Spanning the Han Dynasty (c. 200 B.C. – A.D. 220) to the Republic Period, this auction features over 500 rare and exceptional works specially selected from private collectors in Canada. With estimates ranging from $100 to $50,000, the sale is expected to realize in the region of $800,000. (Estimates are shown in Canadian dollars; CAD $1 = USD $1.05.
Featured are a number of jade carvings. Lot 112, a large Chinese celadon jade mountain, openwork carved and finely detailed with a scene of two sages beneath a pine tree and with dwellings in the distance, is estimated $6,000-$8,000. A carved white jade boulder carving of a landscape with openwork grottos featuring a courtyard scene is estimated $10,000-$12,000.
Notable of these jade carvings is a charming 7-inch-long celadon jade model of a covered boat at Lot 50, openwork carved with three figures on board with accoutrements atop the roof and marked on the base. It is estimated $1, 200-$2,500.
However, the day’s most highly sought jade carving is a Ming Dynasty celadon jade brushpot at Lot 109. The finely detailed work adorned with two dragons “climbing” the lion is not readily recognized as a brushpot because of its unique carved lion form. It carries a $15,000 -$20,000 estimate.
Another highlight of the sale includes an exquisitely carved turquoise stone vase, featuring finely openwork carved birds and flowers in relief. The unusual openwork carved turquoise stone vase makes a striking impression with its unusual color and carved form. It is Lot 170 and is estimated to fetch $1,500 or more.
From the bronze collection of lots is a magnificent pair of Chinese bronze cloisonné vases, Xuande incised four-character mark at Lot 494. Hexagonal in form and standing 23 inches tall, its intricate enamel painting displays finely detailed and unusual depictions of colorful flowers and flower pots on a turquoise ground (estimate: $6,000-$8,000).
Equally impressive is a magnificent 16th-century Ming Dynasty bronze monument with an inscribed poem at Lot 467 (Please note: actual translation can be seen in the auction item description). Marked on the base, this monument may have been a model of an actual stone monument dedicated to the death of a prince reigning in the Ming Dynasty (estimate: $8,000-$12,000).
A highlight from the collection of shoushan stone carvings is a large shoushan stone mountain carving of Immortals at Lot 161. Finely rendered in relief, this unique depiction of Immortals, carved out of a solid piece of shoushan stone, displays an outlining clearly discernible due to the fine craftsmanship of the artist (estimate: $2,000-$3,000).
Inconspicuously residing at Lot 456 is the oldest piece in the auction: a Tang Dynasty bronze figure of Guanyin. Standing 9 1/4 inches tall on a finely preserved wooden base, the flowing robes are surprisingly detailed on the Guanyin bronze figure. Lot 456 commands an estimate of $600-$800.
When it comes to the antique porcelain collection, a standout is a rare antique Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vase at Lot 385. With gold gilt on the rim and foot, dragon designs and symbols are finely reserved on turquoise ground, with the interior also designed with dragon faces on the shoulder and floral designs on the ovoid-form body. Lot 385 carries a four-character Yongzheng mark and is possibly of the period. It carries an auction value of about $10,000.
Among glazes, flambé red is highly desirable for its intensity. Lot 404, a red flambé hu-type vase with notched corners and of squared baluster form is no exception. This attractive blue-violet drip-glazed porcelain vase, incised with a six-character Qianlong mark, stands 12 1/4 inches tall with a molded peach-form panel and squared tubular handles (estimate: $15,000-$20,000).
From the collection of Sino-Tibetan Deities, Lot 454 is a large Buddhist deity atop a lotus base. Ornately dressed and regal, it is 12 3/4 inches tall and estimated $200-$400.
There are many small items, including a multitude of jade pendants and ritualistic bi discs and ornamental huangs, during the first hour of the sale.
Part II of 888 Auctions’ Asian Art will be offering an extensive collection of fine art including Chinese traditional paintings and calligraphy; ivory, bone, and horn carvings; natural history; and traditional furniture.
For details on these and other items in the auction, visit www.888auctions.com or call the auctioneers at 905-763-7201.
888 Auctions’ Aug. 6 Asian Art: Part 1 Auction begins at 5 p.m. Eastern at 280 W. Beaver Creek Road, Unit 15, on the northwest corner of West Beaver Creek and Highway 7.
Registered bidders may also access LiveAuctioneers.com to bid live online from their computers.
888 Auctions has been the leader in sales of Chinese porcelains and Asian arts in Canada for more than 15 years.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
