CHRISTIE’S TO OFFER THE FIRST EVER AUCTION IN THE U.S. DEVOTED TO CHINESE TEXTILES On March 19th Christie’s will be offering a superb single owner sale of Chinese textiles
from the collection of Linda Wrigglesworth
right,
estimate: US$300,000-500,000). The condition of these
panels is superb, with the details picked out in bright colors
against a rich golden yellow ground. It is likely that these
panels were originally set into a small floor screen that would have graced
an Imperial chamber.
Also of note is the Qing general’s flying tiger banner, Kangxi period
(illustrated left, estimate: US$150,000-180,000), which displays a
muscular and defiant, yet playful tiger raising his forelegs with
spotted wings against a rust ground. This type of banner is illustrated
in the 1759 sumptuary regulations, Ceremonial Paraphernalia of the
Imperial Court. Formal court portraits of the 18th century period show
the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) on tour in the southern provinces,
crossing the Yangtze River with the tiger banner flying on the stern
of the flotilla carrying the emperor.
In conjunction with the sale there will be a one-day symposium on Chinese Textiles entitled “You
Are What You Wear: Society, Gender and Ethnicity in Qing China” to be held on Saturday March
15th at Christie’s New York Rockefeller Center.
Auction:
The Imperial Wardrobe: Fine Chinese Costume and Textiles March 19
From the Linda Wrigglesworth Collection
Viewing: Christie’s Galleries at Rockefeller Center March 14 - 18
About Christie’s
Christie’s is the world's leading art business with global auction sales in 2006 that totalled £2.51 billion /
$4.67 billion. Worldwide sales for the first half of 2007 totalled £1.63 billion / $3.25 billion, an increase of
32% by £ and 45% by $ from the same period last year and highest half year sales ever in art market history.
Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service, and international glamour.
Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th
centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 600
sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs,
collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $600 to over $80 million. Christie’s has 85 offices in 43
countries and 14 salerooms around the world including London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Geneva,
Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Hong Kong. Most recently, Christie’s has led the market with
expanded initiatives in emerging markets such as China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful
sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Dubai, Mumbai and Russia. Christie's also offers its clients worldwide access
to its sales through Christie's LIVE™, its unique, real-time online bidding service.
*Estimates do not include buyer's premium
