The Finer Collection of Bronzes and Hand Warmers

We are delighted to present The Finer Collection of Bronzes and Hand Warmers.

Ian Finer’s passion for Chinese works of art began with porcelain, but as his family grew, so too did his collecting focus—shifting from delicate ceramics to the allure of Chinese bronzes. This change marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit that would culminate in a deeply personal and scholarly collection.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Ian Finer advised numerous clients in the antiques trade, particularly in Asian art, giving him privileged access to exceptional pieces and trusted sources.

Over the years, Ian Finer assembled an impressive collection of bronzes, carefully sourced from London auction houses, specialist dealers, and later, across Europe, particularly in France and Germany.

At the heart of the collection lies the theme The Scholar’s Studio, with a particular focus on the refined works of Hu Wenming, the celebrated metalworker active during the late Ming dynasty. This thoughtful and cohesive group reflects not only Ian Finer’s scholarly approach but also his deep appreciation for the aesthetic and cultural significance of Chinese bronzes. The collection also features six arrow vases, a number of hand warmers, many signed Zhang Mingqi, and other high quality bronzes including miniatures, vases and incense burners.

Each lot is subject to a Buyer's Premium of 27% plus VAT at 20% (totalling 32.4% inclusive) on the first £20,000 of the hammer price and 26% plus VAT at 20% (31.2% inclusive) thereafter.