Carved ivory brush pot, 19th century. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Image courtesy of Michaan’s Auctions.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.
Chinese offerings include artwork from numerous categories, meeting the needs of collectors and dealers alike, with objects including but not limited to porcelains, jades, textiles, religious figures, furniture, paintings and calligraphy, scholar’s objects, ivory and coral. Property has originated from local collectors, estates and private collections with only top tier items selected for the Fine Asian Art Sale.
A highlight of the sale certain to pique strong buyer interest are items from the Reynold Tom Collection. Tom accumulated a glorious personal collection of Asian decorative items over the span of approximately 30 years throughout his travels to Asia, amassing the finest in ivory and stone carvings, scrolls, furniture, porcelains, figures and literature. Michaan’s Auctions is honored to present over 40 lots from the collection, a grouping reflecting a lifelong passion from a man with a keen eye for quality, beauty and Asian artistry.
One of the most substantial items up for auction from the Tom Collection is a large embellished lacquer rectangular wall panel (lot 6271, $4,000-$6,000). Dating to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the piece is beautifully decorated with ivory, jade and hard stones to the front and displays lacquering and gilt decoration on the back. There is also a corresponding tri-gram embellishment on top of the screen, continuing to add to its overall look. The screen is in nearly perfect condition, rare for this type of piece, and depicts an auspicious elephant carrying a scholar’s implements upon its back.
Another important find from the collection is a carved jadeite censer and lid from the early 20th century (lot 6296, $4,000-$6,000). The stone used has a faint greenish tone with intriguing translucency and displays natural russet inclusions. Also unique is its archaistic shape, eschewing the more common tripod form with protruding handles evident of many censers of the period. Crafted as a ritual incense burner, the censer is also a perfect example of the expert lapidary craftsmanship of the time.
With the current state of the Asian art market on the rise, many desirable pieces continue to achieve record prices, taking their prominence to new heights. Lot 6044, a finely carved ivory brush pot, shows promise of being a consummate example of just such a phenomenon ($10,000-$15,000). Dating to the Qing Dynasty, the piece is exquisitely carved with an intense attention to detail rarely seen. Comparable examples can be found in the Palace Museum in Beijing. In spite of the intricate nature of the décor on the pot, it remains in amazingly excellent condition. Depicting the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma among a fanciful flora and fauna landscape scene, “The Blue-Eyed Brahmin,” or Buddha aide, is crafted as a perfect example of the carving workmanship of the period. A comparable object offered in the Michaan’s Auctions June Fine Asian Art Sale of 2011 was estimated at $8,000-$12,000 and brought in an astounding $264,000. Objects such as these are a true find to say the least.
Among the Japanese offerings is a complete and wonderfully preserved samurai armor set. The armor is dated to the post-Edo period and was most likely used to adorn a samurai of high-ranking stature. Design features include sword-like decoration to the front of the lacquered, metal helmet as well as laced body armor in muted tones, sharply accented by bright orange. Shin guards, arm guards, back and chest protectors of metal and woven materials and a lacquered, metal mask with horsehair mustache detailing complete the set. The mask is finished with a fierce, openmouthed expression and neck protector, fit for an accomplished samurai (lot 6426, $3,500-$5,000).
From snuff bottles, carved ivory figures and a collection of fan paintings recently acquired from a private San Mateo estate, to an unusual carved Duan stone landscape table screen and rare, large huanghuali alter table, the breadth of property offered in the Michaan’s Auctions Fine Asian Art Sale is not only varied, but also of excellent quality.
Previews are scheduled Dec. 2 – 4 and 16 – 18.
For details email Ling Shang, Michaan’s Asian Art consultant, mailto:info@michaans.com or phone 510-740-0220.
For a full listing of upcoming auctions visit www.michaans.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Carved ivory brush pot, 19th century. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Image courtesy of Michaan’s Auctions. Large embellished and lacquered wood wall panel. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Michaan’s Auctions. Jade covered censer decorated with dragon. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Michaan’s Auctions. Japanese black lacquered suite of armor, post-Edo period. Estimate: $3,500-$5,000. Image courtesy of Michaan’s Auctions.
