Lot 189

Overall in good condition.


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The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

The Estate of W.Y. Thomas Kwok, acquired in Hong Kong in the early 80s.

Born in Macau, Mr. Kwok studied architecture in Melbourne and built a four-decade career with Wong & Ouyang, shaping Hong Kong's skyline. His collecting began with Japanese occupation stamps (1941-1945), issued during Japan's wartime administration of Hong Kong and other territories. Gradually, his passion shifted to jade, inspired by visits to auction houses.

At the time, Hong Kong's auction scene was emerging-Sotheby's debuted in 1973, Christie's in 1986. By the late 1980s, Kwok was attending smaller sales, joining the city's first generation of serious collectors. His jade holdings embody not only technical excellence and cultural symbolism but also the personal evolution of a connoisseur whose interests bridged philately, architecture, and Chinese art heritage.

郭偉仁先生（Kwok, Thomas Wai Yan）1944年出生於澳門，青年時在墨爾本攻讀建築專業並開啟了建築設計的事
業。1984年，Thomas加入香港著名建筑师事务所WONG & OUYANG (HK) LIMITED 王歐陽(香港)有限公司
担任董事，并于1992至1995年间，担任香港注册建筑师委员会主席。在1980年前后，苏富比和佳士得首次进入香
港。郭偉仁先生对于玉器收藏的热情随之得到了滋养，逐渐形成了自己的品味和收藏体系。郭偉仁先生是香港最
早开始收藏的初代收藏家之一。

The craftsmanship of the jade bi itself suggests earlier origins, indicating that it was likely a Neolithic relic later reworked during the Spring and Autumn or Warring States period, with the addition of the interlocking dragon motif.