Sotheby & Co: CATALOGUE OF THE WELL-KNOWN COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS, JADES AND BRONZES. The Property of Robert C. Bruce Esq.. London, 1953. 39 pp. text plus 2 full page colour and 19 pp. full page b/w plates. 25x18 cm. Paper.

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Frederick Bruce was the brother of the Earl of Elgin who led the Expedition to China in 1860 which culminated in the burning of Yuanmingyuan. He was the uncle of Robert C. Bruce. Frederick Bruce remained in China as Ambassador from 1860-65 and collected Chinese art, many of the pieces, particularly the ceramics, coming from the Yuanmingyuan. His collection descended through his brother, Thomas Bruce, and thence to Robert Bruce. Robert Bruce added early Chinese art to the collection and further fine Ming and Qing porcelains. The collection was most famous for 18th century porcelain in imperial taste. The pieces from the collection of Frederick Bruce are so annotated and thus have close association with Yuanmingyuan. A total of 145 lots. Handwritten prices realized. Contains pencil annotations with prices realised and buyers' names. A scarce and highly interesting catalogue of much use for the provenance of the highly-sought after porcelains from the Yuanmingyuan. Wear to spine and tear to one page. Covers detached.