An impressive variety of Asian works of art were in demand at Michaan’s June 8 biannual auction of fine Asian works of art. According to the auctioneer, the strength of the market combined with quality, provenance and condition to contribute the success of the sale.
Collectors, dealers and aficionados of Asian art came from across the globe to vie for Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian works offered. Spirited bidding from the packed auction floor competing against determined international buyers on the telephone and online was a testament to the items offered. Numerous works at the midlevel range exceeded expectations, as well.
Top seller among the nearly 260 lots was a Chinese copper-red porcelain ewer and cover, which sold for $46,800.
Sarah Zhu, fine Asian art director, said, “Our auction has proved that knowledgeable buyers will stop at nothing for the best objects.”
Additional strong selling lots include: a pair of small fine Chinese porcelain dou cai cups, which sold for $38,025 against a presale estimate of $15/25,000; a Chinese carved rhinoceros horn figure of seated Sakyamuni that made $35,100; and a fine large Chinese famille rose incense burner with wood stand that brought $26,325, within estimate.
Other highlights were a group of four Chinese miniature famille rose vases signed by Wang Xi Liang that realized $26,325, far exceeding presale estimate of $1/2,000; and a fine Chinese Imperial (Song Hua Shi) ink stone, four seal character, “Yong Zheng Nian Zhi,” which sold for $16,380.
A rare Chinese cloisonné enamel dragon vase brought $12,870, an eight-panel, gem-encrusted wood folding screen sold for $9,945, and a Chinese turquoise glazed Mei Ping vase realized $7,020.
Chinese lots were strong across the board, including an embroidered silk dragon robe that was wrapped up for $6,436; a carved bamboo Shao at $5,265; a carved Tian Huang stone seal, $5,265; a fine blue and white porcelain brush pot, $4,680; and three; finely carved Chinese soapstone seal chops that realized $4,680.
All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
Michaan’s is at 2751 Todd Street. For more information, www.michaans.com or 510-740-0220.
