Discovery of global importance in Geneva: A celestial sphere that shines new light on the history of science in Asia
(Artdaily.org)

Piguet Auction House presents a world premiere in East Asian astronomy revealing one of the oldest known clock driven celestial spheres in the world. This unique and so far unseen instrument will be placed on public display for the first time in Geneva from 8th – 10th December before being auctioned on Wednesday 13th December at 9.30 am (lot 708, estimate € 85,000-130,000). This celestial sphere is the star lot in the Asian and Oriental Arts sale, already rich with museum worthy pieces. Three immense Ming sculptures with the same provenance as those in the Rietberg Museum in Zurich (lots 536 et 537 estimated each at € 43,000) will be presented in the Chinese section, along with an Imperial porcelain dish from the Loup collection which was exhibited recently at the Baur Foundation in Geneva[1] (lot 553, estimate € 4,000 – 7,000). Bernard Piguet, Director and Chief auctioneer at Piguet Auction House underlines: