Bonhams Paris Asian Art Sale Features Rare Ming Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Guardian Kings

On December 11, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris will auction a duo of gilt-bronze guardian kings from the Ming dynasty, valued between €200,000 and €300,000. These robust figures, adorned in heavy armor, have been part of a European noble family's collection since the 1930s. Caroline Schulten, who leads the European division for Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art at Bonhams, expressed the honor of presenting such remarkable items from private European collections. The auction features 95 lots centered on Asian art, showcasing Chinese, Japanese, Himalayan, and Indian traditions, along with a notable selection of Imperial porcelains. This event marks the first market appearance of these guardian kings in nearly a century.