Heaven Tiān is one of the most ancient terms and a key concept in Chinese philosophy. The Qianlong Emperor was an avid collector of archaic jades, as they were believed to embody the virtue of the ancients, and particularly discs known as bi, as they symbolized Heaven.

Heaven Tiān is one of the most ancient terms and a key concept in Chinese philosophy. The Qianlong Emperor was an avid collector of archaic jades, as they were believed to embody the virtue of the ancients, and particularly discs known as bi, as they symbolized Heaven.

Heaven – Tiān

In Confucianism, Heaven is mentioned in relationship to its complementary aspect of Earth Dì. Together they are believed to maintain the two poles of the Three Realms of reality, with the middle realm occupied by Humanity. These treasures in the collection attest to the Qing emperors’ quest for political legitimacy, patronage of the arts and Confucian culture.

Earth - Dì

Heaven and Earth, or Qián Kūn represents the principals of cosmology. For the Qianlong Emperor, asserting the legitimacy of the dynasty established by his Manchu ancestors, and of his rule in particular, was a matter of utmost importance. This pursuit was evident in his strict adherence to court rites, in his many poems devoted to emperorship and in the myriad objects the emperor commissioned to affirm his role as a mediator between heaven and earth.

Heaven and Earth, or Qián Kūn represents the principals of cosmology. For the Qianlong Emperor, asserting the legitimacy of the dynasty established by his Manchu ancestors, and of his rule in particular, was a matter of utmost importance.

The Cosmos – Qián Kūn

Hong Kong

Chairman, Asia | Chairman and Worldwide Head of Asian Art

Nicolas Chow

Director | Head of Department, Chinese Works of Art

Xibo Wang

Director | Specialist

Cristine Li

Specialist

Rubie Fong

Deputy Director | Head of Mid-Season Sales, Chinese Works of Art

Keason Tang

Cataloguer

Xiaoye Yang

Meet our Specialists

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Sotheby’s is delighted to present a special single owner collection Heaven and Earth: The Collection of An Aesthete Part 1. Heaven and earth, and more specifically the principles of cosmology as they relate to Imperial power, are at the heart of this very sophisticated collection. This selection of works of art also comes as a testament to the exceptional eye of an aesthete whose lifelong mission it has been to chase the rarest and most remarkable Imperial works of art.

Heaven and Earth: The Collection of an Aesthete, Part 1