Page 131 - Bonhams Asian Art May 15-16 2023

350
CHINESE SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY)
Landscape Views
Oil on canvas, one depicting two figures on a plank bridge, gazing
at a cluster of pavilions on the shore, mountains in the distance, the
other painting with two sampans in a river with a bridge in the middle
ground, both framed. Each 29cm (12in) high x 43cm (17in) wide (2).

£1,500 - 2,000
HK$15,000 - 19,000
CNY13,000 - 17,000

Provenance
James Basil Wilson and Julia Wilson, and thence by descent

In 1945, James Basil Wilson returned from The Second World War
having served with the Gurkhas. He married Julia Burke in 1949 and
they moved to London. James started working for Iron and Steel
Exporters and later that year, he was offered the chance to set up
an office Hong Kong, so they moved there and set up home. The
business was successful, they loved Hong Kong and they lived the
life of ex-patriates to the full. They swam, played golf, made friends
and indulged their passion for fast cars, competing in amateur road
races. Julia claimed to have won at the first Macau Grand Prix. As
well as enjoying the pastimes of the culture they brought with them,
they developed an enduring love for China, Chinese people, Chinese
food and Chinese art. With a growing family, they returned to England
in 1957. They brought with them the pieces they had bought in Hong
Kong and James made many trips to Hong Kong and continued to
build their collection throughout the following decades mainly from
dealers in London.

350

351
CHINESE SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY)
Junks at Sea
A pair of oil paintings on canvas, framed. 43cm (16 7/8in) high x
58cm (22 7/8in) wide (2).

£800 - 1,200
HK$7,800 - 12,000
CNY6,800 - 10,000

Provenance
James Basil Wilson and Julia Wilson, and thence by descent

351

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART - PART I | 129