A spectacular Chinese cloisonne enamel incense burner holds the highest estimate in Christie's forthcoming Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction, which will be held as part of its Hong Kong 2013 Spring Auctions.
Christie's will be holding four individual sales of Chinese ceramics on May 29, which stands as testament to the huge demand from Chinese collectors.
The sales will present three important holdings: the YC Chen Collection, the Yiqingge Collection of Chinese Ceramics and Important Imperial cloisonne enamels from a European collection.
 The incense burner was originally acquired by the founder of the Hong Kong trading house Jardine Matheson |
The 18th century censer is described as a masterpiece, and will sell for $1.6m-2.3m. Standing nearly 80cm tall, it is one of the largest examples of its kind.
The censer was undoubtedly made for imperial use and is representative of Qing imperial cloisonne enamels of the highest quality. It also comes with a fascinating provenance, having been acquired by William Jardine, founder of the Hong Kong trading house, Jardine Matheson.
From the collection of YC Chen, one of the world's most renowned collectors of Chinese art, comes a pair of Qianlong-marked, ruby-ground famille rose vases, which will undoubtedly attract great attention from collectors as a rare complete pair in prisitine condition.
The Yiqingge Collection was carefully assembled by a Japanese connoisseur of Chinese ceramics, of which 36 pieces will star with a combined estimate of $4m. The lead lot will be a pair of famille rose "flowers and peaches" jars complete with covers, which will sell for $650,000-$1m.
Paul Fraser Collectibles will be bringing you more from the Hong Kong Spring Auctions in the coming days, so be sure to check our Art and Antiques news sections.
