HONG KONG.- Following the announcement of 'The Royal Academy International Exhibition of Chinese Art 1935–36: A Commemorative Tribute', presented in collaboration with Daniel Eskenazi at Christie's Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson in Hong Kong, Christie's unveils further details of the exhibition and a major new six-volume scholarly publication, '1935 The International Exhibition of Chinese Art', published by Daniel Eskenazi and authored by Regina Krahl and Sarah Wong.
Open to the public from 22 October to 6 November 2026 during Hong Kong Asian Art Week, the exhibition brings together an exceptional group of nearly 15 masterpieces across a wide range of collecting categories, all of which were showcased in the original landmark 1935–36 Royal Academy exhibition in London. This commemorative tribute exhibition, together with the launch of the new publication, reflects the breadth, ambition and cultural significance of the original exhibition, inviting collectors, scholars and enthusiasts from around the world to revisit this pivotal moment in the global appreciation of Chinese art.
Among the masterpieces on display is a highly important imperial early Ming cinnabar lacquer ‘phoenix’ bowlstand, bearing a Yongle mark and of the period (1403–1425), with a gilt inscription composed by the Qianlong Emperor in 1781. Formerly in the renowned collection of Sir Percival David, this exceptional work is regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of imperial carved lacquer. Richly carved with phoenixes amidst scrolling lotus blooms, the bowlstand exemplifies the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Yongle period, which is widely regarded by connoisseurs as the apogee of lacquer carving. Only two other identical Yongle-marked bowlstands are known, both preserved in museum collections, underscoring its rarity and historical significance.
A Highly Important Imperial Early Ming Cinnabar Lacquer ‘Phoenix’ Bowlstand Yongle Six-Character Mark and of the Period (1403–1425), With an Inscription by Emperor Qianlong Dated 1781, 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm.) wide, box.
A magnificent example of Qing imperial jade carving, the white jade ‘dragon’ vase and cover from the Qianlong period (1736–1795) is among the most important jade works featured in the exhibition. Carved from jade of an exceptionally even white tone, the vase is richly decorated with full-faced dragons, flaming pearls and the Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixiang), reflecting the technical sophistication and symbolic complexity of Qing imperial craftsmanship. Comparable examples are preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Tianjin Museum.
A Magnificent Imperial White Jade ‘Dragon’ Vase and Cover. Qianlong Period (1736–1795), 11 in. (28 cm.) high
Another major highlight is an exceptionally rare and important imperial Beijing enamel melon-shaped teapot and cover, one of only three known examples and the only example of its type remaining in private hands. The teapot ranks among the most significant surviving works from the Imperial Beijing Enamel Workshops of the early Qianlong period. Richly decorated with landscape scenes, seasonal flowers and butterflies, it combines technical perfection with exceptional painterly refinement. Archival records further confirm that similarly decorated melon-shaped enamel teapots were produced for the Qianlong Emperor, underscoring the work’s exceptional rarity, imperial status, and art historical significance.
An Exceptionally Rare and Important Imperial Beijing Enamel Melon-Shaped Teapot and Cover. Qianlong Four-Character Mark in Blue Enamel and of the Period (1736–1795), 5 7/8 in. (15 cm.) long.
Launched alongside the exhibition, ‘1935 The International Exhibition of Chinese Art’ is a landmark six-volume scholarly publication, presented in a bilingual English-Chinese edition, that revisits the celebrated 1935–36 Royal Academy exhibition through newly researched scholarship, extensive archival material, and thousands of illustrations. The six volumes are organised around the themes of Introductory Essays, Painting and Writing, Bronze, Early Ceramics, Porcelain, and Works of Art.
Published by Daniel Eskenazi and authored by renowned Chinese art specialists Regina Krahl and Sarah Wong, the work draws upon the combined expertise of three leading authorities in the field, offering fresh perspectives on Chinese history, culture and artistic achievement while shedding new light on one of the most groundbreaking exhibitions of Chinese art ever staged. Presented alongside this contemporary tribute exhibition, the publication provides a deeper understanding of the original 1935–36 Royal Academy exhibition, enriching the appreciation of the masterpieces on view while highlighting the scholarship, connoisseurship, cultural exchange, and collecting traditions that continue to shape the field today.
