On December 18, Michaan’s Auctions final sale of the year also became its third highest grossing auction to date. Just shy of a 75 percent sell-through, the 427 offered lots brought in an impressive sales total of $1,270,770. The auction also made this the firm’s third Asian works of art sale to break the $1 million mark.
The two highest selling lots of the day brought the same selling price of $58,500. The market for decorative Asian furniture has remained strong as prominent collectors continue to seek extravagant, well-executed pieces of large stature.
A Qing dynasty hardwood folding floor screen with embroidered panels is just such an object of Asian artistry. The exceptional embroidery set the nine-paneled screen apart, as it took in more than 11 times its projected high value. An embellished, lacquered wood wall panel was also offered. It was in near perfect condition, a rare occurrence for this type of piece. This made the panel especially sought after, selling for more than nine times its high estimate.
Success was not seen only in lots containing decorative panels. A table screen with jade inset most sharply exceeded its high estimate. Although it was clearly a special piece, its final selling price of $26,325 amazed those in attendance. The unique design features of double-sided carvings and quality jade pushed the piece to more than 17 times its $1,500 high estimate.
A close second was a pair of blue and white porcelain bowls. Collectors were aware of the Kangxi mark, an indication of imperial association. The pieces are understood to most likely have been created for and used by Emperor Kangxi. The mark undoubtedly helped the pair of bowls to sell for $23,400, going for more than 15 times the high estimate.
Also noteworthy was a large export table with marble inset. Estimated at $2/3,000, the table sold for more than 11 times its high estimate at $35,100. The combination of the table’s unusually large size, intricate carvings and substantial single slab of pink marble made it an especially coveted piece.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
For additional information, www.michaans.com or 510-740-0220.
