HONG KONG.- As the auction house of reference for prestigious collections, Christie’s announced ‘The Au Bak Ling Collection: The Inaugural Sale’. Taking place on 26 September 2024, this will be the first live sale at Christie’s new Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong at The Henderson building. The sale will feature Chinese ceramics from one of the most comprehensive private collections of the category, amassed by the esteemed Hong Kong collector Au Bak Ling (1928-2019). Marking the first time that pieces from this renowned collection will be brought to the auction market and on view in Asia, this important and highly anticipated sale demonstrates the global platform Christie’s provides in Hong Kong for outstanding Asian art.

For over 50 years, Mr Au Bak Ling enthusiastically assembled the rarest and finest Chinese ceramics, forming an extraordinary collection of pieces from each dynastic era. While the encyclopaedic collection includes important works from the Song to the Qing dynasties, the preeminent periods of China’s ceramic tradition, Mr Au was renowned for his collection of exquisite Chenghua period (1464-1487) imperial porcelains. In 1998, highlights of Mr Au’s collection, including the unique Chenghua doucai stemcup with birds on fruiting peach branches, were exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, titled ‘100 Masterpieces of Imperial Chinese Ceramics from the Au Bak Ling Collection’. This was the first Chinese ceramics exhibition from a private collection to be held at the Royal Academy since its foundation in 1768, a testament to the importance of Mr Au’s collection in the global art and collecting world.

Mr Au Bak Ling (1928-2019) © Christie's Images Ltd 2024.

From The Au Bak Ling Collection. An important and extremely rare doucai stemcup, Chenghua six character mark and of the period (1464-1487). © Christie's Images Ltd 2024.

The sale also comprises an array of stunning Qing dynasty imperial ceramics, showcasing the masterful innovations of the ceramicists working at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen. Featured examples include a rare celadon-glazed double-gourd vase from the Yongzheng period; an extremely rare doucai and gilt-decorated ‘anbaxian’ vase from the Qianlong period; and a gilt and iron-red decorated blue and white seal paste box and cover from the Jiaqing period.

From The Au Bak Ling Collection. A rare celadon-glazed double-gourd vase, Yongzheng six character archaistic seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1723-1735). Estimate HK$3,000,000-5,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2024.

From The Au Bak Ling Collection. An extremely rare doucai and gilt-decorated ‘anbaxian’ vase, Qianlong six character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$3,000,000-5,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2024.

From The Au Bak Ling Collection. A gilt and iron-red decorated blue and white seal paste box and cover, Maoqin dian mark in gilt and iron red Jiaqing six character mark and of the period (1796-1820). Estimate HK$2,500,000-3,500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2024.

The sale also comprises an array of stunning Qing dynasty imperial ceramics, showcasing the masterful innovations of the ceramicists working at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen. Featured examples include a rare celadon-glazed double-gourd vase from the Yongzheng period; an extremely rare doucai and gilt-decorated ‘anbaxian’ vase from the Qianlong period; and a gilt and iron-red decorated blue and white seal paste box and cover from the Jiaqing period.

Embodying Mr Au's enduring commitment to philanthropy, a portion of the proceeds from this inaugural sale will be donated to the Au Bak Ling Charity Trust to support charitable initiatives.

From 22 to 25 September, alongside the preview of this dedicated auction, a special exhibition will be on display at Christie’s new, state-of-the-art gallery space at The Henderson, showcasing further highlights from the Au Bak Ling Collection, including extremely rare Chenghua period (1464-1487) imperial porcelains that the collection is celebrated for.

Kevin Ching, Chairman, Christie’s Asia commented: “It is a great honour for Christie's to be entrusted with presenting the inaugural sale and a special exhibition of the legendary Au Bak Ling Collection - a landmark event showcasing one of the most comprehensive private collections of Chinese ceramics, serving as a tribute to the connoisseurship and visionary collecting philosophy of this highly respected, passionate Hong Kong collector. Comprising exquisite ceramics that illustrate the development of Chinese art history, the collection is a paragon example within the category. We look forward to convening with global collectors and enthusiasts to appreciate the exceptional pieces from this collection.”