BOSTON – Skinner Inc. reports that its auction of Asian Works of Art held on Dec. 1-3 brought more than $3.7 million inclusive of buyer’s premium. Of the 1,600 works offered, many exceeded high estimates, further demonstrating that the demand for Asian art and antiques remains extremely strong.
Huanghuali furniture was especially sought with two lots exceeding the $100,000 mark, both of Chinese origin. One of the auction’s top sellers, in fact, was a pair of low-back Huanghuali armchairs with rattan seats which sold for $118,500. A pair of 18th century Huanghuali stools with rattan tops and hoofed legs sold for $112,575.
Among other big-ticket items were a large, elaborate gilt and cloisonne Mount Pengali Island with stylized tortoiseshell which sold for $118,500, a Zitan Kang table adorned with a carved archaic motif apron, which sold for $85,750 and a Chinese rhinoceros horn carving from the 1920s depicting the seated figure of Pu Tai surrounded by children which sold for $71,100.
Jade and ceramics also performed extremely well. More than 100 pieces of jade from the private collection of a New England man realized $360,000, before buyer’s premium. A large porcelain vase from the K’ang Hsi period brought $16,590 and a large celadon vase from the Ming period, sold for $18,960.
“We saw uniformly strong results across all categories within the Asian department, demonstrating that demand for Asian material shows no signs of slowing,” said Stuart Slavid, interim director of Asian Works of Art at Skinner. “Furniture, painting, ceramics, jade, and decorative arts all performed very well, bolstered by active online and telephone bidding from China and Hong Kong.”
For details visit Skinner’s website www.skinnerinc.com or phone 508-970-3278.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE