The specialist's choice – Cecilia Nordström lists favourites from the Asian department
Specialists choice Cecilia Nordström
We have spoken with Cecilia Nordström, Head Specialist Asian Ceramics and Works of Art, European Ceramics and Glass, who tells us about the Asian department at this year's Important Spring Sale ahead of the auction on June 14th – 16th,. At the same time, she takes the opportunity to highlight some of her personal favourites.
What can we look forward to regarding this year's Important Spring Sale?
– After the past year's successes, we are pleased to present once again an extensive Asian department featuring several unique masterpieces of the utmost quality and several intriguing Scandinavian collections.
It is as if we can hear the wings of history fluttering as we gaze into the offerings from a Scandinavian nobleman's collection. He had a long diplomatic career with numerous visits around the world. Already in the 1920s, he arrived in China as a young attaché and later returned in the mid-century as an envoy.
Browse our web catalogue and do not hesitate to stop by for a viewing. Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions.
When is the viewing and auction?
Viewing: June 8th–13th, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Open: Weekdays 11 am–6 pm, Weekends 11 am–4 pm
Auction Live: June 14th – 16th, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm
Read more about the auction and view the catalogue
Fat, Qingdynastin med Daoguangs sigillmärke
Don't miss out on the imperial dishes adorned with underglaze blue and red decorations featuring five-clawed dragons created during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1820-1850). The five-clawed dragon is the ultimate symbol of imperial power.
To the dishes
A Chinese album with paintings of Envoys Presenting Tribute, 职贡图(Zhigong tu), probably 17th Century, after an old master
The same collection also finds an intriguing album depicting envoys parading through a lush landscape, bearing gifts to the emperor. It provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the historical diplomatic relations in China, showcasing people from vassal states, other countries, and cultures. The painting is adorned with several seals that surely hold more information about the previous owners of this exquisite album.
To the album
A Chinese zitan altar table with cloisonné placques, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795)
Another item that tells an intriguing story about courtly life is the impressive freestanding Zitan table with inlaid cloisonné plaques. It features a deep apron, which is beautifully carved and provides stability to the table. Could it have been intended for displaying exquisite antiques, or is it a table for playing the Chinese instrument qin? The fact that it is beautifully decorated all around might lead one to believe so. Zitan was an exclusive wood species at the time, primarily used for crafting furniture for the court. This exquisite table, dating back to the 18th century during Emperor Qianlong's reign (1736-1795), is now coming to the market for the first time since it left China in the mid-20th century. It originates from the collection of Ambassador Klas E. Böök (1909-1980).
To the table
A massive blanc de chine basin, Qing dynasty, 18th Century
The department offers so much this time that choosing just a few favourites is difficult. One rare piece that has been part of the renowned Patrik Alströmer collection is catalogue number 1239, a monumental and dignified blanc de chine basin. It was manufactured in China during the 18th century and was likely brought here via the Swedish East India Company, in which the Alströmer family was deeply involved. The urn was listed in the inventory after P. Alströmer's passing in 1804. What makes it even more intriguing is that it is marked with Chinese characters that read 滄亭清玩 , "cang ting qing wan," a so-called hallmark. Up until now, it has resided in the Alströmer collections at Östad Manor.
To the urn
The Collection of Tove and Karl Emil Strømstad
We are proud to have been entrusted with a fine collection from Tove and Karl Emil Strømstad in Norway, catalogue numbers 1142-1227. A classic academic collection that offers prospective buyers meticulously selected objects for their condition and quality.
To the collection
Kawase Bunjiro Hasui, woodblock print in colours
The Japanese department boasts exquisite woodblock prints from the Ankarkrona family collection. A personal favourite is Kawase Hasui; here, we find several beautiful depictions of Japan from the 1920s, wonderfully preserved in their colours. Take a look at catalogue number 1358, for example.
To the woodblock print
Contacts our Specialists
Stockholm
Cecilia Nordström
Senior specialist Asian Ceramics and Works of Art, European Ceramics and Glass
+46 (0)739 40 08 02
Stockholm
Björn Extergren
Head of Consignment and Sales Department, Fine Art. Specialist Antique Furniture, Decorative Arts and Asian Ceramics
+46 (0)706 40 28 61