Five Thousand Years of Finest Chinese Works of Art

Summary

This video showcases an upcoming Chinese art exhibition in Hong Kong, featuring masterpieces spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history. Highlights include a rare reticulated enamel vase, exceptional Qing Imperial porcelain, and a fine cinnabar lacquer box commissioned for the Yongle Emperor. The exhibition also includes intricate Song Dynasty ceramics, Ming furniture, and unique ritual objects. The event celebrates timeless Chinese artistry and the expertise of Richard Martin's renowned porcelain collection. The exhibition opens at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in July, offering art lovers a rare opportunity to view these exceptional treasures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The exhibition features a stunning array of Chinese art spanning over 5,000 years, showcasing materials like jade, lacquer, hardwood, metal, and porcelain.
• 😀 A highlight of the exhibition is a magnificent reticulated enameled vase, recently rediscovered after being lost for 70 years in Central Europe.
• 😀 The reticulated vase represents the culmination of centuries of Chinese artistic ingenuity and blends ancient motifs with European court influences.
• 😀 The vase was produced under the supervision of the renowned artisan Tang Ying during the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1740-1741).
• 😀 The vase's journey includes its auction at Sotheby’s in 1954, where it was part of the Garner collection, before being acquired by the Dutch scholar Henry Knight.
• 😀 The exhibition will also feature monochrome pieces, highlighting the understated elegance of Chinese art across different dynasties.
• 😀 A standout item is a rare cinnabar lacquer box, produced for the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century, known for its masterful carving and rarity.
• 😀 The exhibition will showcase one of the finest blue-and-white vases from the Qianlong period, featuring floral scrolls inspired by the Ming Dynasty.
• 😀 Special attention is given to the rare 'monks’ cap vases,' which were used in ritual ceremonies at the court of Emperor Yongzheng.
• 😀 The exhibition opens at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 5th, leading up to the sale on July 11th, with more details available on the website.

Q & A

What is the focus of the exhibition mentioned in the transcript?

The exhibition focuses on a selection of the finest Chinese art spanning over five thousand years, showcasing materials like jade, lacquer, hardwood, metal, and porcelain.

What is the significance of the reticulated enamel vase discussed in the transcript?

The reticulated enamel vase is a rare and significant piece that was lost for 70 years before being rediscovered in a remote country house in Central Europe. It represents the culmination of centuries of Chinese artistry and includes references to ancient works and European court styles from the Qing Dynasty.

How is the reticulated vase connected to the Qing Dynasty?

The reticulated vase was produced during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the seventh year (1740), and its production is traceable through the Imperial archives.

What happened to the vase after it was sold in 1954?

After being sold at Sotheby’s in London in 1954 from the Garner collection, the vase entered the collection of Dutch collector Henry Knight, where it remained until his death in 1970.

What is the theme of the exhibition titled 'Monochrome'?

The 'Monochrome' exhibition highlights the understated elegance and timeless aesthetic of Chinese art, focusing on exceptional pieces from various dynasties, such as Kangxi ritual bronzes, Song Dynasty ceramics, and Ming Dynasty Guan hua Li furniture.

What is significant about the cinnabar lacquer box in the 'Monochrome' exhibition?

The cinnabar lacquer box, produced for the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century, is one of only four known examples of its size and quality. It is masterfully carved with pomegranate flowers and is considered a rare and highly valuable piece.

What is the connection between the exhibition and the London Chinese porcelain dealer Richard Martin?

The exhibition celebrates Richard Martin's retirement from business and the transition to the fourth generation of Marchen dealers. The exhibition includes 50 pieces of Qing Imperial porcelain and other works meeting the firm's high standards of quality and condition.

What is special about the blue and white vase from the Qianlong period?

The blue and white vase from the Qianlong period is an exceedingly fine example of Chinese porcelain, featuring brilliant cobalt blue tones and Ming-inspired floral scrolls. It is one of the highlights of the exhibition.

What is the significance of the monks' capua discussed in the exhibition?

The monks' capua, produced for ritual use at the court of the Yongzheng Emperor, is a rare and costly piece made using an intricate enamel technique. Only a few known examples have survived, with one housed in Laos and Tibet.

Where can visitors view the exhibition?

The exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 5th onwards, with the auction taking place on July 11th.