FEATURES ARCHIVE

Morton and Grace Gordon were passionate American collectors who lovingly assembled a comprehensive collection of Chinese ceramics and works of art. Acquired primarily at auction in New York in the 1970s and early 1980s, the Gordon Collection comprises a rich diversity of works ranging from archaic ritual bronzes of the Shang dynasty, to painted pottery vessels and figures from the Han to Tang dynasties, to fine ceramic wares from the Song to Qing dynasties. The Gordon’s collecting interest reflects a particular fascination with monochrome ceramics from the Song to Qing dynasties, and includes an especially strong group of finely potted Qingbai and Longquan celadon wares of the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties, as well as an outstanding selection of Qing Imperial monochrome porcelains from the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods. With estimates ranging from $2,000– 4,000,000, this collection is certain to appeal to both new and seasoned collectors alike.

Among the many monochrome ceramic highlights is this magnificent celadon carved balluster vase from the Qianlong period. Its decoration and shape were inspired by Western Zhou bronzes and display the archaistic penchant characteristic of porcelain vessels from the Qianlong period, when the Emperor commissioned potters at the imperial kilns to interpret shapes and designs of archaic bronzes and antiquities of all types in porcelain.

Expanding Interests
In the latter part of their collecting career, the Gordons developed an interest in painting, particularly in the charmingly eccentric paintings of Ding Yangyong (1902–1978). Browse the sale to view the more than 20 paintings to be offered in this sale.