Bidspirit auctions | Kavanagh Auctions Auction Oct 3

Kavanagh Auctions, Oct 3. 161 lots.


Kavanagh Auctions -

The Simon Chang Collection — Asian Art, Textiles & Imperial Robes, Benefiting the Simon Chang Foundation for Change

A rare selection of Chinese and Japanese pieces from the personal collection of Simon Chang. Imperial Qing dragon robes, antique silk embroideries and kesi tapestries, Japanese kimono and bridal uchikake, antique Canton fans, jade, and a whimsical menagerie of mid-century Shanghai Handicrafts woven rattan sculptures and boxes — the collection reflects the eye, humour and lifelong collecting of the famous Montreal designer.

Highlights include five Qing Imperial dragon robes, among them an Imperial Prince's chestnut brown jifu and two Imperial yellow women's robes; embroidered cloud collars, children's tiger hats and bound-foot lotus shoes; antique Canton fans of the Daoguang and Tongzhi periods; carved jade and a monumental pair of famille noire temple jars. Works on paper by Gordon Appelbe Smith, RCA, inscribed and gifted by the artist, join prints by Jack Wise and Maki Haku.

Simon Chang has been the arbiter of taste in Quebec and Canadian fashion for decades. Born in Canton, China and raised in Vancouver, he studied at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design on a Hudson's Bay Company scholarship before settling in Montreal in 1973. In 1983 he launched his own label and established Simon Chang Concepts. He has dressed women worldwide, designed the uniforms for Air Transat, redesigned those of the Surete du Québec in 1987, and ventured into home goods and interior design.

In 2018 Simon established the Foundation, supporting social causes in a hands-on approach. Quoting Simon — "it takes only one act of kindness to change a person's life." 

All proceeds from this sale benefit the Foundation.



Lots in this catalog (161)