Antique Chinese Plates Depicting Iconic Hong Merchants Highlight Alex Cooper Auctioneers’ Upcoming Sale

During the Canton trade system period in China (1757 – 1842), hong merchants played a significant role in external trade relations of the country. These hongs exclusively held the license issued by the Chinese government and hence foreign trade was channeled only through them. A dish depicting the iconic hongs of Canton is a key highlight of the upcoming Alex Cooper Auctioneers sale. Belonging to the Qianlong or early Jiaqing era, the highly rare polychrome piece portrays the image of Western ships at a Canton waterfront. The background has British, American, and Dutch flags flying. Two small islands are visible with folly forts in the foreground. Another Chinese lot of interest is a massive charger plate. This Kangxi era piece portrays arms of Lambert adorned with rouge de fer and gold decoration. Equally striking is a Spanish owl jug by Pablo Picasso. The white earthenware ceramic pitcher is partially engraved with colored engobe and glaze.  

A painting by Estonian-born American artist Andrew Winter also leads the listings. Afternoon Sea is particularly noteworthy for its depiction of a rough sea and a dramatic view of the waves. The artist was known for his landscape works based on the Maine coast. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Alex Cooper Auctioneers Inc.