Horse and monkey – M2883. Recumbent horse with monkey on its back. Qianlong, 1736-1795 From the collection of Mr O.J.R. Allen.

LONDON - Coinciding with Asian Art Week in London, Marchant are delighted to announce the exhibition and sale of the private collection of Mr O.J.R. Allen, comprising of 36 jade animal carvings.

Mr Allen was a trademark attorney who began collecting in 1977 and continued for 30 years.

The exhibition contains 36 of the most important pieces from his personal collection, selected for their colour, form and quality. Of particular mention are the double horse group (no. 29) purchased in 1998, and the small water buffalo (no. 15) purchased in 2001. A tour de force is the small scroll weight (no. 23) purchased from John Sparks in 1986, displaying the wonderful feather work on the wings. The front cover piece, the plump rabbit (no. 28), in creation of an artist in possession of a white stone who has produced a miniature sculpture to satisfy not only those who want good colour, but also a beautiful tactile artwork. Imperial jades are hard to find, particularly ones bearing an imperial reign mark. The jar, (no. 24) with its Qianlong mark in period, and dragon and phoenix subject matter, points to an imperial order. 

A hardback fully illustrated catalogue of the collection is available, published with copies of  Mr Allen's original invoices. Sixteen of the thirty-six were purchased from Marchant, the others from dealers in Hong Kong, London and New York, as Mr Allen never bought at auction.

The collection is currently on display at Marchant's gallery, 120 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BH. Email gallery@marchantasianart.com - Website www.marchantasianart.com

Intertwined horses - M2852a. Two recumbent horses lying side by side in opposite directions with their heads facing each other. Qianlong, 1736-1795. From the collection of Mr O.J.R. Allen, purchased from Marchant, 13th October 1998, purchased from Christie’s New York in their auction of Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 16th September 1998, no. 161, The Property of a Lady.

Plump rabbit with it's head turned back, grasping a branch of fruiting lingzhi fungus in it's mouth. Qianlong (1736-1795). Jade, 7cm long. Formerly in the OJR Allen Collection, England, purchased from Spink & Son, 23rd November 1999.