Rare Ru Ware Appears in International Auction? Dr. Ye Guo-Shin Discusses the Northern Song Dynasty Ru Ware Collection Craze
Former UMC Honorary Chairman Robert Tsao, renowned in the collecting world, is rumored to be auctioning 18 pieces from his private collection in Sotheby’s and Christie’s autumn auctions in Hong Kong. Among them, the most highly anticipated antique is a Northern Song Dynasty Ru Ware piece, with the market estimating its value at NT$800 million. But why would Mr. Tsao part with such treasures? Here’s a closer look.
Robert Tsao, Former UMC Honorary Chairman:
“Enjoy what fate gives you, and follow its call. It’s like being entrusted by heaven to care for something, which I gladly accept.”
Mr. Tsao is passionate about antiques. Even the name of his private collection conveys a deep sense of artistry and reflects his pursuit of the highest level of collecting. He has chosen to part with 18 ceramic pieces, among which the Northern Song Dynasty Ru Ware is the most precious.
Nicolas Chow, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia:
“The glaze is glossy and smooth, with hues of blue-green, resembling cracks in ice.”
In 2000, Tsao acquired this 13 cm-diameter top-tier Ru Ware piece. It will appear in Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Auction on October 3, with the market estimating it at HK$200 million (approximately NT$800 million). It is poised to break the world auction record for Ru Ware.
Dr. Ye Guo-Shin, Art Authentication Connoisseur:
“It’s well-known that Emperor Qianlong, the collector emperor, was deeply fond of Ru Ware. He amassed a large collection, had court painters illustrate it, and compiled these illustrations into albums. He even composed numerous imperial poems praising Ru Ware.”
With over a thousand years of history, Ru Ware is extremely rare, with only four pieces in private collections worldwide. The fact that Tsao, with his vast wealth, is willing to part with it has sparked significant attention.
Robert Tsao, Former UMC Honorary Chairman:
“Auction houses often remind me to be careful with these items. If not properly handled, my children might end up in court fighting over them. I thought, well, they have a point.”
Tsao, once considered a rival to semiconductor legend Morris Chang and dubbed a “twin hero of the wafer industry,” has channeled his retirement into a deep passion for the arts. His collection ranges from renowned Tang Dynasty Sancai pottery to gilt bronze Buddha statues and Zhang Daqian paintings. His collection has earned him the nickname “Mini Palace Museum,” and Forbes has recognized his “godfather” status in the art world.
(SETN News Network: Reporters Xu Hongchao & Chen Yijie, Taipei)
Original Article Source:
SETN iNEWS: “UMC’s Robert Tsao Auctions Antiques, Northern Song Dynasty Ru Ware Estimated at NT$800 Million” – Reporters Xu Hongchao & Chen Yijie.
