Michael York Collection

CLASSICALLY TRAINED ACTOR SHARING IMPERIAL CHINESE CERAMIC TREASURES WITH FANS

Michael York’s film career hit major high notes in 1972’s Academy Award-winning musical drama Cabaret, followed by his lead role in Logan’s Run. In more recent years, the British-born actor has appeared in the Austin Powers movies, and guest-starred on The Simpsons and Family Guy.

York, 74, has no plans to slow down. “The great thing about this job is that there’s no cutoff point,” he recently told NPR. “You don’t get to a certain point and they say, all right, thank you very much – that’s enough, here’s your gold watch; go and retire. As long as you have your wits and your health, you can keep on doing it.”

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In the meantime, York over the years has carefully assembled a collection of Imperial Chinese ceramics, a selection of which is being offered in Heritage Auctions’ April 2 Asian Art auction.

An underglaze blue and copper-red “Deer” vase consigned by York and wife Pat is expected to realize at least $20,000.

“The exterior is vividly painted with a continuous landscape of spotted deer,” says Moyun Niu, consignment director for Asian Art at Heritage Auctions. “The decoration conveys a multiplied wish for wealth, longevity, rank and success. And it reflects the taste of the Emperor.”

This piece previously was exhibited at London’s Oriental Ceramic Society in 1964. “Collectors rarely get the chance to acquire fine Imperial Chinese ceramics,” Niu says, “especially pieces with provenance as impressive as this.”

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