SATV 19 April, Kathmandu: Christie's, a world-leading art and luxury business, is set to auction China's national treasure-class artifacts in June to support an ambitious Himalayan project.
Speaking to The Himalayan Times on the sidelines of the World Journalists Conference in Seoul, Christie's representatives confirmed that the auction will fund Sung-Taek Hong's Himalayan 14 Peaks Project.
"At the request of my sponsor for the Himalayan project, Chinese national treasure-class artifacts will be auctioned at Christie's," said Sung-Taek, a record-holding National Geographic athlete. The auction is scheduled for June at Christie's.
A portion of the proceeds will sponsor Sung-Taek's Himalayan expeditions, with his Himalayan 14 Peaks Project set to launch from Nepal in 2026.
Among the artifacts up for auction is a Shang Dynasty Bronze Wine Container (50 x 25 x 750 cm) and a Bronze Pot (22 x 19 x 462.5 cm), discovered in South Korea. These pieces were previously exhibited at an art fair in Busan's BEXCO Exhibition Hall from December 2–6, 2021.
"The artifacts were authenticated by an ancient bronzeware expert and are considered comparable in value to the Sangmang-ri Myeongbangrye, a national treasure housed in China's Hunan Provincial Museum," Sung-Taek explained.
Lee Jae-Joon, a Korean & Chinese Ancient Art Researcher and advisor to the Korean Historical Heritage Research Institute, noted that the artifacts exemplify the elegance and craftsmanship of the Shang Dynasty.
Unlike many bronze relics in China's National Museum-which date to the Western Zhou Dynasty or exhibit worn patterns-these newly surveyed pieces are in pristine condition with intricate decorations
Using precision photography, Lee identified patterns invisible to the naked eye, confirming the artifacts as sophisticated late Shang Dynasty bronzeware.
One piece, a Bangnyeo (large alcohol storage jar), reflects the Shang Dynasty's advanced state system and writing culture. During this period, feudal lords gathered for banquets where alcohol was poured into Bangnyeo and shared in ceremonial halls.
The Shang and Zhou dynasties mark the pinnacle of Chinese bronze artistry, with thick, solemn designs and exquisite craftsmanship. These artifacts inherit elements from Neolithic art, forming a unique aesthetic system that defines China's artistic golden age.
Lee also highlighted a dragon-shaped handle, resembling the Yubulong, a symbol of Hongshan Neolithic culture. This suggests a cultural link between Neolithic and Bronze Age societies.
The bronze wine container bears an unreadable inscription in oracle bone script, roughly four lines long. While some characters are visible, experts say scientific methods will be needed for full decipherment.
Another artifact, the Do Cheolmun Cheongdongjeong (550 x 475 x 462.5 cm), was also authenticated as genuine. Its door frame features a curved handle, bar-shaped dividers, and sliding doors adorned with dragon motifs and geometric patterns.
Lee Jae-Joon, a respected art historian with 50 years of expertise, has verified the artifacts' authenticity through his research. His recent work on the Song Dynasty woodblock print Chonggyeongnok has drawn attention from Chinese academics.
"This auction will significantly support my upcoming expeditions in Nepal," said Sung-Taek, a renowned South Korean mountaineer, adventurer, and author. He has achieved the Explorer's Grand Slam (reaching the North Pole, South Pole, and Everest) and made historic crossings of the Bering Strait and Greenland.
