Fall Asian Week in New York 2008
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008The Asian sales in New York during September 2008 saw good results with continued strength pretty much across the board in all the Chinese categories. Despite uncertainties in world financial markets the worldwide thirst for fine Asian antiques is for now unaffected. In some areas the buying has become more selective, but the money is still clearly available for the best examples. Christies had a good selection of items covering most of the major collecting categories with several examples breaking the multi million-dollar mark.
One of the real standouts was sold on September 17 was a Ming Yongle Period (1403-25) Tianbai-glazed anhua-decorated Meiping vase. The color and form were of the best quality, which was reflected, in the $2,770,500 selling price. This particular white glaze is sometimes called “sweet white” which is very rare in tone and exists on only a few surviving examples. This 12-inch example is a gem.
Song Tinbai Meiping vase, Christies
Another interesting Ming example was a large Lonquan Celadon Porcelain Charger measuring 21 inches across and of good coloration. While the $50,000 price was not a record, the amount realized reflects the lack of weakness in green wares, which in my opinion are relative bargains in today’s market. In particular Song through mid Ming examples with desirable tones of green can be had at very fair prices. Despite not being in particular favor for the time being, Celadons still have a loyal following.
Ming Lonquan Celadon, Christies
In recent years as certain examples, in particular porcelains become increasingly rare the once stone wall reluctance by collectors to buy anything other than perfect examples has been eroding allowing renewed interest the rarest examples. As a case in point was the large 17 inch tall Ming Wanli jar with Shou Characters and a six-character mark brought $146,500 with a restored neck. This jar had a very nice shape and good deep cobalt decoration which overcame the negatives of the restoration.
Ming Period Wanli Jar, Christies
The intense interest in Imperial examples also continues unabated. A great case in point was a Yellow Ground with nice clear green enamel “Dragon Vase” with an incised mark and of the Qianlong period (1736-1795). This was a really pretty 12 inch example and jumped up to $1,762,500. While this is not a record price for Imperial Qing vases, but one of the rarest types. The price realized demonstrates the still strong desire for fine and rare Imperial Wares
Qianlong Yellow and Green vase, Christies
Finally among the Christies Chinese ceramic offerings was a pretty fantastic green glazed Cizhou baluster vase from the Song or Jin Dynasty (12th C.). This classic example had a wonderful shape coupled with elegant black drawing over the fine near apple green colored ground. This was a very handsome and early example and the bidders rewarded its merit bringing the final selling price to $722,500.
Cizhou Song or Jin Vase, Christies
The antique Japanese and Korean markets remain spotty with a few standouts drawing loads of interest. A fine pair of six panel Japanese screens by an anonymous artist brought nearly $1,000,000.00 and a Korean Choson period square Korean Bottle Vase selling for $482,500.
19th C. Choson Period, Christies
Finally perhaps one of the best examples of the year was a large 51 inch gilt bronze 15th C. Tibetan bronze which brought $3,666,500. The casting of this example was done in sections due to its size and was simply among the very very best known. An elegant face and sublimely formed torso. A great one!!!
Record Price Tibetan Buddha, Christies