On September 17, Christie’s New York will introduce the collection by offering Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art from the Ping Y. Tai Foundation, a group of archaic bronzes and ceramics which date from the Shang Dynasty (c.1600 to 1100 BC) through the 20th century. Leading the sale is the extremely rare Early Ming “sweet white” Vase, meiping (image left- estimate: US$600,000-800,000). The distinctive tianbai or “sweet white” glaze on this elegant vase appears to have first been used on fine Imperial porcelains of the Yongle reign (1403-1425). Such porcelains especially appealed to the Emperor Yongle, who was known for his love of the color white, and who on one occasion rejected most of the gifts offered to him but retained only those items made of white jade.

Posted: 07|27|08 at 9:32 am. Filed under: US News.