Consultant valuer James Bridges with the three Yongzheng bowls. The 12cm ones are a pair, the only one found, and are expected to sell for more than the previous record at a Martel Maides auction. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0876542)
Martel Maides is expecting fierce bidding for the porcelain, which dates from the 18th century.
Consultant valuer James Bridges said it had been exciting researching and authenticating the pieces.
Three bowls used at the Imperial Palace were on show in London during International Asia Week earlier this month.
Every known major international collector of specialised porcelain made an appointment to view the pieces.
Two bidders will be in Guernsey for the auction, one flying in from Hong Kong, and 12 telephone lines have been booked. ‘We expect keen bidding both in person and on the telephone lines. We are nearly to our full capacity on the phones,’ said Mr Bridges.
The three Yongzheng period famille rose bowls, owned by the same Guernsey family for at least the last 80 years, date from between 1723 and 1735.
The pair of 12cm bowls each have a six-character mark on the base.
‘This is the only pair which has ever been found,’ said Mr Bridges.
They are thought to be as rare as a single bowl from the same period sold three years ago for over £430,000.
To date, the record for a single lot sold by Martel Maides is around £50,000.
Auctioneer Clive Maides is expecting it to one of the company’s most exciting auctions.
‘The atmosphere and buzz is going to be electric. I truly believe this auction is going to have international status,’ he said.
Another single enamelled 10cm bowl will also be sold. It also has the Yongzheng marks on the base and has an estimate of between £10,000 and £15,000.
The bowls are part of a larger sale, which features two paintings also with estimates of £10,000 to £15,000 each.
n The sale starts at 10am tomorrow at Martel Maides’ auction rooms in Cornet Street.
Article posted on 25th November, 2009 - 2.29pm
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