Diplomat's collection

A number of antiques that used to belong to Gong Xinzhao (1870-1949), a noted diplomat of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), were sold at the China Guardian 2010 Spring Auction on Sunday.

Gong, the first Consul-General to Canada and an emissary to the United Kingdom and France during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1875-1908), was a noted connoisseur of antiques.

The most distinctive feature of Gong's collection is the elegant and well-crafted packaging he employed. Whether paintings, calligraphy, or studio objects, all are contained in boxes made of Chinese rosewood. These containers are lined with silk brocade and come with title slips, seals and inscriptions written and attached by Gong himself. The packaging, often a work of art in itself, enriches the experience of an object in addition to providing practical protection.

A carved Tianhuang Bodhidharma masterpiece (pictured) from the late Ming (1368-1644) to early Qing period was sold for 15.68 million yuan ($2.3 million).

There were other ancient objects from traditional Chinese scholars' studios at the auction.