Christie’s Hong Kong stunned collectors in May 2025 with an elite auction of rare imperial Chinese porcelains, each representing a pinnacle of dynastic craftsmanship.
Yongle Period Meiping Vase – “Bamboo, Rock, and Plantain”
The crown jewel of the “Ravishing Blue” auction was a Yongle-period meiping vase, dating back to 1403–1425. Standing at 35 cm, this piece features a serene composition of bamboo, plantain, and rock motifs rendered in brilliant cobalt blue.
Similar vases are preserved in Beijing’s Palace Museum and the National Museum of China, adding immense historical significance. Revered for its balance, delicacy, and brushwork, the vase fetched HK$68 million (US$8.7 million)—well above the pre-sale estimate. It exemplifies the purity and elegance of early Ming court ceramics.
Yongzheng Period Tianqiuping Vase – “Nine Dragons Amid Clouds”
Another showstopper from the Qing dynasty was the Yongzheng-period tianqiuping vase, crafted between 1723 and 1735. Towering at 51.5 cm, the piece displays nine animated dragons soaring through stylized clouds. This energetic and symbolic design pays tribute to earlier Ming aesthetics admired by the Yongzheng Emperor.
Its rarity, exceptional preservation, and regal provenance captured intense collector interest. Comparable pieces exist only in top institutions like the Palace Museum, underscoring its elite status. Though the hammer price was not disclosed publicly, it attracted significant international bidding.
A Defining Moment for Imperial Porcelain Collecting.
Each vase represents a unique narrative of imperial taste, technical mastery, and symbolic artistry. Their record-setting success signals continued global demand for culturally rich, museum-quality pieces. As Christie’s demonstrates, provenance and rarity remain the ultimate hallmarks of true luxury collecting.
