Welcome to Ma San Auction's inaugural themed sale, 'Private Collection - Middle East to East Asia.' They present a curated selection that embodies their commitment to provenance and quality.
This curated selection was meticulously assembled across three generations of a family. Its foundation was laid by Donald Simmons (1902-70), a chemical engineer whose discerning eye during his 1930s travels in the Middle East established the collection's rich, early threads.
The journey East continued with his son-in-law, the late Anthony H. Christie (1922-94), a distinguished Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at SOAS and author of 'Chinese Mythology'. His academic insight is reflected in his acquisitions, like the Indian Ganjifa playing cards.
Rounding out the collection, Rosemary Simmons Hon RE, an accomplished artist, contributed a rare set of Tibetan Buddhist woodblocks, notably exhibited at the East Asian Art Museum in Bath.
From Chinese porcelain to Persian silver, each item in this sale is not merely an object, but a link to a passionate history of art appreciation and academic interest.
