Imperial Glories from The Springfield Museums Collection an Outstanding Collection of Qing Dynasty Works

Continuing the tradition of offering renowned institutional collections at auction, Christie’s is privileged to be presenting a dedicated sale of Chinese art works from the Springfield Museums, the largest cultural institution in western Massachusetts. 

 - The sale comprises twelve jade and cloisonné enamel pieces from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) .  

 - Highlights include an exquisitely carved white jade figure of Shoulao, the Star God of Longevity, rare for its substantial size and superb quality; and a massive imperial cloisonné enamel vase decorated with dramatic mask motifs exceeding 64 cm. in height.

 - All twelve pieces were acquired by George Walter Vincent Smith (1832-1923), an American entrepreneur and art collector who founded the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1896.

 - Proceeds realized from the sale will be used for the care of collections and to advance the Museums’ commitment to equity, diversity, and access through future art acquisitions of works by women artists, artists of color and under-represented artists.

About The Springfield Museums 

 - The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is best known for its extraordinary depth of rare and unusual objects from China and Japan.

 - Modeled after an Italian palazzo, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, features a striking collection of Chinese porcelains, cloisonné ware and jade and Japanese bronzes, iron, lacquer and ivory.

 - In its entirety, the Springfield Museums includes - the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, and the newly opened (2017) Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.

  - The Museums welcome over half a million visitors a year, with its  primary mission to inspire exploration of its connections to art, history and science through outstanding collections, exhibitions and programs.

NOTES 

Preview:
Beijing | 7 – 8 October | No.82 Jinbao Streeet, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Taipei | 7 – 8 November | Grand Space, Marriott Taipei, 3F, No. 199, Lequn 2nd Road, ZhongShan District, Taipei,
Shanghai | 12 – 13 November | Ampire Building, No. 97 Yuanmingyuan Road, Shanghai
Hong Kong | 27 – 30 November  | Hall 3C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Auction: Imperial Glories from the Springfield Museums Collection
Date & Time: 30 November 2020, 2:30 pm
Location: Hall 3C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong

About Christie’s

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had auction sales in 2019 that totalled £4.5 billion / $5.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees