Sydney — Bonhams achieved two white-glove sales in Sydney on 2 and 3 April from the esteemed Cheong Family Collection. All 174 lots were sold, achieving a combined total of AU$3,843,590 — nearly ten times its pre-sale low estimate. Both sales received unwavering enthusiasm from collectors, with the 2 April live auction drawing a packed saleroom and attracting more than 360 registered bidders worldwide.

The top lot was a pair of blue and white 'phoenix and peony' jars with covers, Daoguang mark and of the period, which achieved AU$381,300. Another standout was an Imperial pale-blue-ground satin embroidered 'phoenix and peony' informal robe, chenyi, Guangxu period, from the wardrobe of Empress Dowager Cixi, which sold for AU$307,500—more than 20 times its low estimate. With its flamboyant palettes, enlarged asymmetrical patterns, and the symbolism of late Qing sovereignty. The robe attracted intense competition from over 20 bidders across Asia and US.

Asaph Hyman, Global Head, Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, said: "We are delighted with the superb results delivered on behalf of the Cheong Family. This was the culmination of years of collecting by the family and is first and foremost a testament to their enduring connoisseurship. The exceptional prices were also the result of the superb work undertaken by our head of Asian art, Australia, Yvett Klein, and Bonhams' in-depth access to the most important collectors of Chinese art worldwide. The collection was particularly strong in the category of Chinese textiles, an area in which Bonhams is proud to have delivered record prices across our international salerooms. This single-family collection follows on the great successes Bonhams has delivered for such collections, such as the Marsh collection and Ko Fook Chuen's collection in most recent times. We very much look forward to the forthcoming exciting series of Chinese art sales in our Hong Kong, London and Paris salerooms, including the Hu Family Collection, the Christofides Collection (Instinct & Knowledge), the Hawthorn Collection, and the Elsa Peretti brush washer."

Yvett Klein, Senior Specialist, Oriental and Asian Art, added: "It was a privilege to spend time with Mrs. Norma Cheong during her lifetime and experience her personal collection of more than 60 years. Being entrusted by the Cheong Family with its care was an honour and career highlight. The result demonstrates our reach and expertise with bidders around the world embracing the collection. Sharing a collection of such depth and beauty with the Bonhams network of collectors and enthusiasts was an absolute delight."

The Cheong Family Collection
The exceptional pieces represent decades of passionate collecting by Norma and Eugene Cheong, carefully assembled over their lives in London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, and have been kept privately for decades.

Norma and Eugene met in Australia, married in Hong Kong, and began collecting in the 1960s in London. Eugene, a dentist, focused on English ceramics. His collection of Martin Brothers ceramics is considered one of the finest in private hands. Norma, with her love for Chinese art and culture cultivated during her time in Hong Kong, was the driving force behind the couple's collection of Chinese textiles and ceramics.

Consisting of close to 30 official porcelains, 20 formal and semi-formal gowns, more than 20 informal gowns, countless accessories, completed with chair covers, elbow cushions, wall hangings, with notable pieces exhibited with public institutions in Sydney, this collection is the most comprehensive survey of late Qing court life in material culture ever to come to the market in Australia.

Notable Results:

• An imperial yellow-ground kesi twelve-symbol semi formal dragon robe, Longpao, Mid 19th Century, sold for AU$270,600 ("The Imperial Wardrobe and Official Ware")

• A yellow glazed cup, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period, sold for AU$159,900 ("The Imperial Wardrobe and Official Ware")

• A fawn-ground embroidered 'Paradise flycatcher and pomegranate' hanging, Late Qing dynasty, sold for AU$79,950 ("Chinese Textiles and Works of Art")