The sale offers eight Chinese paintings by leading artists of the 20th century, from the collection of a distinguished French gentleman who began his career in the French diplomatic service in the early 20th century. His profound appreciation of Asian cultures and languages led him to take up different postings across Asia focusing on strengthening France’s diplomatic relations with various Asian countries. Together with his son, who also served in the French foreign service in China, the family put together an impressive collection of works of art, focusing on Chinese paintings, reflecting their deep appreciation for the cultural and artistic heritage of China and showcasing their dedication to both diplomacy and arts. Highlights include a hanging scroll made of ink and colour on paper, Morning Glory by Qi Baishi (1864-1957) (estimate: €25,000-35,000) or Fisherman with Pelicans by Lin Fengmian (1900-1991) (estimate: €20,000-30,000).

The sale features a group of Yuan and early Ming jades from a German collection formed in China between 1895 and 1922. Influenced by similarly shaped pouring vessels made in precious metalwork and porcelain, the jade vessel is a rare interpretation of silver prototypes in jade. A large and unique large green jade baluster vase from the same collection is a stunning example of early Ming jade carving as it is completely undecorated focusing on the pure form and beautiful colour and texture of the jade (estimate: €20,000-30,000). Another highlight is an important and very rare green jade pouring bowl, Yi, Yuan Dynasty-early Ming Dynasty (estimate: €20,000-30,000).

Another highlight in the sale is an incredibly rare lacquer cabinet decorated with gold dragons in shades of gold and red gold on a black lacquer ground (estimate: €8,000-10,000). An inscription on the back of the cabinet dates it to the Longqing period (1567-1572) of the Ming dynasty making it one of the earliest examples of Chinese painted lacquer furniture. It was first acquired by Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard (1875-1955), a Belgian industrialist who attained fame and recognition for the conservation and restoration of historic castles in Belgium. The cabinet was displayed in the Chateau de Grand Bigard in Dilbeek, near Brussels and has been inherited by the present owners.

Himalayan art is represented by a small but exquisite group of Buddhist bronzes from China, Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia. The collection was formed by Christian von Reitzenstein, a German collector in the late 1970s and 1980s, a period long before Himalayan and Chinese Buddhist art became collectable. He acquired his pieces mostly from dealers in Germany specialising in Himalayan and Asian art which at the time were rare. Focusing on Himalayan and Sino-Tibetan pieces of small size but exquisite quality, he formed a small but select group of gilt-bronze sculptures each carefully chosen to complement his remarkable collection of 17th and 18th German glass sold last October at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris. Among the highlights are a gilt copper alloy figure of Amitayus from Mongolia, Zanabazar school, 18th century (estimate: €10,000-15,000) and a gilt copper alloy figure of Padmasambhava, Tibet, 15th century (estimate: €10,000-15,000).