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The Dr Grice collection of Chinese Bamboo and Scholars' objects to be sold on 10th November 2026
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Collector Dr John William Hawksley Grice OBE FRCS (1891–1976)
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An 18th-century Chinese bamboo brushpot depicting the Eight Daoist Immortals crossing a turbulent sea (lot 8), formerly on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, estimate £20,000–£25,000
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A monumental Qianlong-period bamboo veneer archaistic vase and cover (lot 18), standing 54cm high, estimate £3,000–£5,000
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An 18th/19th-century imperial jade and zitan ‘Gourd and Pine’ ruyi sceptre (lot 23) bearing an inscription and poem celebrating longevity, estimate £4,000–£6,000
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Chinese Imperial carved bamboo hanging vase and cover (lot 6), estimate £1,000-£2,000
Born in Tonbridge, Dr Grice studied medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London, qualifying in 1917 before undertaking wartime medical service in France and Iraq. In 1922, he travelled to China, where he became physician to the British community in Tianjin, serving at Victoria Hospital. His dedication earned widespread respect. In 1939, when severe flooding prompted many Western residents to leave the area, he remained to help organise a refugee camp in the stands of the British Horse Racing Club.
During his three decades in China, Dr Grice developed a profound interest in Chinese art, assembling a distinguished collection of jade, pewter, ivory and bamboo carvings, sourcing objects through trusted Chinese dealers. His approach was guided by craftsmanship, personal taste and affordability, summed up in his principle of ‘first price, last price’. He never haggled. In 1939, he sold a significant group of ivories to Mr Graves, who established the Grice collection at the Graves Art Gallery in Sheffield.
The collection’s survival is remarkable. During the Second World War, Dr Grice was interned by the Japanese at Weixian camp, where he continued practising medicine. His wife, Kathleen, helped transfer his treasured objects to Chinese dealers, who safeguarded them throughout the conflict. After leaving China in 1952, Dr Grice returned to Britain, continued to support the
British Museum and the
Victoria and Albert Museum through sales and donations, and published his pioneering essay, ‘Chinese Bamboo Carving’, in Country Life in 1954.
In 1953 the British Museum curator Soame Jenyns wrote a letter to Dr Grice, in praise of his collection;
"Dear Dr Grice, ... your collection of bamboo carvings was a complete revelation to me. I had never seen anything of the kind before and I am completely entranced by them, ... these carvings seem to me to contain the very essence of Chinese good taste in its simplest form."
Preserved by his family for decades, this group of fascinating objects comes to market for the first time, following the death of his daughter, Dr Katherine Anne Grice, in August 2025.
Sale highlights include an
18th-century Chinese bamboo brushpot depicting the Eight Daoist Immortals crossing a turbulent sea (
lot 8), formerly on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, estimate £20,000–£25,000;
a monumental Qianlong-period bamboo veneer archaistic vase and cover (
lot 18), standing 54cm high, estimate £3,000–£5,000 and an
18th/19th-century imperial jade and zitan ‘Gourd and Pine’ ruyi sceptre (
lot 23) bearing an inscription and poem celebrating longevity, estimate £4,000–£6,000, a rare
Chinese Imperial carved bamboo hanging vase and cover, estimate £1,000-£2,000 (
lot 6).
John Axford, Chairman and Asian Art specialist said, “During his three decades in China, Dr Grice assembled an exceptional collection guided by a keen eye for craftsmanship, refinement and scholarly interest. The collection reflects both his discerning connoisseurship and lasting contribution to the study of Chinese art. Woolley and Wallis are thrilled to present these works to a new generation of collectors and scholars.”
