Bonhams unveils highlights for Asia Week New York this September

Marquee Sale Week headlined by the J. M. Hu and T. T. Tsui ‘Boys’ Jar and Cover 

New York – This September during the annual Asia Week New York, Bonhams will  present four live sales – Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, The Francine  and Bernard Wald Collection of Fine Snuff Bottles, Part II, Classical and Modern  Chinese Paintings, and Fine Japanese and Korean Art – that showcase and spotlight  exceptional works of art from across Asia.  

“Building upon the tremendous success of our March sales, Bonhams is proud to present  a truly exceptional selection of Asian art this September during the New York Asia Week,”  commented Dessa Goddard, Senior VP and US Head of Asian Art. “This season’s  offerings exemplify the highest standards of quality and provenance, featuring rare and  museum-quality Chinese and Korean ceramics, and distinguished Japanese works. We  are also honored to continue the presentation of the Francine and Bernard Wald Collection  of Fine Snuff Bottles with Part II, and to offer works from the estate of renowned poet, painter, and author Chiang Yee, further underscoring Bonhams’ commitment to bringing  significant private collections to market.”  

Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
September 15 

A Superb Pair of Unique Famille Rose ‘Chrysanthemum’ Dishes, Yongzheng six-character marks and of the period,  estimated at US$800,000 – 1,200,000. 

A Magnificent and Important Blue and White ‘Boys’ Jar and Cover, Jiajing six character mark and of the period will headline the Important Chinese Ceramics and  Works of Art sale on September 15. Estimated between US$1,200,000 – 1,800,000, the  present lot boasts illustrious provenance, having belonged to both respected and  influential Chinese art collectors J. M. Hu (1911-1995) and T. T. Tsui (1941-2010), and is  considered extremely rare due to its design and size, and retention of its original cover. Painted in rich, dark violet tones of underglaze cobalt blue, this rare imperial jar features a  vibrant, continuous scene of sixteen children engaged in various symbolic games and  activities, each representing aspirations for success in official life. The overall theme  reflects the Confucian wish for many sons, a cornerstone of fulfilling filial and ancestral  duties. 

Another standout from the 78-lot sale, curated with a fine selection of exceptional,  museum-quality works, is a Superb Pair of Unique Famille Rose ‘Chrysanthemum’  Dishes, Yongzheng six-character marks and of the period. Estimated between US$800,000 – 1,200,000, the pair of dishes, formerly in the collection of pioneering Hong  Kong shipping magnate and art collector T. Y. Chao (1912-1999), features medallions of  flowering chrysanthemums delicately painted in pink, green, yellow, white, and blue  enamel. Each dish is encircled by a moulded, twenty-four petal-shaped rim – a design  combination believed to be unique, with no other example pairing this enamelled motif and  rim known to date.  

Additional highlights include:  

• An Important and Massive Blue and White ‘Scrolling Flowers’ Vase,  Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period, estimated at US$400,000 – 600,000. From a distinguished American family and fresh to market, this vase,  never before offered at auction, is painted in rich cobalt blue with a dense floral design and framed by lappet bands and wave motifs. It stands as a striking example  of Yongzheng Emperor’s aesthetic of stately elegance, accomplished by many Jingdezhen innovations under the supervision of Tang Ying. 
• Two Impressive Blue and White 'Lotus and Shou-Medallion' Hu-Shaped  Handled Vases, Qianlong six-character seal marks and of the period, estimated at  US$250,000 – 400,000. These pear-shaped 'hu' vases, sturdily potted and set on  flared feet with classic scroll bands, feature rotund bodies tapering at the shoulders  and flanked by molded archaistic scroll handles. A closely related example is  housed in the Shanghai Museum. 
• A Rare and Important Large Jun Foliate Rim Bracket-Lobed Bowl, Jin dynasty, estimated at US$120,000 – 180,000. Elegantly potted with a lightly ribbed body and  creamy-blue glaze, this deep bowl exemplifies Jun ware, one of the ‘Five Classic  Wares,’ produced in Junzhou (modern Yuzhou, Henan) from the Northern Song  through the Yuan dynasties. This bowl is considered to be one of only few rare  examples of this particularly large foliate rim type known to date. 

The Francine and Bernard Wald Collection of Fine Snuff Bottles, Part II September 15  

Fine Snuff Bottles from the Francine and Bernard Wald Collection.
 

Also on September 15, The Francine and Bernard Wald Collection of Fine Snuff  Bottles, Part II, will further explore the couple’s distinguished collection. Of note in the  sale is a Fine Imperial Vivid Violet-Blue Opaque White Glass ‘Lotus Flower’ Snuff  Bottle, Qianlong Wheel-Cut Four-Character Mark and of the Period. Estimated  between US$7,000 – 9,000, this bottle’s design is elegantly composed with a lotus spray.  

Additional highlights to include:  

• A Large White and Russet Jade 'Lingzhi-Gathering Scholar' Snuff Bottle, Suzhou 1750-1830, estimated at US$6,000 – 8,000.
• A Large Chalcedony Agate 'Tethered Horse' Snuff Bottle 1750-1860, estimated  at US$800 – 1,200. 
• A Pale Celadon and Russet Jade 'Monkey on Purse' Snuff Bottle 1750-1850,  estimated at US$800 – 1,200. 

Classical and Modern Chinese Paintings 
September 16  

Various Subjects, 1614, Li Liufang (1575-1629), estimated at US$80,000–120,000.
 

Leading the Classical and Modern Chinese Paintings sale on September 16 is an  exquisite album by the late Ming dynasty artist Li Liufang (1575-1629). Estimated at  US$80,000 – 120,000, the album comprises twelve leaves, on imported Korean mirror  paper, each leaf exploring different expressions of ink play, including landscapes, flowers,  and bamboo. Dedicated to the artist’s nephew, the album is a pure, personal expression,  and compelling example of Late Ming painting.  

The sale will also feature property from the estate of Chiang Yee (1903-1977), a.k.a “The  Silent Traveller”, an accomplished painter, poet and Nobel prize nominated author.  Among the lots, is a splendid portrait of Chiang Yee by his close friend and artist Xu  Beihong (1895-1953), estimated US$60,000 – 80,000, drawn in 1933, when as young  men the two shared a flat in London. Additionally, Chiang Yee’s original paintings, many published in the Silent Traveller series and his other publications, as well as letters and  paintings from his fellow artists with whom he stayed in touch during his long period away  from China will also be featured in the sale. 

Additional highlights in the sale include:  

• Qi Bashi (1864-1957), Pumpkins, estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000. Formerly in  the collection of the ecumenical theologian Dr. Masao Takenaka (1925-2006), this  painting is an excellent example of the artist’s ability to combine calligraphic  brushwork with the rhythmic patterns of the natural world. 
• A set of five albums from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), reproducing the  Southern Song rubbing Model Calligraphies from Ding Prefect (Ding Tie), estimated  at US$30,000 – 50,000. The set features rare calligraphy by the Jin dynasty official  Wang Xizhi (303-361) and Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762).
• A misty, poetic abstract painting composed of layered ink, ochre and yellow  washes by Fifth Moon Group artist Feng Zhongrui (Fong Chung-Ray B.1934),  Untitled, 1984, estimated at US$10,000 – 15,000. 

Fine Japanese and Korean Art  
September 17 

A Rare and Important Spherical Porcelain Vase from the late 18th century Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), estimated at US$500,000 – 700,000. 

Closing out the week, the Fine Japanese and Korean Art sale on September 17, will  offer a range of works spanning from rare ceramics to finely crafted lacquer boxes. The top  lot in the sale is A Rare and Important Spherical Porcelain Vase from the late 18th  century Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), estimated at US$500,000 – 700,000. The vase is  exquisitely decorated in rich underglaze cobalt with four large roundels depicting dancing  cranes beneath a full moon and clouds, alongside tortoises exuding vapors surrounded by  stylized clouds. Additional decorative elements include a band of cusped clouds around  the shoulder and narrow parallel bands at the rim and foot – hallmarks of elite Korean  porcelain craftsmanship. 

Another standout in the sale is a rare and masterful hanging scroll by Katsushika  Hokusai (1760-1849. Estimated at US$250,000 – 350,000, Amagoi Komachi (Ono no  Komachi Praying for Rain), showcases Hokusai’s refined brushwork and is signed with his  Taitō-era signature and the rare Musashi Shimōsa seal. Formerly held in the Sakai Family  Collection and exhibited in the collection’s landmark 1968 show in Tokyo, this scroll  represents a prestigious and historically significant example of Edo-period painting. 

Additional highlights include:  

• A Copper-Decorated White Porcelain Jar, Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), 18th  Century, estimated at US$80,000 – 120,000.  
• A Black Lacquer Set of Box for Writing Utensils and Box for Writing Paper,  Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th or early 20th century,  estimated at US$10,000 – 15,000. 

Highlights from the collection Priestley & Ferraro, the London-based dealership, specializing in early Chinese art, will also be on view in New York from September 10-15,  prior to hitting the auction block at New Bond Street London across two dedicated sales  this November.

(All photos courtesy: Bonhams)