Asian Works of Art

Photographer Hedda Morrison’s interest in photography started when she was gifted her first camera, a Box Brownie, at the age of 11. In later years, she would become known for capturing the city of Beijing and the lives of its people in the 1930s and 40s. A key lot in the upcoming Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic sale, presented by Doyle, is a photograph from the 1930s. This piece by Morrison shows the palatial heart of China, the Forbidden City.

Also included in the auction is a Chinese celadon jade censer with a cover. The first celadon pottery pieces were likely created in the Yue region during the second century CE. These pieces are mostly characterized by their semi-translucent green color. In the following centuries, these wares have undergone various changes in style and design. The sale also offers a Chinese cloisonné vase. The cloisonné technique involves applying colored enamels to different materials, which are then fired to bring out the design. This distinctive technique originated in ancient Egypt or the Byzantine Empire before later spreading to China. Register on Doyle to bid for the available items and view the full listings.