World Historical Medals

Lot 4257    Session 13 (2.30pm Thur 25 Nov)    World Historical Medals

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,200

HONG KONG, Chinese gold collection, rings and pendants relative to the Robert Hotung family, includes, signet ring (2.2gms) with Fu Gui characters (very rich); wedding band (4.3gms), inside marked Zu Jin (full gold); small round pendant (2.1gms) with double happy characters for marriage, reverse marked, respectfully presented by 'Si Tu' with a promise not to be lazy; medium round pendant (3.3gms) with Fu character (good fortune or happiness), reverse a tiger; small water droplet shape (2.8gms) with modern style Shou character (long life used for older birthday occasions), reverse marked, 22 October 'bing jia nian' (too old year) and a Chinese proverb meaning to have longevity of life; large water droplet shape (5.7gms) with older style Shou character (long life as above), reverse marked to remember 'Qi Yi' 1862-1952 (90th birthday), total combined weight (20.4gms). Very fine - extremely fine and a unique collection associated with the most important Hong Kong person. (6)

Sir Robert Hotung KBE, 1862 - 1956 was a famous Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist. The son of a westerner and a Han Chinese woman of Shenzhen heritage, he was educated at Queen's College, graduating in 1878. With his bilingual skills, business acumen and dedication to hard work he became Head Compradore of Jardine, Matheson and Company until his retirement in 1889. He was the wealthiest person in Hong Kong and through his wife he funded many charities and was on several boards. He founded The Chinese Club in response to the colonial policy of excluding those who were not British or white from joining the exclusive Hong Kong Club. At the time in Hong Kong there was a policy in place under The Peak Reservation Ordinance that prevented Chinese from residing on The Peak however, because of his standing and wealth, this was waived for Robert Hotung and thus he became the first Chinese person to be allowed to live on The Peak. Sir Robert also financed different revolutions including the Xinhai Revolution led by Dr Sun Yat Sen which led to the establishment of the Republic of China.