Rare Chinese ‘Dragon’ Vase Fetches Over €1.1 Million in Paris

BY ALBERT CHEN

A dazzling piece of Chinese artistry captivated collectors and set the auction world alight at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris. A magnificent Famille rose ‘dragon’ vase, described as “incredibly rare,” soared past its pre-sale estimate of €300,000–500,000 to achieve a staggering €1,161,600 during the Asian Art sale.

The vase, a masterpiece of Qing dynasty craftsmanship, had an extraordinary backstory to match its remarkable price. Unbeknownst to its owners, the vase had spent decades tucked away in the hallway of a central London home, a seemingly unremarkable decoration inherited through generations of the same family. Its true significance was uncovered only recently when Bonhams experts spotted it during a routine valuation visit.

The vase was originally collected by William Dederich (1872–1926), an English businessman and benefactor of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famed Antarctic expeditions. Passed down through his family, the vase remained largely overlooked until its discovery.

What makes this vase even more extraordinary is its connection to a twin piece—an identical vase sold at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2011. That vase, part of an American collection since the early 20th century, also enjoyed a rich history before fetching a significant sum at auction. Together, these two vases represent a rare pairing of exceptional Chinese craftsmanship, each embodying the intricate and colorful designs of the Famille rose tradition.

Caroline Schulten, Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art at Bonhams Paris, highlighted the significance of the sale: “In a highly selective market, the sale results prove the strength of the Chinese art market for works of the rarest and finest quality with appealing provenance and fresh-to-market status. Once again, excellent results were achieved across different categories, all from private European collections.”

The sale underlines the enduring appeal of Chinese art among collectors, particularly pieces with impeccable provenance and historical significance. This extraordinary vase is now etched into the annals of auction history, a testament to the timeless allure of Chinese artistry and the thrill of rediscovering hidden treasures.

BY ALBERT CHEN

Login