Asian Art Auction | Early Chinese Ceramics The Yangdetang Collection

Dr. Yang, who formed the Yangdetang Collection, was a renowned and widely respected collector of Chinese works of art. His distinguished collection, built up over three decades, encompasses a number of superb ceramic pieces spanning across various dynasties, archaic jade carvings, as well as a variety of outstanding modern art works.

The early days

During the 1980s, Dr. Yang was introduced to Mr. Chen Chang-Wei (1907-1997), a member of the Oriental Ceramic Society, London, as well as an adviser to the National Palace Museum, Taipei. Through his friendship with Mr. Chen, Dr. Yang was initiated into the world of collecting. He later formed acquaintances with Mr. Tan Dan-jiong (1906-1996) and Mr. Ch’in Hsiao-Yi (1921-2007), the former Deputy Director and Director of the National Palace Museum respectively, who became his mentors in the field of collecting.

Through these invaluable relationships, Dr. Yang’s passion in Chinese art collecting grew substantially and established himself as a serious and learned collector. Dr. Yang had also cultivated a long-standing friendship with Mr. Chang Wei-Hwa, the distinguished antique dealer. Mr. Chang a well-respected for his knowledge and expertise, who played a pivotal role in the curation of the Yangdetang Collection. The solid friendship between Dr. Yang and Mr. Chang sets an admirable example of the mutual respect and trust expected between a seasoned collector and his/her trusted adviser.

The Collection

Through Mr. Chen Chang-Wei’s support, selected pieces from Dr. Yang’s exceptional ceramic collection were included in several important exhibitions.  Held in Taiwan and Japan, including The Exhibition of Chinese Ceramics of Eight Dynasties, held at the National Museum of History, Taipei in 1987. In addition to touring exhibition Exhibition of Chinese Pottery: Two Thousand Years of Chinese Ceramics, held in various cities in Japan in 1992. The latter, hailed as an extremely successful and important cultural event in Asia. This was the first Chinese art exhibition in Japan to exhibit art works from Hong Kong and Taiwanese private collectors. Of particular note was an extremely rare and important pair of Longquan celadon ironsplashed garlic-mouth vases (Lot 3133), which attracted great admiration for their elegance and ethereal beauty. Christie’s is privileged to be offering this unique collection at auction.

This is an Asian art auction well worth looking into if you collect early ceramics.