Page 22 - Bonhams Asian and Chinese Art London Nov. 2019

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF
QUEK KIOK LEE (1921-2018), LOTS 37-97

Quek Kiok Lee (1921 - 2018) - who always asserted Inspired by the amazing art collections that some of these
that he was “born to collect” - arrived in Singapore as an eminent persons possessed, he quickly embarked on what was
impoverished 17 year old non English-speaker from Swatow to become his lifelong passion for Chinese works of art. Whilst
(Shantung) in 1938. Over the next 2 years, this young man establishing himself as highly successful businessman, banker,
topped his school at both the Junior and Senior Cambridge entrepreneur and investor, Mr Quek voraciously spent much
exams with grades 1 and A, respectively. He was then of his free time meeting with (and poring over the artefacts of)
appointed Assistant Secretary by the Chinese Chambers of collectors and dealers; visiting museums; attending auctions and
Commerce, which was “home” to the leaders of Singapore’s exhibitions around the globe; and studying whatever he could get
Chinese community, including preeminent business his hands on to build up his expertise on a subject that quickly
luminaries such as Lee Kong Chian, Lien Ying Chow, Tan grew to become his pleasurable obsession. Besides acquiring
Chin Tuan, Tan Kah Kee, Quek Bak Song and Tan Siak property in Asia and the UK as well as building a multi-million
Kew. Mr Quek’s impressive performance in his role included dollar investment company, Mr Quek enthusiastically invested in
successfully persuading the British post-war administration building up his collection of Chinese antiques. In due course, he
to treat - and compensate accordingly - the time served became well known to the premier auction houses and leading
during the Japanese occupation by Singapore civil servants authorities on Chinese art for both his encyclopaedic knowledge
(who had till then worked for the British) as continuous of the subject and his increasingly impressive collection, which
British service. Such accomplishments favourably brought was to grow for over 70 years. In the 1970s he was nicknamed
him to the attention of the aforementioned tycoons. by local media as “the Jade king of Singapore”. He also served
Consequently, a few approached him to join their as Acquisitions Advisor on Chinese antiquities to the Singapore
businesses – and their families! This began Mr Quek’s rapid University Museum for 6 years (3 terms) until 2000. Even to the
ascension in business and in society. very end of his very rich and colourful life, he loved spending time
admiring and handling his beloved collection.

37

37 *
A GROUP OF SIX JADE FISH CARVINGS
Ming Dynasty and later
Of white, pale green, yellow, mottled grey and russet stone, carved in
the form of carp and catfish amongst lotus, a twin fish group and an
archaistic fish pendant.
Largest 8cm (3.1/8in) long. (6).

£800 - 1,200
HK$7,800 - 12,000
CNY7,100 - 11,000
Provenance
Quek Kiok Lee Collection (1921 – 2018), Singapore, and thence by
descent

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
20 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.