PORTRAIT OF QIANLONG EMPEROR'S FAVORITE'S CONSORT CHUN HUI SELLS FOR A STAGGERING RM 75 MILLION!

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Top Prices achieved this Morning

On the 5th day of Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sales:

An Imperial Painting of Chunhui, the Qianlong Emperor’s favourite Consort, by Court Artist Giuseppe Castiglione

(Expected to fetch in excess of HK$60 million / US$7.7 million*)

Sells for HK$137.4 million / US$17.6 million

To an Anonymous Buyer after over 20 Minutes of Bidding

**World Auction Record for a Chinese Imperial Portrait**

Ming Furniture – The Dr S Y Yip Collection

(Combined estimate in excess of HK$110 million / US$15 million)

More than double estimate to bring HK$260 million / US$33 million

38 Lots 100% Sold, Over 90% Surpass High Estimate

Top lot from the Collection:

A Huanghuali and Green Stone Wine Table fetches HK$25.28 m / US$3.2 m

This is the only full-length Imperial portrait by Giuseppe Castiglione outside of the Palace Museum, Beijing.  The subject of the portrait, Consort Chunhui, officially became the Qianlong Emperor’s consort in 1737, at the age of 24, and was posthumously awarded the title ‘Consort Chunhui’ by the emperor after she passed away at the age of 48.  

This painting is currently the only example of her in full ceremonial costume, and the inscription of her posthumous title by the emperor himself demonstrates his remembrance of the deceased consort.   

·         Saleroom of Imperial Consort auction today

·         Nicolas Chow, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, International Head and Chairman of Chinese Works of Art, presents the portrait of Consort Chunhui to the media after the sale.

·         A Huanghuali and Green Stone Chajiansun Recessed Leg Wine Table from Late Ming Dynasty sold for HK$25.28 m / US$3.2 m.

·         The previous World Auction Record for an Imperial Portrait was set by an Imperial Portrait of Consort Chunhui attributed to Giuseppe Castiglione, Qianlong Period, sold in May 2012 in Hong Kong for HK$39.86 / US$5.1 million.