The opening auction of New York's vibrant round of spring Asian art sales will be conducted on Sunday, March 20, in Chinese and English at Hong Kong Auctions New York, http://hongkongauctiongallery.com, an emerging player in the international auction market. Highlights include exceptional Chinese porcelains and pottery, Neolithic Age properties, Antique Carved Jades and Chinese paintings.
The marquee item is an unusual Famille Rose Enamel Faux Bois Ewer. Of elongated pear form, cupped mouth, curved spout and arched handle, the ewer is enameled in earth tones to resemble the grain of knotted wood. Two gilt dragons make this ewer one of the more dramatic to come to auction in recent years. It is a masterpiece of the ceramic artist's art and expected to command close to $ 1,000,000.
A few items later buyers will have the opportunity to bid on a magnificent Qianlong Famille Rose Enamel Millefleurs Zun, or wine vessel. The well-potted body of the ten-inch tall vessel displays Peonies, Lotus, Chrysanthemums, Prunus and Roses in full bloom. The vivid flowers are set against a gold ground further decorated with foliage and stems. Medallions of Bat and 'Shou' encircle the narrow neck while golden swallows form the handles. It is Lot 187. Interested collectors are asked to request an estimate. http://hongkongauctiongallery.com
As the current issue of "Arts of Asia" magazine so eloquently states, Bronze Age Chinese objects are "distinctive landmarks in the history of the art world." Lot 244, a slender and elegant Ritual Wine Vessel, is a case in point. The fine Jue is constructed of piece-moulded bronze, dating to the Xia Dynasty (2205 to 1766 B.C.). Of thin casting and sleek design, it is similar to one in the Henin Provincial Museum of the Shang City at Yanshi. Rising on three legs to a flat bottom hourglass body, the Jue flares at the rim to a sharp elliptical point opposite a long channeled spout that is embellished with small nail heads. A curved double strap forms the handle. The rare, cast bronze wine vessel is expected to fetch at least $ 200,000.
Several other bronze items make their appearance starting at Lot 236, which is a Massive Bronze Ding of bulbous form with complex zoomorphs. It too is in the $ 100,000 or above range. A mysterious Bronze Mythical Figure with a dragon head and nine small dragon tentacles protruding from the back of the head then commands attention. Thought to have been used in sacrificial rites, the Spring and Autumn Period sculpture is Lot 242 and carries a catalog low estimate of $ 150,000.
The outstanding carved Jade property is a magnificent Yellow Jade Jewelry Box with a Qilin atop its cover. Intricately modeled after a Bronze Vessel Fu, the box is rectangular and its cover is domed. Three Qilins, two as handles, one an outstretched adornment on the cover, complete the piece. Lot 254 should bring high interest at $ 80,000 or above.
Among the paintings, a hanging scroll of a Sleeping Cat is both delightful and exceptional. Signed Zhu Da (Bada Shanen). Positioned at Lot 43, and with exceptional provenance, the scroll bears two artist seals and two collectors seals. Its price is by request.
A contemporary scroll, circa 1970, by the late New York based artist Walasse Ting, entitled "Ladies" is another rare offering. Inscribed and signed Ding Xiongquan, the painting measures 71 ? inches tall. It is estimated at between $ 80,000 and $ 120,000.
Throughout the sale, many moderately valued items will be a draw for new collectors. Space does not permit a more comprehensive telling of the items in the Sunday, March 20 auction at Hong Kong Auctions New York. For complete listings and descriptions of the 310 properties for sale, please visit http://www.hongkongauctiongallery.com.
It should be noted the auction is conducted in bi-lingual Chinese and English, and the catalog is printed the same. http:// hongkongauctiongallery.com Buyers can also bid on ArtFact Live. The preview dates are Saturday, March 12 through Saturday, March 19, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hong Kong Auctions New York is located at 295 Madison Avenue, New York. Hong Kong Auctions is a proud supporter of Asian Arts Week, (http:asianartsweek.com)
Contact:
For more information, please contact Mary Ann Lum, info(at)hongkongauctiongallery(dot)com or 212-867-7288.
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