24th May, 2023 10:00
Asian & Islamic Art
303
Bronze archaic style vase
Chinese, 18th/19th Century
with tao-tie designs and ruyi handles each with a short loop, 31cm high
The collection of Paul Whitfield (1942–2018)
Paul Whitfield’s distinguished auctioneering career began in the furniture department at Christie’s in 1965 rising quickly through the ranks to become managing director at King Street by 1969. Later, he was instrumental in the setting up of Christie’s South Kensington. He was the son of the poet and writer Christopher Whitfield, an early friend of Michael Cardew in the 1920s, and a supporter of Frederick Landseer Griggs.
After Christie’s, he worked in roles at Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and finally Phillips. Passionate about his craft, he had a deep knowledge of many areas, including bronzes, furniture, ceramics, and modern British painting. This passion was reflected in his own collection, avidly compiled over his lifetime and housed at his Cotswold home outside Chipping Campden.
In retirement, he provided invaluable support to the north Cotswolds’ museums, as a trustee of the Guild of Handicraft Trust and the Court Barn Museum, as well as loaning works of art to the Winchcombe archive collection.
Sold for £150
Estimated at £200 - £400
Bronze archaic style vase
Chinese, 18th/19th Century
with tao-tie designs and ruyi handles each with a short loop, 31cm high
The collection of Paul Whitfield (1942–2018)
Paul Whitfield’s distinguished auctioneering career began in the furniture department at Christie’s in 1965 rising quickly through the ranks to become managing director at King Street by 1969. Later, he was instrumental in the setting up of Christie’s South Kensington. He was the son of the poet and writer Christopher Whitfield, an early friend of Michael Cardew in the 1920s, and a supporter of Frederick Landseer Griggs.
After Christie’s, he worked in roles at Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and finally Phillips. Passionate about his craft, he had a deep knowledge of many areas, including bronzes, furniture, ceramics, and modern British painting. This passion was reflected in his own collection, avidly compiled over his lifetime and housed at his Cotswold home outside Chipping Campden.
In retirement, he provided invaluable support to the north Cotswolds’ museums, as a trustee of the Guild of Handicraft Trust and the Court Barn Museum, as well as loaning works of art to the Winchcombe archive collection.
Some surface marks and wear.
Disclaimer: whilst we seek to describe lots accurately, it may be impractical for us to carry out exhaustive due diligence on each lot. Prospective buyers are given ample opportunities to view and inspect before any sale and they (and any independent experts on their behalf) must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description applied to a lot. Prospective buyers also bid on the understanding that, inevitably, representations or statements by us as to authorship, origin, date, age, provenance, condition or estimated selling price involve matters of opinion.
Auction: Asian & Islamic Art, 24th May, 2023
