Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Estate of Dr. Thomas Klein Sale
FREEMAN’S
Asia Week New York Live Auctions: September 17–18, 2026
Previews: September 11–17, 2026
32 East 67th Street, NYC
Freeman’s will present two Asian art auctions this September in its New York saleroom: Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Estate of Dr. Thomas Klein, sold to benefit the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, on Thursday, September 17, followed by Asian Works of Art on Friday, September 18. Bringing together imperial porcelain, museum deaccessions, a rediscovered piece from the collection of J. Pierpont Morgan, and snuff bottles from a connoisseur’s lifetime pursuit, the two sales offer collectors a wide-ranging and historically rich selection heading into the fall season.
Explore the full auction schedule below:
Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Estate of Dr. Thomas Klein
Auction: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 9:30am
Previews: September 11–12 & 14–16, 10am-5pm
Freeman’s is privileged to bring Philadelphia collector Dr. Thomas Klein’s collection of Chinese snuff bottles to auction. On September 17th, some of Dr. Klein’s finest examples will be made available at auction in New York for the next generation of enthusiasts. Many of these bottles were previously held in some of the most important collections assembled in the last quarter of the 20th century, such as the Bloch, Grimberg, J & J., and Bob C. Stevens collections, and handled and published by important dealers in the field such as Hugh Moss, Robert Kleiner, Robert Hall, Clare Chu and Susan Page.
Dr. Klein was known as a strong competitor for puddingstone bottles, and his interest in mineralogical examples is further evidenced by the various jasper, agate, jade and jadeite bottles offered here. Glass, particularly monochromes, overlay, and carved examples, were also a focus, as were “organics” such as amber, coral, and even carved bamboo. Porcelain bottles, both molded and enameled, round out this varied collection.
To take a closer look on their YouTube channel, click here.
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Asian Works of Art
Auction: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10am EDT
Previews: September 11–12 & 14–17, 10am-5pm
Freeman’s Asian Works of Art auction this fall features over 290 carefully curated lots tailored for discerning connoisseurs, collectors, and institutions. Leading the sale is a remarkable group of individual masterpieces distinguished by significant historical provenance. Highlights include a magnificent Jiaqing/Daoguang period blue and white ‘Nine Dragons’ vase tracing back to Yamanaka & Company, a pair of Mid-Tang Dynasty engraved ‘Ladies’ tomb doors formerly with Ton-Ying & Co. and J.T. Tai & Co., and an impressive Qing Dynasty green-enameled yellow-ground ‘Dragon’ moon flask from the prestigious J. Pierpont Morgan Collection .
The auction is further enriched by several distinguished collections, notably over fifty lots of Ming and Qing Dynasty Dehua wares deaccessioned from The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, originally gifted by renowned collectors Ira and Nancy Koger. We are also proud to offer a refined selection of Qing dynasty jade carvings from the esteemed John and Reva Lizzadro Collection in Chicago, alongside over twenty lots of fine Chinese textiles, scholar’s objects, and Korean works of art from the celebrated Jon Eric Riis Collection. Complemented by a curated grouping of fine Japanese bronzes from various private estates, this season offers a strong and diverse selection for our clients.
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