Meet the Specialist

What do you do at Bonhams?

I'm the Director and Senior Specialist in the Asian Art Department in Knightsbridge where we hold two sales a year.

Where are you from? And what inspired you to go into the world of Asian art?

I'm from London and have always lived and worked here. I studied Modern Languages and Art History at Cambridge, a degree which focused mainly on Western Art. My first proper encounter with Asian Art came when I started working at Christie's in the Asian Art Department. The breadth and history of this field was instantly compelling, not to mention the beauty and quality of craftsmanship of the objects. 

What was your first job?

As a student I had worked in my Summer holidays at Christie's and, after graduation, I was brought on full-time in South Kensington in the Asian Art Department. Having sales every two weeks, and handling hundreds of objects at all levels, was a steep but very exciting learning curve. I was there for 13 years before I joined two of my former colleagues in their Asian Art Gallery in St. James's. It was fascinating and really valuable to experience the business from a dealer's perspective but the lure of the auction world – which I love – was too strong, and I joined Bonhams in 2013.

 Name one of your triumphs.

In May 2019, we sold a rare green enamelled incised 'dragon' dish marked and dating to the Chenghua Period (1465-1487) of the Ming Dynasty, for £879,000. It came from an English private collection and had been acquired in the 1920s. The family had no idea of its significance – it had been kept casually in a drawer and was in less than perfect condition. It was a great thrill to bring it to light and see the excitement that it generated among collectors. And, of course, it is always lovely when an object can make such a life-changing difference to your client.

What has changed in your area of the business since you first started? 

So much! When I started my career, the Asian Art market was still very concentrated in Europe and US driven and the volume of high quality Chinese Works of Art coming on to the market from these sources was extraordinary compared to today. Then in the early 2000s, we saw the rise of wealthy Chinese collectors and buyers investing in the Chinese Art market, willing to pay vertiginous sums for the best works of art. That interest has propelled the market to a different level. 

What is your strength as a specialist? 

Having worked in this field now for over 25 years, the volume and diversity of objects that I have handled has given me a wealth of experience and a well-trained eye. The breadth of the field, however, both in terms of the timeline that we cover (from the Neolithic to the early 20th century) and the huge range of objects and materials means that it is a constant learning process.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I've recently found myself to be an excellent GCSE French tutor - I think my son would say I enjoyed the exam prepping a little too much! 

Which object has changed your life?

Rather than one single object, I would have to say the Forbidden City and Palace Museum in Beijing. Seeing the objects of the Imperial collection in-situ was a unique experience which not only brought them to life for me but took my understanding and appreciation of these incredible pieces to a different level. Also the sheer scale of the Palace complex and the grandeur of the architecture is breath-taking.

What's exciting about your next sale?

Our forthcoming sale comprises a fine selection of more than 500 lots of porcelain, jade, scholar’s objects, Buddhist art, furniture and textiles, from China, Japan, Tibet and the Himalayas. Highlights include an impressive famille rose baluster vase from the Yongzheng period (1723-35) – beautifully painted in rich enamels with a charming domestic scene to one side and a tranquil river landscape scene to the reverse. We are also offering a classically elegant blue and white rouleau vase from the Chongzhen period (1628-44), which is painted in vibrant washes of cobalt blue with an auspicious scene, expressing the wish for a successful career within the civil service.

Rachel Hyman is Director and Senior Specialist of the Asian Art Department at Bonhams, Knightsbridge. She can be reached at rachel.hyman@bonhams.com