J.M. Hu, developed a diverse collection encompassing porcelains, jades, and scholar’s objects.Notably, in the 1960s, Chuang acquired this pair of double-gourd vases from the legendary dealer-collector Edward T. Chow.
During the auction on April 7, 2025, the vases attracted significant attention, culminating in a hammer price of HK$40 million after six bids.With the inclusion of the buyer’s premium, the total sale amounted to HK$46.35 million (approximately US$5.9 million), marking the highest price achieved during China Guardian’s spring sales.
The allure of these vases extends beyond their provenance; their design carries profound cultural symbolism.In Chinese tradition, gourds represent fertility and an abundance of descendants.When depicted as a pair, they embody the concept of double blessings, conveying wishes for familial prosperity, enduring peace, and lasting fortune.
This sale underscores the enduring appreciation and value of imperial Chinese ceramics in the global art market, highlighting the significance of provenance and cultural symbolism in the valuation of such artifacts.
