Asian Art: highlights of the upcoming auction

As Director of the Asian Art Department at Aguttes, Clémentine Guyot has curated a collection of exceptional works for this auction, reflecting her recognized expertise in the Asian art market.

The Imperial Ruyi: A Scepter to Grant All Wishes

A symbol of power and good fortune at the imperial court, this jade scepter, crafted during the reign of Qianlong, is adorned with peaches and bats, emblems of longevity and happiness. Literally meaning “as you wish,” the ruyi became established during the Ming and then the Qing dynasties as one of the court’s most prestigious emblems, presented during major ceremonies to embody the harmony and prosperity of a reign. With a beautiful antique patina and remarkably well-preserved, this piece attests to the refinement of Chinese imperial arts, where excellence in craftsmanship and rich symbolism come together.

The Scholars’ Cup: A treasure carved from rhinoceros horn

A rare libation cup made of rhinoceros horn, with a beautiful honey-colored hue, adorned with a low-relief design of plum branches emerging from rocks, with a bird perched on one of them. First mentioned in the Shijing, these cups reached their peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when the boom in maritime trade made this material rare and highly prized by scholars.

The workshops of Jiangnan embraced the material’s natural form with remarkable sensitivity, carving the rocks and plum trees in a style directly inspired by literati painting. The motif of the flowering plum tree, paired here with a bird heralding spring, embodies the ideal of harmony between humanity and nature so cherished in Chinese aesthetics.

Upcoming Asian Art Auction

Wednesday, September 16, 2:30 p.m.

Public Viewing

Friday, September 11, through Tuesday, September 15
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (except on weekends)