Rarity is a key factor determining the value of a work of art. Wouldn’t it to nice to own something that is truly unique in your collection? Here comes a chance for you to get your hand on a one-of-the-kind blue and white vase from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735), something you can’t find even in museum collections. It will go under the hammer at Christie’s Hong Kong spring sales next month, carrying an estimate of HK$32m (US$4m). We have invited specialist Sherese Tong to introduce this vase.

Imperial porcelains from the Yongzheng period are known for its relatively small size. Thus, the present blue and white vase with a height of 57cm is extremely rare. There is only one example of similar shape in the collection of Nanjing Museum but that one is a celadon glazed vase. The present one to be offered at the sale is the only blue and white example of its type.

Vase of this enormous size with a globular body demonstrates the outstanding craftsmanship from the period since it is difficult to fire vessels with heavy weight. Without perfect control and precision, the vase would be out of shape or even collapse in the kiln. The classic, beautiful shape of this blue and white vase represents the zenith of craftsmanship.  

Sherese Tong, Specialist, Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art

The vase is also known as ‘Larson Yongzheng vase’ because of its former owner, Frans August Larson (1870-1957). Larson was a Swedish missionary, diplomat and businessman who resided in Northern China and Mongolia from 1893-1939. He was the first Christian & Missionary Alliance missionary to Mongolia, where he spent over 40 years in.

Larson is a renowned Swedish missionary

Larson was a good friend of Herbert Hoover

After the outbreak of the second Sino-Japanese War in the 1930s, the Larson family fled to the US along with the vase. The vase was inherited by descendants and kept in the family since then. It will be up for auction at Christie’s spring sales and is expected to fetch in excess of HK$32m.

The Larson Yongzheng Vase

A Magnificent and Exceedingly Rare Blue and White ‘Fruit and Flower Spray’ Vase
Yongzheng six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of period (1723-1735)

Height: 57cm
Provenance:
Frans August Larson (1870-1957) and thence by descent within the family
It is expected to fetch in excess of HK$32,000,000

Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auction
Dates: 24 - 29 May 2019
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre