Christie’s Hong Kong Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Department Presents A Dedicated Single-Owner Sale
One of the Most Significant Private European Collections of Chinese Art
63 Lots of Exceptional Examples of Ming & Qing Porcelains, Imperial Porcelains,
Song Ceramics and other Chinese Works of Art
30 May | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Hong Kong – Christie's is proud to announce an upcoming live auction dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary Palmer Family Collection, one of the most significant private European collections of Chinese art. The sale, A Heritage of Appreciation – Selected Treasures from The Palmer Family Collection, to take place on 30 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will present 63 lots that are representative of this remarkable collection, including examples of Imperial Qing porcelains, classic Ming blue and white porcelains, early ceramics, metalworks, painted enamels, and jade carvings.
This remarkable collection was started by William Howard Palmer (1865-1923, great-grandfather to the current owners and known as Howard) and his wife Ada (1870-1953). The collection then passed to their only son, Reginald Howard Reed Palmer (1898-1970, grandfather of the current owners and known as Reggie), who, with his wife Lena (1900-1981), added the greatest number of pieces to the family’s collection of Chinese art.
The Palmer family were the founders of the world-renowned Huntley & Palmer Biscuits, which started in the late 19th century and soon became the leading global manufacturer of cakes and biscuits. In its peak, the firm was the largest in the world and by 1913 it employed over 8,000 workers at their headquarters near Reading, Berkshire. Reggie and Lena were pivotal figures in the Chinese Works of Art collecting circle in Britain and, following in the footsteps of their forebearers, made a lasting impact in the field – thanks to their generosity, most pieces in the collection were widely exhibited in landmark exhibitions across Britain, namely the International Exhibition of Chinese Art at the Royal Academy in London in 1935.
Marco Almeida, Head of Department, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, commented, “We are truly honoured to be entrusted with the sale of a selection of exquisite treasures from this collection - a collection that demonstrates devotion to and admiration for Chinese art by the Palmer family. One of Europe’s most distinguished collections, the Palmer Family Collection offers an insight into the progression and growth of Chinese art from a unique perspective. This sale underpins Christie’s lifelong relationship with the Palmer family, having first offered part of their collection in 1982 in London, and then in 1989 in Hong Kong. We look forward to sharing their magnificent collection once again with seasoned and new collectors this May in Hong Kong.”
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Previews:
Taipei | 22 – 23 Apr | Taipei Marriott Hotel, Grand Ballroom 3/F, No. 199 Lequn 2nd Road
Beijing | 9 – 10 May | China World Summit Wing, Ballroom B1, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue
Shanghai | 13 – 14 May | BUND ONE, 4/F, No.1 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, ShanghaiHong Kong | 25 – 29 May | Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Live Auction:
Hong Kong | 30 May, 11am HKT | Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai
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