Page 32 - Bonhams Chinese Works Of Art July 28 and 29th, 2020 London

THE PROFESSOR CONRAD HARRIS

COLLECTIONS OF EARLY CHINESE ART

(Lots 80-135)

Conrad became interested in Chinese gained immense pleasure from seeing
pottery in the late 1990s, around the time his collection take pride of place on the
he retired as Professor of General Practice shelves all around his study.
at Leeds University. Having moved on
from a career in medical academia, he A colleague, who travelled to Beijing with
took an academic approach to learning him in 2007, recalled his considerable
about the styles and artefacts of different warmth and kindness, as a friend, and
periods – from the Neolithic to the great how keenly and indefatigably he explored
dynasties of China. the museums and antique shops. He
was also delighted by the food and
Conrad was a highly erudite collector, who fascinated by foodstuffs unknown in the
travelled extensively in China, pursuing west, such as sweet potato leaves, wosun
his interest in ancient pottery wares (celtuce stems) and tonghao (a variety of
through many provincial museums. He chrysanthemum).
gave regular lectures and, in 2002, gained
a Diploma in Asian Art from the British The pieces on offer represent some
Museum. He was an active member of seventy percent of his extensive collection.
the Oriental Ceramics Society and, in the Conrad and his family trust that other
2003/04 OCS Transactions, he contributed collectors will receive the same pleasure
the lecture ‘Chinese ceramic horses and from seeing these pieces in their homes,
how they changed’. Most importantly, he as he has done from seeing them in his.