CHICAGO – Imperial Auctioneers, specialists in fine-quality Asian art of exceptional provenance, will conduct a Monday, May 13 sale with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

Highlights are plentiful in every category and start with the very first lot in the sale, a rare white and russet jade horn. Dating to the Qing Dynasty it is carved with a sinuous chilong in relief alongside various scrolling and whorl motifs. Well hollowed and finely polished, it exhibits good translucency and a generous amount of russet skin. Consigned by a discerning Asian collector, the piece is expected to attract considerable attention in the sale and is estimated at $5,000-$8,000.

From the same person’s collection comes a black and white carved jade ox entered as Lot 10B. Depicted in a recumbent pose, this well-carved animal figure from the Qing Dynasty is reminiscent of the style of the Ming Dynasty. It is expected to make $1,500-$3,000.

Another fine artwork is a white jade crab, Lot 10, estimated at $2,000-$3,000. A lovely example with exceptionally fine detailing, this piece dates to the Qing Dynasty. Jade fanciers will be well pleased with the selection offered in the May 13 auction, which includes a varied selection of jade bangles, plaques and snuff bottles.

Another strong specialty category in the auction comprises 20th-century Chinese paintings. Lot 40, a fine painting by Ding Zhang (b. 1917), was purchased directly from the artist in the 1980s. It is offered with not only an artist’s certificate but also a photograph of the artist with the painting. The presale estimate is $4,000-$6,000. Several other paintings being offered with artists’ certificates are Lot 33, a Chinese painting by Wang Ming Ming (b. 1952) and Lot 37, a Chinese painting by Tang Yun (1910-1993). Both are excellent examples of the respective artists’ work and carry individual estimates of $4,000-$6,000.

An outstanding opportunity is presented to collectors in the form of Lot 40B, a complete set of vintage lithographs by Zao Wou-Ki (Chinese, 1921-2013). Published to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Club Francais Du Livre, the lithographs were printed in 1966 by Imprimerie Union, Paris, from originals owned by the club. Hao Ji, director of Asian Art for Imperial Auctioneers, observed that he has never seen a complete set of this edition on the market before, although presumably one must have been offered back when it was first printed. The recent passing of the esteemed Zou Wou-Ki adds to the desirability of this elusive edition, and a presale estimate has been set at $5,000-$8,000.

Among the stellar porcelain lots to be auctioned is Lot 21, a large Ge-type vase, with a Yongzheng mark, possibly of the period. A fine archaic hu form, it stands 12.7 inches and is expected to fetch $10,000-$15,000. Lot 22 is a large and stunning blue and white moon flask with Qianlong mark and possibly of the period. This eye-catching piece is profusely adorned in a floral pattern that perfectly complements its shape. The presale estimate is $7,000-$15,000.

A small but select array of textiles and bronzes will be up for bid. Textiles include a couple of dragon robes and rank badges, while the bronzes are led by Lot 52, a heavy censer with Xuande mark on its base, estimate: $3,000-$5,000. Additionally, there are bronze mirrors and an archaistic wine vessel bearing a Qianlong mark.

Unusual iterations of rhinoceros horn are seen in the sale, such as Lot 30A, a rhino-horn brush pot estimated at $1,500-$2,500, and Lot 14A, a Buddha estimated at $2,000-$4,000. For collectors of scholarly items, there is Lot 27, a rare and large amber scholar’s rock. Measuring 8.8 inches tall and weighing 1.47 lbs., it carries a presale estimate of $2,000-$4,000.

Many exciting opportunities await collectors in Imperial Auctioneers’ May 13 auction, and inquiries are encouraged. For questions about any lot in the sale, please email inquiries@imperialauctioneers.com or call tollfree 1-866-886-7912.

To view the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet, visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

# # #

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE