A Journey Through China's History.
The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
Live Auction: 22 March 2022 • 9:00 AM EDT • New York

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A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1 22 March 2022 • 9:00 AM EDT • New York

T ucked away in a discreet corner of the southern British Isles lies the most remarkable collection of Chinese art. Across seven interconnecting rooms displayed a comprehensive visual history of China. Covering some 4,000 years of Chinese art, the collection formed by Dr Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) ranges from utilitarian storage vessels made by the first Neolithic cultures that emerged along the Yellow River to the most dazzling porcelains ever commissioned to adorn the palaces of the Qing Emperors of China’s final dynasty. The extraordinary scope of the collection sets it apart from all other private collections of Chinese art formed in the mid-20th century, and it remains one of the last great collections of Chinese art in Europe today.

A Journey Through China's History: The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection

Wou Kiuan and the Creation of the Wou Lien-Pai Museum
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A Family Archive. Dr Wou Kiuan and the Wou Lien-Pai Museum
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A Family Archive. Dr Wou Kiuan and the Wou Lien-Pai Museum

  • Wou Kiuan at University of Grenoble, May 1934
    吳權在格勒諾布爾大學，1934年5月
  • Wou Kiuan circa 1946
  • Wou Kiuan with Mr and Mrs Sammy Lee, 1964
  • Wou Kiuan and family with Cheng Te-D’un and Cheng Hung Wen-Tsang at the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, August 1973
  • Wou Kiuan in the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, 1968
  • Wou Kiuan in the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, circa 1985
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4,000 Years of Chinese Art

Early China: Neolithic Period to Warring States

1
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An inscribed archaic bronze ritual food vessel cover, Late Western Zhou dynasty | 西周末 史□父簋蓋
An inscribed archaic bronze ritual food vessel cover, Late Western Zhou dynasty | 西周末 史□父簋蓋
Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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5
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An exceptionally rare white marble figure of a turtle, Shang dynasty | 商 大理石龜
An exceptionally rare white marble figure of a turtle, Shang dynasty | 商 大理石龜
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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6
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare inscribed archaic bronze ritual food vessel (Ding), Late Western Zhou dynasty / Early Spring and Autumn period | 西周末 / 春秋初 戴叔朕鼎
A rare inscribed archaic bronze ritual food vessel (Ding), Late Western Zhou dynasty / Early Spring and Autumn period | 西周末 / 春秋初 戴叔朕鼎
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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100
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A painted pottery jar, Late Neolithic period, Majiayao culture | 新石器時代末 馬家窰文化
A painted pottery jar, Late Neolithic period, Majiayao culture | 新石器時代末 馬家窰文化
Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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33
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A green jade cong, Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture | 新石器時代 良渚文化 玉琮
A green jade cong, Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture | 新石器時代 良渚文化 玉琮
Estimate: 25,000 – 35,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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The Age of Empires: Han to Five Dynasties

98
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A painted pottery figure of a standing horse, Han dynasty | 漢 陶加彩馬
A painted pottery figure of a standing horse, Han dynasty | 漢 陶加彩馬
Estimate: 5,000 – 7,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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108
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An inscribed bronze 'phoenix' mirror, Eastern Han dynasty | 東漢 銅鳳紋鏡
An inscribed bronze 'phoenix' mirror, Eastern Han dynasty | 東漢 銅鳳紋鏡
Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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48
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare inscribed gray pottery ink stone, Han dynasty, dated Jianchu 5th year, corresponding to 80 AD | 漢 建初五年 （公元80年）石箕形灰陶硯
A rare inscribed gray pottery ink stone, Han dynasty, dated Jianchu 5th year, corresponding to 80 AD | 漢 建初五年 （公元80年）石箕形灰陶硯
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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7
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A gold, turquoise and malachite-inlaid bronze weight, Early Western Han dynasty | 西漢初 銅錯金嵌寶虎獵羊形鎮
A gold, turquoise and malachite-inlaid bronze weight, Early Western Han dynasty | 西漢初 銅錯金嵌寶虎獵羊形鎮
Estimate: 20,000 – 30,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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44
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare bronze cylindrical box and cover, Warring States period | 戰國 青銅鳥獸紋蓋筒
A rare bronze cylindrical box and cover, Warring States period | 戰國 青銅鳥獸紋蓋筒
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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Scholars and Merchants: Tang to Song Dynasties

8
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An extremely rare white marble 'grain measure' cup, Song dynasty | 宋 大理石柳斗紋盃
An extremely rare white marble 'grain measure' cup, Song dynasty | 宋 大理石柳斗紋盃
Estimate: 6,000 – 8,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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94
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare blue-splashed pottery figure of a ram, Tang dynasty | 唐 白釉藍彩羊
A rare blue-splashed pottery figure of a ram, Tang dynasty | 唐 白釉藍彩羊
Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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96
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A small gilt-bronze figure of a bodhisattva, Tang dynasty | 唐 銅鎏金菩薩立像
A small gilt-bronze figure of a bodhisattva, Tang dynasty | 唐 銅鎏金菩薩立像
Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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106
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare inscribed 'four cardinal directions' silvered bronze mirror, Sui / Tang dynasty | 隋 / 唐 銅鎏銀瑞獸紋鏡
A rare inscribed 'four cardinal directions' silvered bronze mirror, Sui / Tang dynasty | 隋 / 唐 銅鎏銀瑞獸紋鏡
Estimate: 12,000 – 15,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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131
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A small 'oil spot' bowl, Northern Song / Jin dynasty | 北宋 / 金 黑釉油滴小盞
A small 'oil spot' bowl, Northern Song / Jin dynasty | 北宋 / 金 黑釉油滴小盞
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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An Era of Blue and White: Yuan and Ming Dynasties

11
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A large blue and white 'lotus bouquet' charger, Ming dynasty, Yongle period | 明永樂 青花一把蓮紋大盤
A large blue and white 'lotus bouquet' charger, Ming dynasty, Yongle period | 明永樂 青花一把蓮紋大盤
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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60
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A magnificent carved cinnabar lacquer 'hibiscus' dish, Yuan / Early Ming dynasty, 14th century | 元 / 明初 十四世紀 剔紅芙蓉圖盤
A magnificent carved cinnabar lacquer 'hibiscus' dish, Yuan / Early Ming dynasty, 14th century | 元 / 明初 十四世紀 剔紅芙蓉圖盤
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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72
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A very rare wucai 'phoenix' jardinière, Mark and period of Jiajing | 明嘉靖 五彩穿花鳳紋花盆 《大明嘉靖年製》款
A very rare wucai 'phoenix' jardinière, Mark and period of Jiajing | 明嘉靖 五彩穿花鳳紋花盆 《大明嘉靖年製》款
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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69
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare blue and white circular 'dragon' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli | 明萬曆 青花雲龍瑞獸紋蓋盒 《大明萬曆年製》款
A rare blue and white circular 'dragon' box and cover, Mark and period of Wanli | 明萬曆 青花雲龍瑞獸紋蓋盒 《大明萬曆年製》款
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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65
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A green-enameled 'dragon' bowl, Mark and period of Zhengde | 明正德 白地暗刻素胎綠彩雲龍紋盌 《大明正德年製》款
A green-enameled 'dragon' bowl, Mark and period of Zhengde | 明正德 白地暗刻素胎綠彩雲龍紋盌 《大明正德年製》款
Estimate: 6,000 – 8,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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The Manchu Empire: Qing Dynasty

15
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare pair of bronze 'dragon' tripod censers, Marks and period of Qianlong | 清乾隆 銅雲龍戲珠紋朝冠耳三足爐一對
A rare pair of bronze 'dragon' tripod censers, Marks and period of Qianlong | 清乾隆 銅雲龍戲珠紋朝冠耳三足爐一對
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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20
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A famille-verte 'birthday' dish, Mark and period of Kangxi | 清康熙 五彩麻姑獻壽圖盤 《大清康熙年製》款
A famille-verte 'birthday' dish, Mark and period of Kangxi | 清康熙 五彩麻姑獻壽圖盤 《大清康熙年製》款
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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23
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare gilt-decorated famille-rose vase, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 粉彩描金人物圖瓶
A rare gilt-decorated famille-rose vase, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 粉彩描金人物圖瓶
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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77
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A copper-red and underglaze-blue 'dragon' vase, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 青花釉裏紅雲龍紋瓶
A copper-red and underglaze-blue 'dragon' vase, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 青花釉裏紅雲龍紋瓶
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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80
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A doucai 'floral medallion' bowl, Mark and period of Yongzheng | 清雍正 鬥彩團花紋斗笠盌 《大清雍正年製》款
A doucai 'floral medallion' bowl, Mark and period of Yongzheng | 清雍正 鬥彩團花紋斗笠盌 《大清雍正年製》款
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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82
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A large pale green jade archaistic phoenix-form vessel (Guang), Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 青玉仿古鳳首螭龍紋觥
A large pale green jade archaistic phoenix-form vessel (Guang), Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 青玉仿古鳳首螭龍紋觥
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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Chinese Paintings Through a Collector’s Eye

30
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Military landscapes, ink and color on silk, album of fifteen leaves | 無款(十八/十九世紀) 從戎西藏軍陣圖 設色絹本 十五開冊
Military landscapes, ink and color on silk, album of fifteen leaves | 無款(十八/十九世紀) 從戎西藏軍陣圖 設色絹本 十五開冊
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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53
Type: lot
Category: Lot
The Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra (The Large Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) (section), ink on paper, handscroll | 姚良 大般若波羅蜜多經(部分) 水墨紙本 手卷
The Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra (The Large Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) (section), ink on paper, handscroll | 姚良 大般若波羅蜜多經(部分) 水墨紙本 手卷
Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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62
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Calligraphy and landscape, ink on gold-flecked paper (calligraphy), ink and color on silk (painting), album of eight leaves | 董其昌(款) 書畫合璧 水墨金箋(書) 設色絹本(畫) 各八開冊
Calligraphy and landscape, ink on gold-flecked paper (calligraphy), ink and color on silk (painting), album of eight leaves | 董其昌(款) 書畫合璧 水墨金箋(書) 設色絹本(畫) 各八開冊
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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63
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Attributed to Qiu Ying (circa 1494-1552)
Attributed to Qiu Ying (circa 1494-1552)
Boating on the river, ink and color on paper, fan | 仇英(款) 泛舟河畔 設色紙本 成扇
Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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87
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Anonymous (Ming Dynasty)
Anonymous (Ming Dynasty)
Marquis Wu reclining, ink and color on silk, framed | 無款(明) 松下武侯 設色絹本 鏡框
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 USD
A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1
22 March 2022 | 9:00 AM EDT | New York
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