Lot 14. Property from A Distinguished Private Collection. A Small Chinese Zitan Throne Chair, Late Qing Dynasty; 85.7cm high, 108.6cm wide, 59.7 cm deep. Price realised USD 252,000 (Estimate USD 50,000 – USD 70,000). © Christie's 2024

The paneled-back and stepped arms fitted around the mat seat, above the beaded apron carved with pairs of chilong, the whole raised on curved legs terminating in scroll-form foot, and joined by scrolling stretchers.

Provenance: The J. M. Hu (1911-1995), Zande Lou Collection.

Note: A scholar and a philanthropist, J.M. Hu greatly valued the tradition which surrounded the objects he so passionately studied. Giving attention to every detail, he would go to great lengths designing wooden stands and fitted boxes to display and preserve his Chinese treasures. This attention extended to the furniture which surrounded, and in some cases held his collection.
The present zitan throne chair was a favorite of J.M. Hu and was given pride of place in his study in the family’s Shanghai home until the 1950s. Photographs taken by him in the 1970s document this throne chair alongside a set of four imperial zitan stools sold at Christie’s New York, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 24 March 2023, lot 1159, and other pieces of furniture now in the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

When J.M. Hu’s family had to leave their home in Shanghai, sadly he had to leave his beloved throne chair behind. Many years later when he was browsing for antiques in Hong Kong, miraculously, he spotted his throne chair in one of the stores. He explained to the store owner that he was its rightful owner and convinced the owner by pointing out certain distinct marks on the chair as well as the circumstances that led to the separation. The owner was satisfied and J.M. Hu was united with the chair once again. It remained in the study of the legendary collector from that time forward.

THE COLLECTOR
For much of the 20th century, the collector J.M. Hu (1911-1995), also known as The Master of Zande Lou, lived a life dedicated to connoisseurship and appreciation of Chinese art. In addition to his personal collection of ceramics and fine art, he helped to create the Min Chiu Society in Hong Kong. The Society influenced and inspired generations of passionate collectors to share knowledge and advance the study and pursuit of Chinese ceramics. J.M. Hu gifted substantial groupings from his collection to the Shanghai Museum in 1950 and 1989. Notably, his desire to present objects in a traditional and respectful manner led him to play an instrumental role in preserving a suite of zitan furniture from the Prince Gong Mansion and ensuring that it was preserved for future generations at the National Palace Museum, Taipei.