ALAMEDA, Calif. – Rare jade, carved lacquer, antique textiles, scrolls and paintings comprise the star lineup at Michaan’s June 18 auction of Asian works of art, which also features porcelains and Buddhist artifacts. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
“Asian art buyers are eager to augment their collections with new finds from trusted sources,” says specialist Harry Huang. “The fine pieces in this auction demonstrate why Asian art sales continue to be a cornerstone of Michaan’s Auctions.”
Chinese Imperial court necklaces were worn by royals and high officials to display their status and good taste. The same privilege will be enjoyed by the bidder who wins the 19th century jadeite, amber, coral and pearl court necklace (estimated at $6,000-$8,000). Jadeite teardrop pendants, “Buddha’s Head” beads and double-gourd-form beads accent its 108 round amber beads and 30 deep red coral barrel beads. The value of the fine jade, amber and coral is further enhanced by the historical significance of the necklace, a testament to the splendor and opulence of court life in Imperial China. This piece comes from the estate of David A. and Nancy H. Owens, who acquired it in Taiwan, where they lived during the 1950s.
Also from this estate are a number of calligraphy hanging scrolls by Yu Youren (1879-1964). David Owens acquired them directly from the artist, whose signature and seal on each scroll are accompanied by a personal dedication to Owens. Estimates for the Yu Youren scrolls range from $4,000 to $7,000.
The exceptional cinnabar circular lidded box is another highlight of the June 18 sale. The art of carved lacquer was mastered in China as early as 400 B.C. This superb example of the ancient art form displays the meticulous detail characteristic of its period, the 18th-century reign of the Qianlong emperor. Decorated with four dragons, flaming pearls, and stylized swirling clouds, the deeply carved piece bears a golden six-character Qianlong mark in its black lacquer interior, along with the inscription “long wen bao he.” A treasure of rare quality and beauty, the cinnabar box is estimated at $30,000-$50,000.
Embroidered textiles form a major genre of decorative art in China and have long been highly valued by collectors of Asian art. Antique textile lots in this auction include the massive embroidered figural panel ($10,000-$15,000).
Fine jade carvings, also favored by collectors for many centuries, are outstanding in this sale. Several pieces of excellent provenance come from private East Coast collections. The crouching phoenix ($2,000-$3,000) is expertly carved of pale celadon jade with russet inclusions highlighting its head and wings. A similar effect enhances the 18th-century yellow jade monkey ($8,000-$12,000). The leading lot is the water buffalo ($15,000-$20,000) carved of lustrous jade in the prized celadon hue. The 6 3/4-inch figure reclines with head raised, exuding strength in repose.
From the brief but brilliant reign of the Yongzsheng Emperor (1723-1735) comes the pair of doucai porcelain cups. The emperor was a connoisseur of fine porcelain, and his patronage supported not only the revival of China’s finest traditional techniques, but also the artistic and technical advancements that make the period’s delicate pieces highly valued by collectors. The estimate for this lot of two cups featuring lively painted dragons and Yongzsheng marks is $8,000-$12,000.
Perhaps the most arresting lot in the June 18 auction is the pair of carved wood Japanese guardian figures. Time has muted their original vivid colors but not their commanding authority. Wearing fearsome armor and the fiercest of facial expressions, each tramples a beast underfoot, demonstrating their heroic power over natural elements and evil spirits. Standing just over 25 inches tall, the pair is estimated at $20,000 to $30,000.
Ancient treasures in the sale include the 12th-century molded Ding bowl decorated with swimming fish ($6,000-8,000) and the collection of eight archaistic jade carvings ($2,000- $3,000) from the R&D Ashley Collection, San Francisco. A Ghandaran Schist frieze depicting the death of Buddha is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. Many fine figures of Buddha are in this auction, including stone, bronze, and gilt bronze pieces of Chinese, Khmer and Thai origin. Indian stone figures include Vishnu, Ganesh and the Bodissatvas. Japanese silver, bronze censers, and Huanghuali wood furniture are also featured.
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