Skip to content
Asian treasures

Asian treasures abound in Jasper52 auction Oct. 2

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Asian treasures
A lifesize Sino-Tibetan bronze or copper model of a skull, later 19th-20th century, about 9½in long x about 7½in high. Estimate: $3,500-$4,000. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Seventy-one lots of outstanding Asian antiques are presented in an online auction to be conducted by Jasper52 on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Among this diverse offering are hand-painted Chinese ceramics, Ming Dynasty tomb figures, carved netsuke, Japanese weaponry, and more, creating a comprehensive representation of the Asian tradition. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Perhaps the most unusual object in the auction is a life-size Sino-Tibetan bronze or copper model of a skull (above), which was used in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Likely cast from an ancient skull, this item has a thick layer of gold. The bottom, lacking gilt, has a fine brown patina.  It weighs about 7 pounds, 4 ounces and has a $3,500-$4,000 estimate.

A large carved and polychrome wood figure of Guanyin (below) is from the Qing Dynasty, (circa 18th century). This is a beautifully detailed figure of the finest style, seated on the Lotus throne with her hands in a resting pose, and wearing finely draped clothing and a large and elaborate headdress. It is from an old Swedish private collection and has a $1,500-$2,000 estimate.

Asian treasures
An important carved and polychrome wood figure of Guanyin seated on the lotus, China, Qing Dynasty, circa 18th century, about 25½in high. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper52 image

Several Chinese pottery tomb figures are offered including a group known as the Dying Buddha, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Buddha is depicted lying on a large ornate bed surrounded by acolytes. The large group is completely intact with fine wear and patina, including finely crackled glaze in parts (est. $2,000-$2,500).

Asian treasures
A rare figural group of the Dying Buddha, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) tomb pottery,15th-16th century. The bed is about 10 inches long and each figure is about 6½ inches tall. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image

A 19th century carved boxwood netsuke of a resting zebu ox is a rare piece in that cows and buffalos are the more often found animals in this form. This is an excellent carving by Hoichi, a listed netsuke artist. It exhibits beautiful wear and patina (est. $1,100-$1,500).

Asian treasures
Carved boxwood netsuke of a resting Zebu ox,19th century, signed Hoichi (inset), 2 5/16in long. Estimate: $1,100-$1,500. Jasper52 image

A wonderful object for contemplation on a scholar’s table is a carved soapstone brush rest in the form of a mountain range with five peaks. The stone is salmon color with darker veining and lighter inclusions and has a fine finish and patina (est. $550-$700).

Asian treasures
Chinese soapstone scholar’s stone brush rest carved in a shape of a mountain range, 7¾in long x 3¾in high. Estimate: $550-$700. Jasper52 image

The Jasper52 auction of Asian antiques will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern.

[av_button label=’View the fully illustrated catalog and bid on LiveAuctioneers.’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/150568_east-and-southeast-asian-antiques/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ position=’center’ label_display=” icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ av_uid=’av-vmf5gq’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]