LOT NOT SOLD
CLOSING BID
a beautiful piece of Chinese silk embroidery (specifically "Su Embroidery" from Suzhou) featuring a peacock and peonies. This artwork carries significant historical and diplomatic value because it was a gift from a high-ranking Taiwanese official.
1. Identification & Historical Context
The plaque on the frame identifies this as a gift from:
Nieh Wen-ya (Ni Wen-ya) > President of the Legislative Yuan, Republic of China (Taiwan)
-
The Person: Nieh Wen-ya (1902–2006) was a prominent Chinese educator and politician. He served as the President of the Legislative Yuan (the equivalent of a Speaker of the House) from 1972 to 1988.
-
The Symbolism: In Chinese culture, the peacock symbolizes dignity, beauty, and peace, while the peony (the "King of Flowers") represents prosperity, honor, and wealth. Together, they are a traditional wish for "a life of wealth and high position."
-
The Connection: This piece was likely a diplomatic gift presented during an official visit or to a high-ranking official or business person in South Africa during the 1970s or 80s, a period when South Africa and Taiwan maintained strong diplomatic ties.
2. Estimated Value
The value of such a piece is split between its artistic value and its provenance (historical story).
| Factor | Description | Estimated Value (Approx.) |
| Artistic Value | Large-scale, hand-made Su silk embroidery with this level of detail usually sells for between R3,000 and R7,000 in the secondary market. | R3,000 – R7,000 |
| Historical Value | Because it is a signed diplomatic gift from a specific head of a government branch, it has "provenance." This makes it more attractive to collectors of political memorabilia or Chinese-South African history. | +20-30% Premium |
| Total Estimate | Depending on the condition of the silk and frame. | R5,000 – R10,000+ |
| Bidder No | Bidder | Time | Amount |
|---|
| Document Type | Document Name | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please Register to view documents |