Qianlong’s precious vessel: The Zuo Bao Yi Gui

Estimated value: US$4 million to US$6 million

A major highlight of Christie’s Asian Art Week in September, this magnificent archaic bronze is an exceptionally rare four-legged example of the ritual food vessel known as a gui. This particular specimen boasts an illustrious provenance, having come from the imperial collection of the Qianlong emperor and passed, in turn, to many of the most famous collectors and dealers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Wu Dacheng, CT Loo, Edward T Chow, and Bella and PP Chiu all count among the previous owners of this 3,000-year-old vessel. www.christies.com