Frieze Masters 2025
Rasti Fine Art returns to Frieze Masters in London with an exhibition entitled, ‘From Iran to China’, which celebrates founder Nader Rasti’s four decades in the art business, beginning at Christie’s auction house, evolving through the partnership Knapton Rasti Asian Art in London and culminating in Rasti Fine Art in Hong Kong. Years in the making, the exhibition features a diverse array of objects that span over 2000 years of history. The curated display of porcelains, jades, paintings, and bronzes narrates the rich cultural connections between Iran, China, and the regions along the Silk Road.
Throughout the premodern period, China, Central Asia and West Asia played pivotal roles in the exchange of goods and cultural practices across the continent. The intercultural interaction is evident in their respective artistic traditions, which incorporate materials, techniques, and motifs from one another.
Among the highlights is a Ming dynasty charger from the early 15th century, adorned with fruiting melons and scrolling vines, This piece, from a private Taiwanese collection, features a seal of Shah Abbas (1571-1629), considered one of the most important rulers in Persian history and the greatest ruler of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). The charger also bears the mark of Qarachaghay Khan (d. 1625), a close advisor to the Shah and a military commander renowned for his extensive collection of Chinese ceramics.
Another piece is a yellow jade model of a recumbent Mongolian horse from the Song to early Yuan dynasty (10-13th century). This iconic carving hails from the Northwick Park Collection, a vast and diverse collection of art amassed by the 2nd Lord Northwick (1769-1859), and was previously sold at Christie’s London in 1965.
A third highlight is a gilt-copper incense burner from the late Ming dynasty (16th to early 17th century), sourced from a private English collection. This piece features Persian inscriptions crafted and signed by the celebrated metalwork artist Hu Wenming. It replicates an earlier Ming period blue-and-white porcelain version that was sold by Knapton Rasti Asian Art in 2006.
English