Sotheby’s brings out big gun

Sotheby’s in London will present the first Chinese firearm with an imperial reign mark to be offered at auction. 

Created for the Qianlong Emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty – arguably the greatest collector and patron of the arts in Chinese history – this brilliantly designed and exquisitely crafted musket, produced in the imperial workshops, is to be sold with an estimate of £1 million – 1.5 million.

Robert Bradlow, Senior Director, Chinese Works of Art, Sotheby’s London, said, “This remarkable object epitomises the pinnacle of imperial craftsmanship during the Qing dynasty. The gun’s historical importance cannot be overstated – it ranks as one of the most significant Chinese treasures ever to come to auction.”