OGP | Collectors' Recommendations
Apr 25, 2025
On May 2, 2025, Christie’s Hong Kong will present “Sapphire Splendor: Imperial Blue-and-White Wares from an Important Private Collection”, a dedicated sale spotlighting masterpieces from the imperial kilns of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, three exceptional imperial blue-and-white porcelains—spanning the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty to the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns of the Qing dynasty—stand out for their exquisite craftsmanship, refined decoration, and their vivid demonstration of stylistic continuity and evolution across four centuries of porcelain art.
As a symbol of Chinese ceramic artistry, blue-and-white porcelain emerged in the Tang and Song dynasties and flourished in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods. Its striking contrast of cobalt blue against pure white was achieved through the perfect fusion of mineral pigments and high-fired porcelain clay. Celebrated both as court treasures and as vessels of cultural heritage, blue-and-white wares have long captivated collectors worldwide. The three imperial examples offered in this sale boast prestigious provenances, exceptional condition, and immense historical and artistic significance.
1. Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period
Blue and White Meiping with Bamboo, Rock, and Banana Leaf Motif
Height: 35 cm | Estimate: HKD 50,000,000–80,000,000
Once in the renowned collection of the Hongxi Museum in Taipei and previously handled by legendary dealer Eskenazi, this is the only known example of its kind to have ever appeared on the market. The meiping is decorated with an elegant garden scene featuring bamboo, banana leaves, and scholar’s rocks—elements forming a pictorial motif known as “Five Auspicious Signs,” symbolizing blessings, longevity, and peace. The painting embodies literati charm, and the naturalistic cobalt blue diffusion (a hallmark of early Yongle blue-and-white) offers tonal depth and poetic softness, making it a quintessential example of early imperial porcelain.
2. Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Blue and White Globular Vase with Nine Dragons Amid Waves
Six-character Horizontal Kaishu Mark
Height: 51.5 cm | Estimate: HKD 70,000,000–90,000,000
Originally sold in 1912 by the American Art Association and once held in a prominent U.S. diplomatic collection, this massive vase features nine dragons—some with three claws, others with five—soaring among crashing waves. The powerful composition evokes imperial majesty and references the “Nine-Five” symbolism associated with supreme authority. The masterfully rendered waves and dynamic dragons reflect the extraordinary skill of imperial kiln painters. Closely comparable to a piece in the Tianjin Museum, this vase is likely one of a rare matched pair.
3. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period
Blue and White Foliate-Rim Vase with Five Bats and Nine Peaches
Six-character Zhuanshu Seal Mark
Height: 25.3 cm | Estimate: HKD 3,000,000–5,000,000
This vase celebrates the theme of “Double Blessings of Longevity and Happiness,” featuring five bats encircling nine peaches, accompanied by auspicious cloud scrolls, ocean waves, and lotus blossoms. Likely made as an imperial birthday gift, the design conveys well-wishes for a long and fortunate life—“May your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain.” The cobalt blue shading draws stylistic inspiration from Yongle pieces, linking form and sentiment while showcasing Qianlong’s deep reverence for antique aesthetics.
Together, these three works represent not only technical achievements of their respective eras, but also serve as vivid touchstones for the golden age of blue-and-white porcelain. For seasoned collectors, they are heirloom-quality masterpieces. For scholars and connoisseurs, they offer a rare opportunity to trace the evolving artistry of underglaze blue porcelain across dynasties.