Strong Bids for Asian Art Tuesday at Bonhams & Butterfields in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- An anonymous Asian art collector paid more than $1.38-million on Tuesday for a two-foot high Qianlong Period gilt bronze censer – sold during the $4.7-million Asian Art auction held at Bonhams & Butterfields in San Francisco. The 250-year old censer was described by the auctioneers as “fine and rare;” its bell-form bowl is decorated overall with rows of bronze lotus petals above a base of three gilt bronze elephant heads. Bidding opened at $40,000 with private collectors [...]

Sale of Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Totals US$ 86,452,715

HONG KONG.- Christie’s Hong Kong Spring 2010 auctions of Important Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from The Songzhutang Collection Part II and The Imperial Sale, Important Chinese Ceramic and Works of Art realized a combine total of HK$673,307,750 (US$86,452,715). Pola Antebi, Senior Vice President, Specialist Head of the Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art Department said, “Records tumbled as Christie’s sale of the Songzhutang Collection of important rhinoceros horn carvings became the second “white glove” 100% sold auction at Christie’s Spring [...]

Asian Art Week Sales at Christie’s London to Be Held in May

LONDON.- The strength of international demand for Asian Art was again demonstrated in the March 2010 sales in New York which realized $60 million; re-confirming Christie’s continued position as market leader for the category, with 73% market share. This spring, Christie’s London Asian Art Week will run from 11 – 14 May 2010, featuring further remarkable works which exemplify rarity, beauty and excellent provenance, with many highlights offered from inspiring private collections such as The Edward and Marilyn Flower Collection [...]

Christie’s to Offer an Important Private Collection of Rhinoceros Horn Carvings

HONG KONG.- Following the success of Important Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from the Songzhutang Collection Part I sold in May 2008, Christie’s Hong Kong will offer a further selection of 30 magnificent rhinoceros horn carvings from Part II of the collection, ‘The Pine and Bamboo Studio’, on Monday, 31 May 2010. One of the finest known private collections, passionately assembled by a connoisseur over 30 years, this auction provides institutions and private collectors with a historic opportunity to obtain exceedingly [...]

Painting and Imperial Objects Highlight Sotheby’s Fine Chinese Sale

NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s 23 March 2010 sale of Chinese Works of Art will feature paintings, ceramics, jades and furniture including a number of Imperial works from distinguished private collections. Among the highlights of the sale is A Fine and Rare Imperial ‘Zitan’ Stand and Base – zitan is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious of materials, so much so that it was said to be reserved only for use in the Imperial court (est. $180/250,000). Chinese painting [...]