A Chinese Jian-ware Tea Cup

D: 3 1/2 in. H: 1 1/2 in. (9 cm x 4 cm)

George Eumorfopoulos (1863-1939) Collection.
In 1934, Bluett & Sons acquired items from the collection of George Eumorfopoulos.
Mrs. R. Courtney of London purchased artworks from Bluett & Sons between 1966 and 1969.

George Eumorfopoulos (1863-1939) was a renowned British collector of Chinese ceramics and artworks.

He worked at the Ralli Brothers Commercial Firm, rising to the position of vice president before retiring in 1934. Initially focusing on European ceramics, he later became known for his collection of early Chinese art, including porcelain, ancient bronzes, jade artifacts, as well as sculptures and paintings.

Eumorfopoulos transformed part of his Chelsea Embankment house into a private museum to showcase his collection, attracting numerous visitors. Notable antique dealers such as John Sparks, Bluett & Sons, S. M. Franck, and the Japanese firm Yamazaki were among Eumorfopoulos's primary sources of acquisitions, and he, in turn, was a VIP client for them.

As a founder of the Oriental Ceramic Society in London, Eumorfopoulos served as its inaugural chairman from 1921 until his death in 1939. In 1934, he sold part of his collection to Bluett & Sons. From 1927 to 1936, he also sold or donated several his collection to museums at prices below the market value. The British Museum, for instance, received over 2,000 Chinese artifacts from George Eumorfopoulos collection.

In 1936, the Royal Academy of Arts in London hosted an International Chinese Art Exhibition. George Eumorfopoulos was a committee member for the exhibition, and he visited China to assist in selecting treasures borrowed from the Forbidden City by the National Government of the Republic of China.

The items in this auction from the George Eumorfopoulos collection are provided by a private collector in the UK. The artifacts bear early labels from George Eumorfopoulos and sales tags from Bluett & Sons. Some items also come with invoices indicating Mrs. R. Courtney's purchase of these artworks from Bluett & Sons between 1966 and 1969. (Note: Due to the nature of Bluett & Sons invoices, transaction details are not for individual artworks, and only photocopies of invoices can be provided.)