Asian Art

This Japanese bronze okimono of turtles – symbolic of longevity and good luck – belonged to the empress Shōken (1849-1914), the consort of the emperor Meiji who ruled Japan from 1868-1912.

This 17th century Indian painting attributed to one of the finest artists of the Mughal court was recently discovered in a private collection in Suffolk. Sworders will offer it for sale in their December 5 Country House Sale with an estimate of £10,000-15,000.

The collection of Japanese and Chinese works of art at Eaton Neston near Towcester was formed largely by Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh (1849-1924).

With the spread of religion and the development of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), Chinese works of art began to develop widely in terms of geography and form.

This rare 17 x 2ft 8in (43 x 82cm) Korean cinerary chest dates from the Koryo period. This kingdom effectively united the Later Three Kingdoms in AD936 and ruled most of the Korean peninsula until the Koryo dynasty was removed by the founder of the Choson in 1392.

The 'Asian Art in London' event celebrates its 20th anniversary on November 2-11.

A monumental pair of limestone hands clutching a reliquary date to the Northern Qi period (550-557AD).

Different regions of the world conduct their main Asian art series at different times of the year. Here ATG focuses on some of the main events on the calendar.

Welcome to Antiques Trade Gazette’s annual barometer of Asian art, in which we read the runes of this most fascinating of markets.

More than 300 auctioneers outside China and Hong Kong conduct regular sales of Asian art – many of them in the market centres of France, the US, Germany and the UK. Here we present a selection of forthcoming events from around the world.

The market for Asian art shifts from season to season, with the supply of blue-chip wares a constant issue. Here we look at current trends, including the emergence of a more selective buyer, and predict the fortunes of the market’s core collecting areas.

The Qianlong period (1736-95) porcelain plate made for export c.1740-60 is painted in famille rose enamels and en grisaille with a half-length portrait of St Simon.

Some of the very first pieces of Chinese porcelain to arrive in Elizabethan Britain were mounted in silver-gilt to proclaim their luxury status.

The Asian Art in London initiative will mark its 20th anniversary by creating a series of events including an exhibition at The Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour in London.

Christie’s seven sales dominated the New York Asian art series. With a couple of sales still to go across the weekend, the firm’s running total was close to $35m, more than twice the aggregate of its competitors.

The personal seals used by the Qianlong Emperor, a known connoisseur and patron of the arts, are among the most highly prized Chinese artefacts in today’s market.

The slow, but observable, return of competition for fine Japanese works of art was evident at Hannam’s (20% buyer’s premium) of Selborne on August 23 in the form of this large Meiji ivory scholar’s table screen, below.

Cristina Ortega is a specialist in Chinese and Japanese ceramics with a gallery in the rue de Beaune. Now taking part in her eighth Parcours de la Céramique, she remains very enthusiastic about the possibilities…