I would like to say that I have had a life long interest in Chinese ceramics but this would not be the truth. My interest began when I acquired a few pieces of mandarin palette as decoration in my first London apartment – a mere thirty-five years ago. I was initially rather hesitant, as my budget was limited and although dealer’s windows always looked interesting, for someone just starting collecting they could also look foreboding. But in venturing in, buying and appreciating I started to learn and a whole new world opened up for me. In this respect I would like to take the opportunity to thank both Anthony Gray and Louise Guest who were kind with both their time and knowledge and have in their own way added much to this collection.

I was fortunate in that when I started collecting Kangxi porcelain I did so when much more was available in the market and prices could be judged to be more reasonable but it was their simple beauty that always attracted me and continues to hold the appeal.  It is the free style of painting, the various shades of sapphire blue and the application of those vibrant enamels many would consider to be at their best during this period.  Whist I have been able locate a number of the narrative themes I have been greatly assisted in the search for others by Dr Ivy Chan whose knowledge and patience is hugely appreciated.

It has been difficult to part with those pieces that have become “companions” and especially those that have been elevated to “television pieces” – those of such size and tactile properties that they can be handled and appreciated whilst I watch television – a double enjoyment! However my collecting, for a number of years, has become focused on the Transitional and Early Kangxi period and I know that it is the possibility of finding and acquiring other pieces from this period that will become the basis of my future enjoyment and knowledge.

I now hope that others will be able to appreciate and love these pieces and hopefully enjoy them as much as we have.

Anthony Lovett

10 October 2023