No Reserve Live Auction
11 September 2025, 11 AM CET
AUCTION OVERVIEW LOTS
We are immensely proud to have been entrusted by Sam Myers with the stewardship of his collection, one that has traveled across the globe and already inspired countless scholars, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts. As one of the most prestigious and important collections this gallery has ever handled, being chosen to represent it over our many competitors is an undeniable privilege.
This auction celebrates the magnificent artworks and enduring legacy of two collectors whose vision and generosity have shaped the understanding and appreciation of Asian art for generations to come. We hope you find as much joy in looking through our first catalog of the Myers Collection as much as we did in preparing it.
Important Information for Buyers
All lots in this auction are offered with No Reserve, allowing bids below the starting prices to be considered.
Please note that the starting prices have been set at exceptionally low levels to encourage participation.
We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to acquire remarkable pieces at highly competitive prices.
Uncover the story for yourself with more details, photos and documents.
The first opportunity to present the Myers Collection was given to Sotheby’s London. Despite its historical importance, the sale faced challenges — from COVID-19 and Brexit to unusually high reserve prices — resulting in mixed outcomes. These contrasted sharply with the collection’s previous auction successes, leading to the decision to seek a new venue for future sales.
In the first decade of this century, Myrna Myers took deliberate steps to secure the legacy of the collection she had built. Her generosity was extraordinary: she donated her extensive, well-documented, and widely exhibited textile collection to the Musée Guimet, and made substantial contributions to the Musée des Arts Asiatiques in Nice — a museum “greatly indebted to her,” in the words of its director Adrien Bossard.
After Myrna’s passing in 2012, Sam Myers continued her work with remarkable dedication. He spearheaded a grand-scale project — a traveling exhibition and comprehensive publication of their collection — under the direction of Jean-Paul Desroches, general curator at the Musée Guimet and Myrna’s professor at the École du Louvre.
Sam Myers in his office in Versailles
Myrna outside her gallery in Paris
Sam and Myrna at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing
A room in Sam Myers’ home in Versailles, one of many containing hidden treasures
Alex and Max Zacke
Sam and Myrna at the Taj Mahal
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 3 April 2019, lot 3620, Jade Animal-Shaped Plaque, Eastern Zhou dynasty, sold for HKD 26,575,000
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 3 April 2019, lot 3620, Jade Animal-Shaped Plaque, Eastern Zhou dynasty, sold for HKD 26,575,000
Musée Guimet 1 April 1990, Blue and White Ewer, Yuan dynasty, sold for EUR 1,250,000
Los Angeles County Museum of Art 7 April 2017, Man’s Formal Court Robe, Chaopao, Kangxi period, sold for USD 300,000
Rubin Museum of Art 22 March 2004, Three Thangka, Qing dynasty, sold for USD 145,000
We are thrilled to share some exciting news – our auction and showroom has moved to a new location in Vienna! Starting 1 September you’ll be able to explore the exceptional pieces featured in our upcoming auction at:
ZELINKAGASSE 6, 1010 VIENNA
Please note: our consignment and production team will remain at our original address on Sterngasse 13.
Managing Director
Senior Expert - Chinese & Southeast Asian Art
Expert - Chinese & Southeast Asian Art
Production Director
Online Content Director
Cataloger
Cataloger
Cataloger
Cataloger
