Chen Collection of works of art for auction. The sale will be in two parts; part 1 in London this winter and part 2 next spring. The single owner sale comprises a rare, fine and comprehensive collection of museum quality Russian and English silver. The collection, assembled over many years by Sinclair and Raye Heather Chen, also includes an exceptional range of Viennese enamels and rock crystal and a selection of oriental works of art.

Trevor Kyle, Director at Lyon & Turnbull and Silver Specialist said: "The Chens are collectors of great taste and vision. They have acquired exceptional works of art and have created an important collection, with many pieces of historical importance."

The Part 1 sale will be held at the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, London on the 23rd November 2008, comprising the important Russian and English silver. Part 2, which will follow in spring 2009, will include the fine Viennese enamels and rock crystal, Asian and European works of art, and European carved ivories.

Sinclair and Raye Heather Chen, based in Hong Kong, have developed a lasting interest and appreciation of fine art. Mrs. Chen said: "When we got married, we began to share a life and love for nature, the arts, music and the talent that created them."

She continued "Throughout our journey we have collected works which are a reflection of the things that we love and of our life together. It is difficult to part with them. However we are only custodians of these beautiful things and we are happy with the thought that someone else will cherish them as much as we have."

Part I highlights include:


Russian



A silver gilt cloisonné and en-plein enamel casket,
Moscow 1908-1917.
£40,000-50,000
"An especially fine piece marked with the Cyrillic initials of Fedor Ruckert, Moscow 1908-1917."


English

A Victorian silver clock,
London 1839, by John Carter.
£8,000 - £12,000
"A wonderful example of early Victorian Gothic revival architectural silver, with a perpetual calendar and thermometer".



A set of four George III silver gilt candlesticks,
London 1811 – maker Paul Storr, bears the crest of William, 1st Earl of Lonsdale.
Estimate £60,000 - £80,000.
"This set of candlesticks show very crisp detailing and good provenance back to the original owner – they are of exceptional quality".

A Lloyds Patriotic Fund vase, cover and case,
London 1807 – maker Bennjamin Smith.
£10,000 - £20,000.
"This is an historically important piece – one of three in the sale – the vase named to a Major Hamill. These vases were awarded to military personnel for significant actions in battle by the Lloyds Company"

A pair of George III Royal silver gilt tankards,
London 1802
£10,000 - £15,000.
"A beautiful pair of tankards with simple lines, they have good provenance and Royal connections."

The Chen Collection Part 1 will be on public view at:

Freemans, Philadelphia 1st – 5th October 2008
The Forbes Gallery, New York 6th - 12th October 2008
Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh 15th – 16th November 2008
The Caledonian Club, London 20th – 23rd November 2008


For more information contact:

Specialist information: Trevor Kyle 0131 557 8844

http://www.lyonandturnbull.com/content/show_news.asp?id=87