NEW YORK – ’Tis the season for collectors of Chinese and Korean works of art and estate jewelry to think of ways to best bestow good fortune and longevity through holiday gifts. To meet their needs, Gianguan Auctions will offer more than 300 items in their Dec. 8 sale. Many of the works of art are imbued with auspicious symbols. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

The Asian art and collectibles span the centuries and dynasties, surfacing both high-level rarities and moderately estimated items, according to gallery director Mary Ann Lum.

The day’s morning session features 76 lots of Chinese paintings, a specialty for which Gianguan Auctions is becoming known. Among the highlights is Lot 14, a 1994 hanging scroll with one seal by Xu Beihong, master of both oils and Chinese ink. Painted from life studies, the cats are done in Chinese brush work with a Western perspective. Firm and bold brush strokes precisely delineate the forms. The catalog estimate is $60,000-$80,000.

Among the period paintings is Lot 17, a Qing Dynasty work by Hua Yan (Xinluo Shanren) titled Trekking in the Snow with Camel. The scroll portrays a man leading his camel in deep snow through tall mountains. It contains colophons by Tang Hanti, Jiang Que, Zi Qing, Shen Shuyong and Wu Yun. The estimate is $40,000-$50,000.

The ever-popular Qi Baishi is represented by Lot 22, Cicada on Maple, an ink and color on paper signed Qi Huang. It has two artists seals and a colophon by Yu Feian and is estimated at $50,000-$60,000.

In the same price range is Wu Changshuo’s Wisteria, Lot 26. The hanging scroll in and ink and color on papers inscribed and signed by the artist and bears two artists seals.

Although this scan of the high-level offerings is impressive, collectors can be assured that many other paintings are accessible, falling in the range of less than $20,000, such as Lot 25, Water Buffalo, a collaboration between two modern masters and close friends, Li Keran and Huang Zhou. They co-founded the Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Painting and made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of national art, as depicted by the water buffalo and the colophon, ever serving the people.

Gianguan Auctions’ afternoon session features Chinese ceramics, jade carvings, gilt deities, Chinese jewelry as well as a selection of fine Western estate jewelry.

Among the modern jewels is Lot 128, a Hetian jade bracelet set with 8 oval cabochons on a 14K gold openwork bracelet. The bracelet diameter is 2 1/4 inches. The estimate is $2,000 to $2,500. Lot 123 is a coral and diamond ring featuring a center coral cabochon of 3.38 carats. It is set a frame of brilliant circular-cut diamonds on a textured 14K gold mount. The estimate is $3,500-$6,000. A dazzling aquamarine and diamond necklace emerges at Lot 135. It features a large – 2 5/8 inches – 20.28-carat natural pear-shape aquamarine suspended within an elliptical and overlapping network of diamonds, all set in 14K gold. Total diamond weight is 1.46 carats. Complete with UGS certificate, the pendant is set to go off at $5,000-$7,000. Lot 147, a ruby and diamond ring featuring a center ruby of 4.31 carats in .73 carats of diamonds, all set in 14K gold. It is expected to fetch between $2,500 and $4,000.

Many smaller jewelry items of jade run through the second session. One of the more unusual is Lot 241, a carved turquoise cicada pendant portraying the insect nibbling on lotus leaves. It carries the Zhenghe Yu Wan mark and is estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Other bracelets and pendants that range from $600 to $3,500 are fully described and shown in full color in the catalog.

For the serious jade collector, Lot 245 is a magnificent and massive hetian white jade ruyi scepter in the form of a Lingzhi fungus. The reticulated surface is decorated with bats, peaches and pomegranates, all symbols of longevity. The end of the scepter is a large lingzhi. Notably, most ruyi scepters are rarely carved of a jade boulder such as this, which leads experts to believe that this one was probably for a person of high rank or commissioned by same for a special occasion to bestow good fortune. Its estimate is $50,000-$60,000.

A collection of Chinese ceramics kicks off with Lot 266, a pair of exceptionally rare Song Dynasty Qingbai figures of Fairchild Fairies. Glazed all over in transparent tones of pale blue, the reclining male and female figures, guardians of the Guanyin in Chinese mythology, are posed in reclining positions. They wear loosely draped robes and are rendered with serene expressions. Each figure is 7 5/8 inches long. The estimate for the pair is $4,000-$5,000.

Meanwhile, Lot 284 is a charming and rare Jiang Rong melon-shape Zisha teapot in the form of a Cicada, a symbol for immortality. The elongated lobed teapot has a looped handle in the form of a leafy branch. Its spout is a cicada head. The finial is a molded cicada. The Jiang Rong mark is on the underside. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000.

The porcelain marquee item is Lot 277, a magnificent famille-rose enamel Shou Vase with yellow ground. Masterfully potted, the large globular body has a tall waited neck. The decorations are stylized medallions of meandering floral bloom encircling a gilt Shou emblem, the symbol for longevity. There is ruyi head collar at the shoulder and a band of lotus skirting the base. The body is entwined with auspicious Bajizang motifs. Of the Qing Dynasty, the Shou vase carries the six-character Qianlong mark and is of the period. It is 14 1/2 inches tall. The estimate is $800,000 to $1,200,000.

Among the deities, the standout is Lot 327, a Qing Dynasty gilt bronze Guanyin. Seated and with broad face and downcast eyes, her hands in dhyanasana,the guanyin is loosely dressed and has a ruyi chignon. At 14 1/2 inches tall, the gild deity bears a Qianlong Imperial six-character impress mark and is of the period. It is expected to fetch $8,000-$10,000.

Six items of Korean heritage should bring high interest given the success of the Metropolitan Museum’s breakout exhibit “Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom.”

Several of the Korean antiques were sold through China Guardian Auction House in the early 1990s. The offerings include Lot 247, a 16th or 17th century Korean ceramic censer with cover in the traditional gray-white glaze. Just over 5 inches tall, it is of circular form with a cover pierced with trigrams and surmounted with a hexagonal bud finial. The catalog estimate is $6,000-$8,000. Lot 246 is a Korean blue and white Phoenix jar of ovoid form with faceted body and upright neck, decorated with confronting phoenixes writhing among clouds. Of the Joseon Dynasty, the estimate is $4,000-$5,000. Lot 251 is an unusual blue and white floral oil lamp, 5 1/2 inches tall, also of the Josean Dynasty. Its catalog estimate is $2,000 to $3,000. Lot 280 is a charming 17th century barrel-shape oil lamp with two lobe handles connected by wire. Of the Joseon Dynasty, the grayish-celedon glazed ceramic carries a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.

Session One begins at 11 a.m. Eastern on Saturday.

For condition reports, call Mrs. Lum, gallery director, at 212-226-2660 or email info@gianguanauctions.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. – Just in time for the holidays, Antiquities-Saleroom presents an online auction sure to help bidders knock a few items off their wish lists. Hosted online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers, Ancient/Ethnographic Art Holiday Discovery, slated for Friday, December 6, 2013, will continue Antiquities Saleroom’s successful string of Discovery Sale Auctions featuring a wide array of ancient and ethnographic art at knockout prices.

“Our Holiday Discovery Auction is perfect for holiday gift giving,” said Teresa Dodge, co-owner of Antiquities Saleroom. “There’s truly something for everyone and at these prices collectors can really stock up.”

The sale strays from a typical Discovery Sale by offering a few big-ticket items for those looking for a lavish gift, or for collectors looking to add a new cornerstone to their collections. Among these luxury lots is a massive fossilized skull of a Mosasaurus Prognathodon (Lot 1), mounted in a museum-grade matrix, a piece impressive in its beauty and mammoth size.

For the aficionado of American literature, there’s an extremely rare first edition, first issue of Mark Twain’s masterful Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Lot 100). The book, in its original green pictorial cloth, fulfills all first-state points delineated by the Bibliography of American Literature, and is a must-have for the serious collector.

An ancient Syrian rock crystal and silver necklace (Lot 6A) is a delightful and luxurious alternative to traditional holiday jewelry. Pre-Columbian gold pendants (Lots 187-189), Persian amber (Lot 140B), and a collection of ancient Egyptian faience necklaces (Lots 20A; 33C; 37) round out a striking array of wearable history.

A wonderful collection of folk art from around the world adds a splash of color and verve to the auction. Mexican Guerrero masks with anthropomorphic detail (Lots 292-294), breathtaking African art (Lots 282-291), vivid Southwestern oil paintings (Lots 300A-300F), charming Inuit carvings (Lots 308; 257; 256), and aboriginal Australian boomerangs (Lots 263; 301A) make up a holiday gift guide with something for everyone.

Of course, the fine, authentic ancient art Antiquities Saleroom is known for is present throughout, with stunning and rare artifacts from every major ancient culture. Greek lekythoi (Lots 34, 252) with their tall, elegant profiles, are fine examples of the grace of Classical art. The mighty Roman Empire is represented by coins bearing the images of Antoninus and Constantius (Lots 113A, 138), as well as a collection of stunning ancient glass (Lots 115-115F).

For the person who has everything, how about a Pre-Columbian sewing basket (Lot 205) with original dyed wool, spindle whorls, and a small skein of human hair. A stunning Gandharan schist frieze depicting the Death of Buddha (Lot 140D) is serenely beautiful. Ancient Egypt is well represented, notably with a fine bronze cat of the Late Period, regally posed with two small kittens at her feet and a pair of fine gold earrings in her ears (Lot 228).

“We’re really excited about the exciting array of beautiful art we’ve brought together for this auction,” said Dodge. “The sale is filled with truly unique pieces of the highest quality.

Antiquities Saleroom’s Ancient/Ethnographic Art Holiday Discovery Auction will start at 11 a.m. EST on Friday, December 6th, 2013. For additional information about the auction, please call Teresa Dodge directly at 720-502-5289, or send her an email at antiquitiessaleroom@gmail.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – On Dec. 6, 7 and 8 Rago Arts and Auction Center will conduct its annual three-day Great Estates Auction. This year’s sale centers on a single-owner collection of superlative silver, decorative arts, folk art, furnishings, bronzes, Asian and militaria from the Estate of dealer Tony Tenaglia, enriched by a day of jewelry, watches and gems, as well as a selection of silver and coins from multiple sellers.

LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

“Tony Tenaglia was known for an uncanny ability to source singular, valuable property,” said Miriam Tucker, managing partner at Rago. “His family laughs that, while he loved them first and foremost, his passion for fine antiques came a close second. We know it was difficult to part from property that meant so much to him. We thank his wife, Loretta, for choosing Rago to sell Tony Tenaglia’s favorite and best pieces. Our annual fine jewelry, silver and coins sale is the perfect complement to what I think will be a record-breaking weekend.”

The three-day sale will begin Friday at noon Eastern with silver from the Estate of Tony Tenaglia, followed immediately by silver, coins and currency. Saturday’s sale, which begins at 11 a.m., will consist of furnishings, fine and decorative art from the Estate of Tony Tenaglia. Jewelry, watches, objets de vertu and gemstones will sell on Sunday.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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LONDON – Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ sale of Modern and Contemporary Art on Thursday, Dec. 5, is the London auctioneer’s first foray into the worlds of impressionist and modern Art, and postwar and contemporary art. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding

A previously unseen and unique variant from Banksy’s Barcode Leopard series of works, signed by the artist, is the largest painted canvas so far seen on the auction market. At 84 x 91.5 cm (33.6 inches x 36.6 inches), the canvas has been in a private London collection for the past 10 years, having been purchased by the vendor from a friend of the artist. The signature image will be recognizable to Bansky aficionados as the series includes both an editioned series on canvas, and screenprints on paper. The painting has been authenticated by Pest Control Office, London and is offered at £80,000-£120,000 [Lot 141].

A newly discovered pastel drawing by the German expressionist Max Pechstein was among a group of paintings purchased from a car boot sale in Essex five years ago. The purchaser was unaware of what he had in his possession until he showed it to Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ modern and contemporary art specialist Angus Maguire. Maguire’s instinct proved correct when the painting was authenticated by the artist’s grandson. On the Ligurian Coast now comes with a newly procured certificate from Alexander Pechstein, director of the Max Pechstein Estate, dated Aug. 1, 2013. It is thought the painting was made probably in the summer 1924 in Motorosso al Mare on the Ligurian coast of Italy. It is estimated at £3,000-£5,000 [Lot 59].

A 3-meter long abstract painting by the German artist Anselm Reyle, who is well known for his large-scale work, is perhaps the most imposing in the sale. The signed and dated acrylic and foil on canvas, signed is one of a well-regarded series for which he is well known. He creates them using strips of foil arranged in Perspex boxes. Designed to attract the interest of the viewer through bold colors and the shimmering effect of the foil they engage the senses through the texture of the materials used. It is estimated at £40,000-£60,000 [Lot 124].

A rare double-sided painting by Winifred Nicholson is offered as part of the modern British section of the sale. Born in Oxford, Nicholson was a prolific artist and a number of her paintings are in the Government Art Collection and several major UK public galleries. One side was painted at the beginning of her career as a Parisian art student in the early 1930s and is titled Paris Lights. It remained in the artist’s possession until she had completed the reverse some 40 years later, during the 1970s and is tiled Still Life with Cyclamen. The completed work was displayed for the first time in an exhibition at the Crane Kalman Gallery in London in 1981 and is estimated at £15,000-£20,000 [Lot 47].

Some 70 lots of postwar and contemporary artwork includes a collection of works by Young British Artists donated to the Colony Room, one of the most notorious late-night drinking dens in London. Frequented by Francis Bacon and his contemporaries in the 1960s it became a favorite haunt of the YBAs in the 1990s. The Colony Room finally closed its doors in 2008 and these are the last of the company’s artworks to be sold at auction. Included in the group is an early work from the highly influential British artist Susan Hiller. Formed of 22 vintage postcards mounted onto seven separate cards, the work from her 1976 “Rough Seas” series is estimated at £8,000-£12,000 [Lot 116].

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAucitoneers.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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CLOSTER, N.J. – The understated but unmistakable quality of long-held Asian ceramics and the wow factor of a spectacular ruby, diamond and platinum cocktail ring combine to lend an upscale tone to Sterling Associates’ 707-lot December 12 Holiday Auction. Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

A stocking stuffer fit for royalty, the top jewelry lot features a 9.91-carat, GIA-certified oval ruby surrounded by 18 round diamonds (approx. 2.21 cts) and 18 marquise-cut diamonds (4.16 cts) set in platinum. The diamonds are approximately H/1 in color and vs2/si1 in clarity, but the show-stopping ruby is obviously something extra special, with a deep, rich color highly desired by those who know fine gems. The ring is conservatively estimated at $12,000-$18,000 and has a starting bid of $8,000.

“Without question, this is an exceptional ruby. It will be a very lucky lady who ends up with this elegant ring on her finger,” said Sterling Associates’ owner, Stephen D’Atri.

More than 100 lots of Chinese porcelain and other decorative objects are contained in the single-owner collection showcased in the December 12th sale.

“There are some very valuable pieces in this collection,” said D’Atri. “A Chinese Jun-type bowl is estimated at $200,000-$400,000. There’s also a pair of Chinese white glazed and incised double-gourd-form vases that could bring $100,000-$200,000.” Other notable entries include a pair of Chinese Doucai wine cups with floral design, est. $8,000-$12,000, and an 8-inch gilt bronze sculpture of Buddha, est. $6,000-$8,000.

The soft sheen of old sterling silver will be evident in the gallery, with the top lot of the section being a pair of ornate Christophe Fratin (French, 1801-1864) silver-over-bronze candelabra. Stamped “Fratin,” the candelabra stand 23in tall and are decorated with sculpted silver monkeys and bears. The pair is expected to make $10,000-$12,000.

Most unusual, a signed Edgar Morgan (Paris/Nice) sterling silver figural table set consists of a realistically sculpted rooster vessel with four chick salt and pepper shakers. A 19th-century production, this finely “feathered” family is offered with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate.

Among the Tiffany pieces to be sold is a marked sterling pedestal bowl/centerpiece that holds 4½ pints. Ornately decorative in a manner that Tiffany mastered to perfection, it is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

A nicely varied selection of paintings will be auctioned, including an oil-on-canvas work titled “Archery Practice” by Ladislaus Bakalowicz (Polish, 1833-1904). The 32 by 43¼in artwork is artist-signed “Bakalowicz Paris” and comes with provenance from the Estate of John McDonald. It is entered in the sale with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. Another beautiful European painting is a Michael Zeno Diemer (German, 1867-1939) seascape with castle. An oil on board, it is artist-signed, measures 38 5/8 by 38 1/8in and estimated at $5,000-$7,000.

A large, single-owner collection of taxidermied animals runs the gamut from raccoons and birds, such as quail, grouse and ducks; to larger species including an African jackal, est. $400-$600, and a black bear with brown coloring, possibly from Canada, est. $700-$900. A compatible item from a different consignor, an African zebra-skin rug sized 98 by 72 inches carries a $500-$700 estimate.

Additional categories in the sale include dolls and soft toys; pocket watches, ladies’ jewelry, and furniture, most notably a Nakashima triangle side table with bowed peg legs, est. $2,000-$3,000. The table was consigned to Sterling’s sale by the original owners.

“They’re a couple in their nineties from Ft. Lee, New Jersey, and they’ve been married for 75 years. They actually purchased the table personally from George Nakashima,” D’Atri said.

A second Nakashima lot consists of two paddle-form tables. The lot is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

There are many ways to participate in Sterling Associates’ December 12 Holiday Auction, but the company conducts its auctions a bit differently than most.

“The way our auctions work, all bidding is conducted remotely, but we’re very much a permanent brick-and-mortar company where anyone can come in to inspect the goods,” said D’Atri. “It will be run exactly like a live auction, but without a live audience. Bidding is easy to do through LiveAuctioneers.”

Sterling Associates’ Thursday, Dec. 12 auction will commence at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The live gallery preview is from 10-5 on Friday, Dec. 6; 10:30-4:30 on Saturday, Dec. 7; 10-7 on Tuesday, Dec. 10; 10-5 on Wednesday, Dec. 11; and 10-3 on auction day. The gallery is located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624. Bid online through LiveAuctioneers.com.

For additional information on any item in the auction, call 201-768-1140 or e-mail info@antiquenj.com. Visit Sterling Associates online at www.antiquenj.com.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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ESSEX, England – UK-based Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers of Stansted Mountfitchet will present an outstanding selection of silver and jewelry – some of it with historical provenance – on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. UK time (5 a.m. US Eastern time), with Internet live bidding available through LiveAuctioneers.

Among the special highlights are:

Lot 208: A cased Austro-Hungarian gold diamond and enamel brooch/pendant, circa 1910, estimated at £800-£1,200. The brooch is of an oval form, with a diamond-set monogram applied to a blue guilloché ground. It has a satin-finish laurel leaf border with diamond set crossover ties at the cardinal points and a diamond-set coronet above with red guilloché enamel ground. Marked for Vienna 1874-1922, 0.580 standard, it comes in a case by A E Köchert, Wien, with a tooled crest to the lid, together with a bronze medallion commemorating the 25th wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Portland and the 21st birthday of their son, Marquess of Titchfield, in 1914. Additionally, it is accompanied by nine letters to Mary Marshall, Head Housekeeper at Welbeck Abbey; and eight letters from the Duke and Duchess of Portland, dated 1897-1923.

The brooch was a gift to Mary Marshall from Archduke Franz Ferdinand during one of his visits to the Duke and Duchess of Portland at Welbeck Abbey, likely in November 1913. The Archduke and his wife Sophie had been staying with King George V at Windsor before they joined the house party at Welbeck Abbey on November 22nd. The house party included many other illustrious guests, including the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador, Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Lord and Lady Salisbury and Arthur Balfour, the Conservative Prime Minister.

Only six months after the house party, on June 28, 1914, Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo, a trigger for the commencement of World War 1.

Also included in the lot are letters from both the Duke and Duchess of Portland to Mary Marshall. Welbeck Abbey suffered a serious fire in 1900. The Duke and Duchess were away but the children were in residence. It was reported that they were saved due to the quick thinking of Mary Marshall, and there are letters included in this lot from the Duke and Duchess thanking her and the staff and making contingency plans for their next visit. Also included are letters thanking Marshall for her years of service on notice of her retirement in 1923.

Lot 20, a French silver plaquette by Jacques-Frederic Kirstein, Strasbourg, circa 1825-1830, is estimated at £2,500-£3,500. The piece is chased in high relief and is superbly detailed with a boar-hunting scene. Measuring 10.5cm in diameter, it is signed “Kirstein a Strasbourg” and is presented in a 20cm-square gilt metal and ebonized wooden frame.

Jacques Frederic Kirstenstein (contracted to “Kirstein” in signatures) came from a well-established family of goldsmiths based in Strasbourg from the early 18th century. After the French Revolution, the demand for large silver declined and Jacques-Frederic (1765-1838) decided to specialize in small chased and repoussé subjects with an emphasis on hunting or military scenes. These were made in silver or gold for use as plaquettes, like the one on offer, or were set in snuff boxes. The superb quality of high-relief chasing in his work brought him international acclaim, and he won gold medals at the Exhibitions of 1810 and 1834. Examples of his work are in the collections of Baronne Elie de Rothschild, Monsieur Jacques Kugel, the British Royal Collection, and the Arthur Gilbert collection.

Lot 287 is an elegant single-row graduated natural pearl necklace with a French Art Deco diamond set clasp, and is estimated at £30,000-£40,000. It comprises a single row of 75 graduated natural pearls, 5.1-10.1mm in size, strung-knotted to a single row, with an Art Deco diamond-set “box” clasp. The stepped rectangular geometric clasp, with a baguette-cut diamond rub set to the center, has lines of grain set old European and eight cut diamonds. Remnants of an unidentified signature are seen at two separate points on the clasp.

For additional information on any items in Sworders’ Dec. 3 Silver and Fine Jewellery auction, call 011 44 1279 817778 or email georgeschooling@sworder.co.uk.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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