The Asian Art Collection of W.C. Gray
A highlight of our next Asian Works of Art auction in Edinburgh on 20 March will be items from the private collection of the late William Crawford Gray (d.1918), founder of the Gray’s Carpets Ltd in Ayr, Scotland.
William Crawford Gray (d.1918)
Begun on two hand looms in a small shop in 1876, Gray’s later grew to become one of Britain’s most successful carpet manufacturers. By the 1930s, it had showrooms in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, and Belfast, as well as international representatives in Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Known in the carpet trade for having developed the ‘seamless kidder’, company founder William Gray was a world traveller and avid art collector in his private life.
Lot 227 | FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE SATSUMA VASE
SIGNED KINKOZAN ZO AND IMPRESSED SEAL KINKOZAN ZO, MEIJI PERIOD
58.5cm high
£4,000-6,000 + fees
The Chinese and Japanese artworks from his collection, most notably a massive Kinkozan satsuma vase, a large ivory and lacquer takarabune and a fine Chinese famille rose cloisonné-imitation vase, all reflect the exquisite taste of the Scottish entrepreneur.
Lot 225 | VERY LARGE AND FINE OKIMONO OF SHICHIFUKUJIN ON THE TAKARABUNE
SIGNED KOHO AND HOMIN, MEIJI PERIOD
45cm high, 37cm wide (overall)
£8,000-12,000 + fees
Kept in the family until now, the Japanese pieces will be offered this March in Edinburgh to followed by the Chinese items in London in May. To find out more contact our specialist, Dr. Ling Zhu.
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