Monday's auction has an ink painting by Qi Baishi that is being offered at $24,000 to $36,000.

Buckman was an avid collector of snuff bottles while novelty items such as embroidered satin purses and a silver hand-held mirror further showcase the breadth of his collecting eye.

Among the oldest pieces are a Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) dancing figurine, which is grouped into a fabulous 11-piece lot that includes Tang Dynasty (618-907) glazed horses. Meanwhile, a vase painted with birds and flowers in famille rose enamels is notably stamped with the year 1955.

A total of 600 lots will go under the hammer on Monday, with the 120 Buckman pieces first to cross the block.

Chiswick Auctions hopes the Englishman's entire collection will draw in new clients to its west London salesroom who might otherwise not venture beyond the arts hub of Mayfair.

"For people who know Chinese politics from the second half of the 20th century, Buckman is a major figure," says Halstead.

"Buyers tend to like things with good provenance, and I hope the sale will attract both English buyers and international Chinese from around the world, including dealers and collectors from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong."