‘Prunus and Bamboo’ scroll may command $150K
Two hanging scrolls by renowned Chinese artist Zhang Daqian will cross the auction block Dec. 15 at Michaan’s Auctions, and one will with a presale estimate of $100,000 to $150,000 will likely vie for top lot status.
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian’s hanging scroll “Prunus and Bamboo” is expected to lead all fine artworks in the Fine Asian Works of Art auction slated for Dec. 15 at Michaan’s Auctions. The piece carries a presale estimate of $100,000 to $150,000.
The auction begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time at Michaan’s Auctions, 2751 Todd Street,
Alameda, California. Telephone and absentee bids will be accepted, and online bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.
In addition to the featured hanging paper scroll, this auction offers another scroll by celebrated Chinese artist Zhang Daqian, whose introduction to Pablo Picasso in 1956 in Nice, France, was publicly touted as an artistic meeting of East and West. This second scroll, entitled “Horse,” is estimated at $50,000 to $70,000. The depiction of a lone horse is a stark departure for Zhang Daqian, making the scroll an extremely rare piece from the artist.
Additional artworks at sale include an album of 56 fan paintings and calligraphy by various artists ($30,000-$50,000), two scrolls, also from the same statesman’s estate collection as the Zhang Daqian pieces, by Huang Junbi titled “Pine and Waterfall,” expected to command between $30,000 and $50,000, and “Eagle,” which may soar to between $20,000 and $30,000. In addition, a group of four Japanese woodblock prints by Kawase Hasui heads to market with an estimate of $1,200 to $1,600.
Superb decorative items also abound in the sale, including handsome vessels in a wide range of price points, with a top example presented in a finely painted cloisonné enamel square form box ($20,000-$30,000). Also available is a pair of Qianlong period champlevé enamel and gilt-bronze jardinieres ($10,000-$15,000), a sky blue glass spittoon from the esteemed Ina and Sandford Gadient collection ($8,000-$12,000) and a Xu Tianmei glazed and enameled baluster form vase ($6,000-$8,000), among others. Decorative pieces at decidedly conservative price points are also available, seen in a Chinese pumpkin shaped sterling silver sweetmeat box ($4,000-$6,000), two yellow glazed altar vessels of rectangular and oval shapes ($2,000-$3,000) and a Republic period famille rose vase fashioned with pierced dragon-fish handles ($1,000-$1,500).
A variety of decorative lots of choice materials are also poised to cross the auction block. A set of 12 famille rose porcelain plaques depicting historical figures will be sold ($24,000-$30,000), joined by another refined porcelain piece in an iron red famille rose plaque crafted as a nod to the 100 variations of the longevity character ($1,500-$2,000).
Delightful and highly collectible silver miniatures are grouped in renditions of a pair of lanterns, a fan and an armchair, as well ($1,500-$2,000). A 12-volume set of “Oriental Ceramics: The World’s Great Collections” will also be sold, providing the perfect accompaniment to any well-rounded collection ($6,000-$8,000).
Bronzes are highlighted by a massive model of Daoist divinity Zhenwu ($20,000-$30,000); an archaic form koro inlaid with gold, silver and copper ($3,000-$5,000); and a censer of bombé form with twin elephant head form handles ($1,500-$2,000).
Rounding out the auction will be textiles and various figure forms. A colorful woven robe with dark blue velvet edgings, owned and once exhibited by Jon Eric Riis in the Arts of Pacific Asia Show in San Francisco, is available ($10,000-$15,000). A thangka depicting Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi comes from the personal estate of Senator Theodore Francis Green ($8,000-$12,000). Green once served as a Democratic governor and U.S. senator from the state of Rhode Island. He held a seat in the U.S. senate from 1936 to 1961 and was also selected by then-President Harry Truman to serve as a delegate to the 7th General Assembly of the United Nations in 1952.
Yet another robe, a 19th century blue background brocade piece with dragon
decoration ($2,000-$3,000) is scheduled for sale.
Highlighted figure depictions will present numerous characters during the auction, including a gilt bronze Yama ($8,000-$12,000), gilt bronze Manjushri ($5,000-$7,000), a set of famille rose Star Gods ($4,000-$6,000) and a set of gilt silver filigree and enamel female warriors ($4,000-$6,000).
The illustrated auction catalog is available for online viewing at www.michaans.com. Final previews for the Fine Asian Works of Art auction will be held December 12-15, 2014, before the sale.
For more information, call Michaan’s at 510-740-0220, ext. 0, or e-mail info@michaans.com.
