OGP | Collectors' Recommendations
Oct 24, 2025
Spanning three millennia of Chinese civilization, Sotheby’s London presents an extraordinary celebration of Chinese art. From archaic bronzes to Imperial porcelain, from the elegance of Song ceramics to the refinement of the Ming and Qing dynasties, each masterpiece embodies the timeless spirit and craftsmanship of China’s artistic legacy.
Spanning Three Millennia of Chinese Mastery – From Archaic Bronzes to Imperial Porcelain and Paintings, Showcasing Important Private Collections Appearing for the First Time
Sotheby’s London is delighted to present its Chinese Art sale on 5 November 2025 at 10:30 GMT, bringing together several distinguished private collections appearing on the market for the first time. The sale spans the full breadth of China’s artistic heritage, from the Neolithic to the Republican period, reflecting centuries of creativity and cultural evolution.
Highlights include a magnificent large archaic bronze ding vessel from the late Shang to early Western Zhou dynasty, and a group of superb blue and white porcelains from the Yongle period, notably a rare inscribed “peach” meiping and a large “floral” dish.
Private collections represented in the sale include a Hong Kong assemblage of Qing porcelain and Imperial works of art, archaic jades, early ceramics and metalwork from the collection of Robin Renton, and an exceptional group of Song ceramics and Ming porcelains from the collection of S. H. Minkenhof (1879–1956). Additional English private collections feature Song tea bowls formerly in the collection of Dikran Khan Kélékian (1868–1951), and a fine group of Yongzheng Imperial yellow porcelains.
The sale also features Chinese paintings and Imperial works of art from the collection of Sir James Stewart Lockhart (1858–1937), a body of work that has been widely published and exhibited. The collection is offered by its custodian, George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, with all proceeds from Sotheby’s sale dedicated to funding scholarship bursaries.
Spanning more than three millennia, this sale embraces a remarkable diversity of material — appealing to connoisseurs of Imperial masterpieces as well as scholars of early Chinese civilization and Song–Yuan aesthetics. We invite collectors and enthusiasts to explore the catalogue and connect with our specialists for detailed insights and academic consultation.