Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • Contact Us
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • AMMpro

Chinese Porcelain Collection Sent to Market to Resolve Family Dispute Over Proceeds

September 26, 2016 by Marion Maneker

Sir Michael Butler and his Chinese porcelain collection first piece ever bought in May 1960 and he never found another like it in the world. It is probably early Kangxi (c 1670), a winepot in the shape of bamboo, 13cm high
Sir Michael Butler and his Chinese porcelain collection first piece ever bought in May 1960 and he never found another like it in the world. It is probably early Kangxi (c 1670), a winepot in the shape of bamboo, 13cm high

The Financial Times reports that British judges have ruled in favor of breaking up the Ming porcelain collection of Sir Michael Butler so his four children may each have equal shares.

Two of Butler’s children wanted the collection to stay in tact. One daughter told the FT, “When my father started collecting, there were two sales a month — and now you would be lucky to have two a year. This is simply stuff that you don’t find any more.”

The high court had ruled that the 502-piece collection must be divided between the four siblings, despite a bitter battle fought by the two younger children, Katharine and Charles, to retain the ceramics in their purpose-built museum in Dorset.

Sir Michael, a former permanent representative to the European Commission, started collecting the distinctive blue and white ceramics more than 50 years ago. One expert has described it as “the finest collection of its kind in the world”.

The Financial Times quotes independent Chinese art researcher Regina Krahl approving of the quality of the “pots.”

“There’s nothing like it in China, and there is nothing of its breadth and depth anywhere else in the world.”

Family spat shatters Thatcher aide’s Ming collection (FT.com)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Chinese Porcelain Cup Pulled from Sotheby’s Public Auction in Favor of Private Sales RouteChinese Porcelain Cup Pulled from Sotheby’s Public Auction in Favor of Private Sales Route
  • $43m Trove of Chinese Porcelain to be Raised from Sea Floor$43m Trove of Chinese Porcelain to be Raised from Sea Floor
  • Understanding Asian ArtUnderstanding Asian Art
  • Chinese Art Market Softer than Previously Thought, According to Artnet StudyChinese Art Market Softer than Previously Thought, According to Artnet Study
  • A French Court Fines Jeff Koons €44k for Copying NakedA French Court Fines Jeff Koons €44k for Copying Naked
  • Deaccessioning by Another NameDeaccessioning by Another Name
  • Print
  • Tweet

Filed Under: General

Advertise on Art Market Monitor with Nectar Ads

Top Posts

  • Agnes Gund & Oprah Winfrey Lead Auction of Women Artists at Sotheby's to Benefit Miss Porter's School
  • Frieze LA Sales Report
  • Frank Stella Sells Some Work—His Own and Others—at Christie's
  • Mary Weatherford Neon Leads Phillips New Now
  • Sotheby's Celebrates Bauhaus's Centenary with 25 Works in Imp-Mod Sales
  • Portraits of King Charles I's Children Lead Sotheby's December Old Master Sale
  • Bonhams to Show Richard Lin Work in HK this March for May Sale
  • Four of Picasso's Women Valued at $28m Come to Christie's from Rose-Walters Collection
  • Christie's Announces $70m Picasso Self Portrait
  • Sotheby's to Sell SFMoMA's $35m Rothko for Acquisitions Firepower


  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • Art Loans
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Advertise on Art Market Monitor