Page 12 - Sothebys HK Dragon Emperor April 2024

HIDDEN TREASURES COME

BACK TO LIGHT
Nicolas Chow

Chairman, Asia | Chairman and Worldwide Head of Asian Art

This collection of exquisite Chinese ceramics, for the HONG KONG, LATE 1960S.
most part monochromes, has not been seen for more
than half a century. It tells the story of an unlikely
encounter between two aesthetes from opposite sides At a society gathering, a prominent European
of the world, both equally consumed by a passion for collector visiting the city on business meets an
art. It is also the story of a muted, elegant aesthetic elegant lady reputed for her knowledge of Chinese
in Chinese ceramics that flourished during the Song culture. Soon they are absorbed in conversation. The
dynasty and remains the ultimate pinnacle of the art collector shares his interest in acquiring Chinese jade
of the potter. Indeed, pottery reduced to its essentials carvings. She suggests that, while jade is not
is all but form and colour, and hence monochromes, undeserving of his attention, his sophisticated
in their deceptive simplicity, take pride of place in the taste may be best suited for collecting Chinese
extensive typology of Chinese ceramics. First and monochrome ceramics. She will facilitate an
foremost, it is a tale of synchronicity, of the life and introduction to Edward Chow, the Shanghainese
fate of objects and how they connect us invisibly to our connoisseur and dealer of Chinese art known for his
past, and to our forebears. unconditional eye.
A time is set for them to gather at Chow’s home
This collection of exquisite above the Happy Valley racecourse and it is there
Chinese ceramics, for the most that on a velvet covered table Chow opens box after
part monochromes, has not been box. Luscious celadons and delicate white wares,
seen for more than half a century from the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties. Refined
pink, yellow and ruby monochromes, as well as
[…] First and foremost, it is a tale of brilliantly enamelled wares from the revered reign of
synchronicity, of the life and fate Yongzheng in the early 18th century. Vividly
decorated blue-and-white porcelains from the Ming
of objects and how they connect dynasty, from the classic early 15th century to the
us invisibly to our past, and to our dynasty’s downfall in the early 17th century. With
forebears. utmost solemnity, out of the last box, Edward Chow
pulls a vase, sublime in its angular form, covered in
the most unctuous greyish-coloured glaze, and
suffused throughout with a light golden crackle. An
exceedingly rare object conceived for an erstwhile
emperor nearly a millennium ago.
Weeks later, the treasures leave Hong Kong on two
ships bound for Europe.

Edward T. Chow (1910-1980)
仇焱之（1910-1980年）

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