MOORE HAVEN, Fla. – On Sunday, May 14, starting at 8:30 am Eastern time, Ancient Traces International will hold its debut sale in the United States. The US arm of the UK-based house has been dubbed Ancient Traces International – America, and its first auction consists of more than 300 lots of Asian antiques. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Leading the choices is a large painted pottery horse dating to the Tang dynasty (618-907) and estimated at $15,000-$30,000. The powerful and striking horse figure measures 33.4 by 33.4in (85 by 85cm) and features bulging eyes and a well-molded saddle on its back. Its body is decorated with ceremonial cinnabar paint that retains some of its original coloring. It also comes with the results of a thermoluminescence authenticity test.
Another fine entry in the stable is a second large Tang dynasty pottery horse, this one sancai-glazed and tri-colored. It stands on a rectangular unglazed base, with its head raised in the motion of neighing. Its body is glazed in cream, while its breast, crupper and halter strap are in chestnut brown hung with molded plaques picked out in green and chestnut. The short mane, docked tail and hooves are in chestnut brown, and the saddle is glazed in green and chestnut colors, with a green saddle cloth bearing decorative chestnut designs. Standing 29.1in (74cm) tall by 34.2in (87cm) long, its estimate is $45,000-$60,000.
Certain to turn heads is a Qing dynasty (1644-1912) gilt bronze Buddhist stupa, a variety designated as a niche tower or relics tower. It measures 16.1in (41cm) tall, and its gratifyingly intricate details include turquoise inlay and carnelian agate hard stones. It also features a pedestal depicting sacred animals and a seated Buddha. Its estimate is $4,000-$60,000.
Also dating to the Qing dynasty is a gilt bronze tantric Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Buddha statue that carries an estimate of $20,000-$115,000 and measures 17.1in (43.5cm) high by 12.6in (32cm) deep. It sports amazing detail and intricacy, and is in excellent condition. Within Buddhism, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva hears the cries of the world and embodies the compassion of the buddhas.
Turning from compassion to weaponry, lot 58 is a Shang dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) bronze turquoise-inlaid dagger-axe that is 14.7in (37.5cm) long and 4.7in (12cm) deep. Described as rare, it dates to between the 14th and 11th centuries B.C. and bears similarities to an example in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Its estimate is $10,000-$15,000.
Equally worthy of mention is a Qing dynasty blue and white porcelain moon vase festooned with images of dragons and flower blossoms, measuring 6.8in (17.3cm) tall and 4.8in (12.3cm) deep. In Chinese tradition, the full moon is a symbol of prosperity, peacefulness and family bonding; the moon is said to carry all human emotions within its light. In Chinese culture, the moon means gentleness, brightness, and ‘yen,’ which translates as ‘longing.’ This handsome moon vase has an estimate of $4,000-$12,000.
Another standout is a Tang dynasty pair of painted pottery tomb guardian beasts, known as zhenmushou, one with a human face and the other with a lion-like face. These sentinels, sculpted with ferocious demeanors, were thought necessary to protect the earthbound soul of the deceased by quelling demon spirits and scaring away tomb robbers. Now these beautifully preserved, vibrantly painted and detailed figures carry an estimate of $20,000-$50,000.
Han dynasty fired clay painted pottery rabbit, estimated at $4,362-$5,000
Rounding out the highlights is the perfect object for the current Chinese Year of the Rabbit: a 2,200-year-old fired clay painted pottery rabbit, dating to the Han dynasty (202 B.C.-9 A.D. and also 25-220 A.D.) The well-observed figure is depicted in the act of pricking its ears up in response to a subtle or ambiguous noise. Standing 11.4in (29cm) tall, 9.9in (25.3cm) long and estimated at $4,362-$5,000, it is accompanied by thermoluminescence authenticity test results.
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