HONG KONG.- Following the resounding success of ‘The Ai Lian Tang Collection – 800 Years of Chinese Ceramics’ dedicated auction in April, Christie’s unveils a new chapter this October with ‘The Ai Lian Tang Collection – Gems of the Imperial Capital’. Bringing together 30 treasures associated with Beijing and the imperial court, the sale explores the remarkable breadth and depth of a distinguished collector’s vision through works spanning porcelain, jade, lacquer and other imperial arts.

From 1272–1911, for more than six centuries, Beijing stood as the political and cultural centre of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, attracting the finest objects and craftsmanship from across the empire. Reflecting this rich legacy, the collection demonstrates an appreciation not only for rarity and quality, but also for the diverse artistic traditions, cultural exchanges and technical innovations that shaped courtly life. Together, these works reveal a cosmopolitan world where imperial patronage, religious devotion, scholarly ideals and exceptional craftsmanship converged.

Leading the sale is an extremely rare and magnificent Yongle blue and white flask, bianhu, a masterpiece of exceptional rarity and one of the most important surviving blue and white porcelains of the early Ming dynasty. Celebrated for its masterful fusion of artistic influences from across Asia and the Islamic world, the flask stands as an extraordinary testament to the cosmopolitan vision of the Yongle court. Its innovative form, transformed by imperial potters into a vessel worthy of the emperor, and its brilliantly executed cobalt decoration embody the technical virtuosity, artistic ambition, and spirit of cultural exchange that defined imperial porcelain production during one of the most dynamic periods in Chinese ceramic history.

An Extremely Rare and Magnificent Blue and White Flask, Bianhu
Yongle Period (1403–1425)
9 5/8 in. (24.2 cm.) high, box
Estimate: HK$25,000,000–30,000,000 / US$3,200,000–3,800,000

Among the most monumental works in the sale is a magnificent yangcai ‘hundred deer’ hu-form vase from the Qianlong period, one of the most iconic porcelain masterpieces created for the Qing imperial court. Inspired by court paintings of the imperial Autumn Hunt, the vase translates a grand handscroll composition into porcelain, reflecting the Qianlong Emperor’s pride in Manchu heritage and traditions.





Exquisitely painted with a vibrant herd of deer amid a lush landscape of pine, bamboo, lingzhi and mountain streams, it is rich in auspicious symbolism for longevity, prosperity and virtue. Distinguished by its exceptional painterly refinement, sophisticated perspective and masterful enamelling, this rare work ranks among the finest surviving ‘Hundred Deer’ vases and represents the pinnacle of Qianlong imperial porcelain production.

A Magnificent and Fine Yangcai ‘Hundred Deer’ Hu-Form Vase
Qianlong Six-Character Seal Mark in Underglaze Blue and of the Period (1736–1795)
17 3/4 in. (45 cm.) high, box
Estimate: HK$18,000,000–25,000,000 / US$2,300,000–3,200,000

Representing the jade category is a superb and exceptionally rare emerald-green jadeite ‘taotie’ snuff bottle from the late Qianlong period. Inscribed Jingzhai, the studio name of the celebrated Qing general and statesman Fu Kang’an, this remarkable work unites superb material, imperial taste and aristocratic patronage.

Exquisitely carved with taotie masks and archaistic dragons in luminous emerald-green jadeite, it demonstrates an extraordinary level of artistic ambition and technical refinement rarely encountered among surviving imperial jadeite snuff bottles. Closely associated with one of the Qianlong Emperor’s most favoured officials, the bottle stands as a rare testament to the prestige, sophistication and connoisseurship of the High Qing court.

A Superb and Very Rare Carved Emerald-Green Jadeite ‘Taotie’ Snuff Bottle
Late Qianlong Period
2 1/8 in. (5.5 cm.) high, pink tourmaline stopper, huanghuali wood box
Estimate: HK$3,500,000–5,500,000 / US$450,000–700,000

A rare pair of imperial inscribed carved polychrome lacquer sutra boxes and covers from the Qianlong period ranks among the most intriguing and significant lacquer works in the sale. Exceptionally rare in both form and function, the boxes combine sacred Buddhist imagery, imperial inscriptions and virtuoso polychrome lacquer carving of remarkable complexity.

Meticulously decorated with scenes of luohans inspired by the revered paintings of the monk Guanxiu, they bear eulogies composed by the Qianlong Emperor himself, reflecting his deep engagement with Buddhist thought and culture. Taking the form of the ancient cong, a ritual object associated with the worship of Earth, the pair was likely created as an imperial repository for sacred scriptures, embodying the intellectual, spiritual and artistic sophistication of the Qing court.

• A Rare Pair of Imperial Inscribed Carved Polychrome Lacquer ‘Luohan and Shoulao’ Sutra Boxes and Covers
Qianlong Period (1736–1795)
9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) square, boxes
Estimate: HK$1,200,000–1,800,000 / US$160,000–230,000

Sale Highlights

• An Exceptionally Rare Large Eel Skin-Glazed Amphora
Yongzheng Impressed Four-Character Seal Mark and of the Period (1723–1735)
20 3/8 in. (51.7 cm.) high
Estimate: HK$6,000,000–8,000,000 / US$770,000–1,000,000

• A Very Rare and Superb Pair of Archaistic White Jade ‘Dragon’ Vases and Covers
Qianlong Period (1736–1795)
9 1/8 in. (13.4 cm.) high, champlevé enamel stands, boxes
Estimate: HK$3,000,000–5,000,000 / US$390,000–640,000

• A Very Rare Imperial Falangcai Enamelled ‘Nine Peaches’ Glass Double-Gourd Form Snuff Bottle
Beijing Palace Workshops, Qianlong Four-Character Mark in Blue Enamel and of the Period (1736–1795)
1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) high, pink tourmaline and jadeite stopper, box
Estimate: HK$800,000–1,500,000 / US$110,000–190,000

• A Very Rare Large Blue and White ‘Melons, Bamboo, Flowers and Rock’ Foliate Charger
Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368)
17 7/8 in. (45.5 cm.) high, box
Estimate: HK$7,000,000–10,000,000 / US$900,000–1,300,000

In 2026, Christie’s, the world-leading art and luxury business, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in Asia. Over the last four decades, Christie’s has established itself as Asia’s leading house, orchestrating many of the region’s most historic and record-breaking sales of exceptional objects and collections, driving region-wide expansion, and pioneering digital innovations that have redefined the way Asian collectors connect with and experience the industry.

To celebrate this milestone, Christie’s is presenting a year-long programme of art and luxury sales, exhibitions and events across the region.