ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s Asian art auction on Dec. 11 experienced sales dominance on many levels, with numerous lots leaving their estimates far behind. Of the 396 offered lots, 85 of them surpassed high estimates, with many substantially multiplying projected values. Becoming the third highest grossing auction of the year, the sales total topped $1.25 million.
Multiple lots of strong contenders were presented to an eager bidding audience and did not disappoint. A rare cloisonné enameled bell that is one of three of its kind known to exist, was presented as lot 9129 to phenomenal sales results. With an estimate of $50,000-70,000, the bell doubled the high projection with a final selling price of $141,600. Highly ornamented, the piece features exceptional cloisonné work throughout with taotie masks and pheonix-form flanges flanking an incised and gilt-painted Qianlong six character mark. The level of quality and decorative excellence on a bell from this period is a treasure. Asian Art Specialist Harry Huang reflected that, “This beautifully ornate bell from the Qianlong period is a rare piece. The expert craftsmanship of the cloisonné enamel, vibrant color scheme and three-dimensional design elements makes this a museum quality piece. The decorative work is elegant yet powerful; an exceptional collector piece by anyone’s standards.”
Another rare and important cloisonné-enameled work is found in the second highest price of the day. A tripod covered censer of the Qianlong mark and period was offered as lot 9130 at an estimate of $20,000-30,000. Bidding was heated for the piece and steadily climbed to the final selling price of $61,950.
A highly anticipated item was lot 9071, a 17th century rhinoceros horn magnolia-form libation cup. The cup is a wonderful testament to the traditional art form, carved as an open magnolia blossom with chilong dragons, fruiting lychee branches and floral petals. Competition for the cup flooded in from all directions, as floor, absentee and phone bidders vied for the piece. Estimated at $20,000-30,000, the fine horn cup sold for $59,000.
Lot 9347, a 15th century Lin Liang hanging scroll titled Eagles on Pine Tree more than doubled the high estimate, selling for $38,350, and lot 9133, a circular cloisonné-enameled box and cover bearing a Qianlong mark sold for over seven times the high projection at $36,580. An astounding sale of a Qing Dynasty gilt-painted and lacquered wood carving of Maitreya soared past its of $1,000-1,500 estimate, selling for monumental $32,450.
Of honorable mention from the remaining lots was lot 9332, a blue and white Rouleau vase that sold for well over eight times its high estimate for a hefty $10,620. Reynold Tom Collection offerings also proved to be handsome performers, as was clearly seen in the 100 percent sell-through of silk fan paintings from the estate (lots 9337-9241). All five of these lots more than doubled high projections at a grand total of $28,320.
For general information please call Michaan’s Auctions at 510-740-0220 ext. 0 or e-mail info@michaans.com.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
