「超越時空，體現古今中外審美的藝術結晶」——黃花梨女皇伍嘉恩的「木趣居」明式家具珍藏
上佳的木材就像美玉一樣，潤澤溫瑩之餘，又帶幾分含蓄的硬朗。明式家具冰肌玉骨，曲直有度，虛實相依，是真善美的化身，而「木趣居」的明式家具珍藏更是其中的佼佼者，堪稱天然珍物與人類創作智慧的完美結合。
伍嘉恩（Grace Wu）早在1970年代起便涉足明式家具收藏，並於1987年創立「嘉木堂」專門經營明式家具，此後由收藏家轉型為極具影響力的專業行家。1985年，文博收藏界泰斗王世襄先生的巨著《明式家具珍賞》在香港三聯書店舉行新書發布會，同場設有明式家具展覽，其中便有不少藏品來自伍嘉恩收藏，可見其獨到眼光和卓越審美。
伍嘉恩的「木趣居」共有100多件私人藏品，堪稱最全面及最精罕的明式家具珍藏，冠絕整個收藏界。值得一提的是，「嘉木堂」和「木趣居」的名字都是王世襄先生所賜，可見二人的深厚友誼。
被收藏家和業界譽為「黃花梨女皇」的伍嘉恩，透過深入研習、收藏和出版，把明式家具的審美、鑑賞與收藏推向世界，讓這永恆的中國家具藝術萬世流芳。她撰寫及剛出版的《明式家具三十年經眼錄》，是繼王世襄《明式家具珍賞》1985 年面世後，最重要的一本視角及內容均擁有強大廣度和深度的巨著。本書將於佳士得香港在The Henderson舉辦的新書發布會中隆重亮相。
佳士得香港The Henderson全新亞太區總部將於2024年11月舉辦首個亞洲藝術拍賣週，「木趣居」部分明式家具珍藏亦將隆重亮相拍場。
從香几、羅漢床圍子、方角櫃，到翹頭桌和琴架等，件件都是難得一見的博物館級珍罕傑作。「木不琢，不成器。明式家具冰肌玉骨，曲直有度，虛實相依，是真善美的化身。」程壽康感嘆道，「『黃花梨女皇』的影響力跨越全球。而『木趣居』內收藏的明式家具更件件都是國寶級的私人珍藏。」
明式家具中最受藏家喜愛的款式之一莫過於香几，它的弧度簡約美妙，盡顯古典之美。這一黃花梨高香几，腿足修長，弧形舒斂有致。八角形香几，在明代書籍有描述，但黃花梨造的，就只有兩件，另外一件前屬王世襄先生，現歸上海博物館。
鑲嵌大理石心板的羅漢床圍子，在傳世的黃花梨家具中極為罕見。大理石板紋理如雲霧間的山巒，充滿詩意。細部如圍子邊的委角、壼門輪廓牙子、抱鼓墩站牙，都是難得一見的考究造法。精工細作，此羅漢床是明代家具之重器。
這對體型碩大、選料考究的方角櫃，內外通體黃花梨造，選料考究。外形方正，線條利落。雖全身光素，但下部牙子裝飾細膩，弧線柔和悅目。剛勁中含柔婉，簡約中見精緻。
黃花梨木生長緩慢，堅實沉重。它們的光澤天然，顏色溫潤，紋理生動醒目，如行雲流水般。這張翹頭桌面，用一塊獨板製成，木紋生動華美，四角安造型美觀的霸王棖。兩端翹頭的做法，一般見於腿足內縮安裝的案類，而這件腿足在四角的桌，安翹頭，屬稀有品類，被收藏界特別重視。
明式家具内部的榫卯結構精準細密，奧妙地把各構件縱橫斜直，有科學理據地連接起來。在這張翹頭桌的細節中亦可見一斑。
傳統文人推崇琴棋書畫四門藝術，琴居此「四藝」之首，可見其重要地位。這張琴架為折疊式結構，開展時可承放樂器，接疊起就方便携帶、儲藏。樂器承架可見於明朝話本，與戲曲的插圖中，但傳世品非常罕見。
木趣居的每一件明式家具藏品，都是天然珍物與人類創作智慧的完美結合，是超越時空體現古今中外審美最高標準的藝術結晶。「只要你是一個愛美，愛藝術，愛生活的人，你就肯定抵擋不了明式家具的超凡魅力！」程壽康由衷讚譽道。
“An artistic gem of the highest aesthetic standards across time and space” —— The MQJ Collection of Ming Furniture from Grace Wu, the ‘Queen of Huanghuali’
A fine piece of wood is as lustrous as jade, so subtle and yet so much strength. Ming furniture is known for its pure silhouettes, sophisticated proportions, achieving perfect harmony between substance and empty space, embodying naturalism, beauty and elegance. Standing out as one of the most exceptional collections of Ming furniture, every piece in the MQJ Collection represents a perfect harmony of the finest materials and creative ingenuity. Kevin Ching, chairman of Christie’s Asia, takes us to explore the exquisite MQJ Collection, appreciating the enduring classics embodying the highest aesthetic standards across time and space
Grace Wu began collecting Ming furniture in the 1970s and founded The Grace Wu Bruce Gallery in 1987, dealing in Ming furniture, eventually becoming an influential expert. In 1985, a book launch event was held at Joint Publishing HK to celebrate the seminal treatise Classic Chinese Furniture by the distinguished scholar and collector Wang Shixiang. Alongside the book launch, a Ming furniture exhibition was also held and many of the exhibits came from Grace Wu’s collection which demonstrated her unique eye for treasures and her outstanding aesthetic sense. Grace Wu’s MQJ Collection, featuring over 100 exceptional pieces, is the world’s most comprehensive and exceptional Ming furniture collection, and its quality and rarity is second to none. It’s worth mentioning that the Chinese names of The Grace Wu Bruce Gallery and MQJ were both chosen by Mr. Wang Shixiang, indicating their deep friendship.
Recognised by collectors and the industry as the ‘Queen of Huanghuali’, Grace Wu further studied the history of Ming furniture, expanded her collection and published her findings to help the world appreciate the beauty and value of these objects, and to keep this timeless art form alive forever. Impressive with its breadth and depth, the newly released Three Decades of Ming Furniture by Grace is the most important publication after Wang’s title in 1985, which will be presented at the book launch held by Christie’s Hong Kong at The Henderson.
Part of the finest classical Ming furniture in the MQJ Collection will be presented at Christie’s inaugural Asian Art sales at The Henderson, its new Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, in November 2024, including incense stand, Luohan chuang couch bed, square-corner cabinet, Qiaotouzhuo table, musical instrument stand and so on. Every piece stands as rare museum-quality masterpieces. “Even the finest wood needs to be carved and polished in order to shine. Ming furniture is known for its pure silhouettes, sophisticated proportions, achieving perfect harmony between substance and empty space, embodying naturalism, beauty and elegance.” Kevin exclaimed, “The ‘Queen of Huanghuali’ is an influential figure around the world and the Ming furniture in her private MQJ Collection are all masterpieces.”
Incense stands are one of the most coveted types of Ming furniture, sought after for their graceful curves and classical beauty. The long and slender cabriole legs of this huanghuali incense stand are balanced and elegant. While examples with octagonal tops can be found in records from the Ming dynasty, this is one of the only two pieces made of huanghuali. The other piece was previously owned by Wang Shixiang, and now in the collection of the Shanghai Museum.
This couch bed Luohan chuang with marble panels is an extremely rare surviving furniture made in huanghuali wood. The poetic panels depict a beautiful natural pattern that resembles scenes of misty mountains. From the butterflied corners, the beautifully-shaped base aprons, to the exquisitely carved drum-shaped spandrel, every detail was masterfully crafted and rarely seen on other pieces, making this bed an iconic Ming furniture masterpiece.
This pair of large square-corner cabinets were made of precious huanghuali throughout. These large square shapes with strict, clean lines are subtly decorated with line mouldings and unexpected cusped aprons. These features make them at once powerful and alluring, simple yet refined.
Huanghuali trees grow at an extremely slow rate, and the wood is hard and heavy. It has a natural lustre, warm hues, and dynamic grain patterns that resemble clouds and flowing water. This plank top Qiaotouzhuo table consists of a single-plank top with well-figured wood. There are square section S-braces mortise and tenoned to the legs in a hook and pegged joint. Tables with tops that end with everted flanges usually have recessed legs. Everted end tables with legs at the four corners like the present piece are very rare, with only a few extant examples highly coveted by collectors.
The detail of this Qiaotouzhuo table reflects that the mortise and tenon joint structures of Ming furniture are precisely and meticulously crafted, connecting the parts from different angles in a miraculous yet scientific way.
Regarded as the most important one of the “Four Arts of the Scholar”, qin holds an exceptionally significant position. This musical instrument stand is foldable. When opened, it supports the instrument steadily. It is also portable and easy to store when folded. Music instrument stands are seen in woodblock illustrations from Ming publications as well as paintings, but few have survived and are exceptionally rare.
Every piece of Ming furniture in the MQJ Collection is a perfect marriage of natural treasure and creative ingenuity, embodying the highest aesthetic standards across time and space. “Those who appreciate beauty, art, and life will find Ming furniture truly irresistible!” Kevin heartily praised.
Timeline of Main Events
1944: Gustav Ecke publishes Chinese Domestic Furniture in Photographs and Measured Drawings.
1962: Grace Wu discovers Ecke's book, sparking her initial interest in Ming furniture.
1970s: Grace Wu begins collecting Ming furniture.
1971: Robert Ellsworth publishes Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties.
1977: Grace Wu marries the Honourable James Henry Morys Bruce.
1983: Grace Wu meets Wang Shixiang at a dinner in Hong Kong.
1985: Wang Shixiang publishes Classic Chinese Furniture. An exhibition of Ming furniture is held alongside the book launch, featuring pieces from Grace Wu's collection.
1986: English edition of Classic Chinese Furniture is published in Hong Kong, stimulating international interest in Ming furniture.
1987: Grace Wu founds The Grace Wu Bruce Gallery in Hong Kong, specializing in Ming furniture.
1988: Grace Wu opens a second gallery in London. She and James Bruce divorce.
1990s: A "golden age" for Ming furniture dealing begins, with prices increasing rapidly. A member of the British royal family attempts to buy a piece from Grace Wu but is outbid.
1995: Wang Shixiang encourages Grace Wu to formally establish her own collection, naming it "Muquju" (MQJ).
1996: Robert Earl Burton's collection of Ming furniture is sold at Christie's in New York.
2008: Grace Wu gives a talk in Beijing about Ming furniture, leading to her contributing articles to the Palace Museum's journal.
2009: Wang Shixiang passes away.
2010: Grace Wu publishes Two Decades of Ming Furniture in Chinese.
2017: Grace Wu holds a large exhibition of her collection at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre titled "The Best of the Best".
2022: Grace Wu donates a pingtouan table and two horseshoe armchairs to the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
2024 (October): "The MQJ Collection Special Exhibition" of nearly 30 pieces is held at The Henderson, Christie's new Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. Grace Wu launches her latest book, Three Decades of Ming Furniture.
2024 (November): Select pieces from the MQJ Collection are to be featured in Christie's inaugural Asian Art sales week at The Henderson.
Cast of Characters
Grace Wu (aka the "Queen of Huanghuali"): The world's leading expert and collector of Ming furniture. Began collecting in the 1970s and established The Grace Wu Bruce Gallery in 1987. Author of Two Decades of Ming Furniture and Three Decades of Ming Furniture.
Wang Shixiang: Distinguished scholar and collector of Ming furniture. Author of Classic Chinese Furniture. Mentored Grace Wu and named her collection "Muquju".
Gustav Ecke: Early scholar of Chinese furniture. Author of Chinese Domestic Furniture in Photographs and Measured Drawings.
Robert Ellsworth (aka the "King of Ming"): Influential dealer and collector of Ming furniture. Author of Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties.
Robert Earl Burton: Founder of the Fellowship of Friends religious group. Amassed a significant collection of Ming furniture before selling it in 1996.
Kevin Ching: Chairman of Christie's Asia. Previously CEO of Sotheby's Asia. Instrumental in bringing the MQJ Collection exhibition to Christie's.
The MQJ Collection: An FAQ
1. What is the MQJ Collection?
The MQJ Collection is a private collection of over 100 pieces of Ming Dynasty furniture, amassed by Grace Wu, who is considered the world's leading expert on the subject. This collection is celebrated for its quality, rarity, and comprehensive representation of Ming furniture styles. Notable pieces include a rare huanghuali incense stand, a luohan chuang couch bed with marble panels, a pair of large square-corner cabinets, a plank top Qiaotouzhuo table, and a foldable musical instrument stand.
2. Who is Grace Wu?
Grace Wu, also known as the "Queen of Huanghuali," is a world-renowned expert and collector of Ming Dynasty furniture. She began collecting in the 1970s and established the Grace Wu Bruce Gallery in 1987, becoming a prominent dealer in the field. Her deep knowledge, discerning eye, and dedication to showcasing these pieces have made her a respected figure in the art world.
3. What is huanghuali wood, and why is it significant?
Huanghuali is a type of rosewood highly prized for its beauty and used extensively in Ming furniture. The wood is known for its slow growth, hardness, warm hues, natural luster, and dynamic grain patterns that resemble clouds and flowing water. Due to its rarity and desirable qualities, huanghuali significantly contributes to the value and aesthetic appeal of Ming furniture.
4. What are the defining characteristics of Ming Dynasty furniture?
Ming furniture is characterized by its elegant simplicity, functionality, and focus on natural beauty. Key features include clean lines, sophisticated proportions, a harmonious balance between solid and empty space, and the use of high-quality materials like huanghuali wood. The pieces often showcase the maker's skill in joinery, with intricate mortise and tenon joints that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
5. What is the significance of the upcoming exhibition at Christie’s?
The exhibition at Christie's in Hong Kong marks a significant event as it will be the first time a selection of pieces from the prestigious MQJ Collection will be displayed publicly. This will also coincide with the launch of Wu’s latest book, Three Decades of Ming Furniture, adding further weight to the event's importance in the art and collecting communities.
6. What is the connection between Grace Wu and Wang Shixiang?
Wang Shixiang, a renowned scholar and collector, was a mentor and close friend to Grace Wu. He played a pivotal role in fostering her deep appreciation for Ming furniture and encouraged her to establish her own collection. Wang even bestowed the names "Grace Wu Bruce Gallery" and "MQJ Collection" upon her, signifying their strong bond and shared passion.
7. How has Grace Wu contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Ming furniture?
Grace Wu has dedicated decades to the study, collection, and exhibition of Ming furniture, increasing global awareness and appreciation of this art form. She has curated exhibitions worldwide, published scholarly works, and generously donated pieces to institutions like the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Through her efforts, she ensures that the legacy of Ming furniture continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
8. Where can I see pieces from the MQJ Collection?
You can view select pieces from the MQJ Collection at the upcoming exhibition at Christie's new Asia Pacific headquarters, The Henderson, in Hong Kong. The exhibition is scheduled for October 2024. Specific dates and details about the exhibition will be released closer to the event.
