Lot8136 Bell

Michaan’s Fine Asian Works of Art Auction proved to be a defining success, becoming the company’s second highest grossing sale to date. The hammer total of over $1.4 million was the result of rare, high quality property strongly sought after by bidders from around the world.

Nearly 75% of the 411 offered lots sold, with many astonishingly surpassing their projected estimates. The highest selling lot of the day was an exceptional and rare gilt-bronze archaistic ritual bell, sold as lot 8136. Estimated at $20,000-30,000, the lot drew interest from numerous floor and phone bidders. A phone bidder from Beijing eventually secured the bell to a round of applause, with an amazing final selling price of $198,000.

Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970s by a private Los Angeles collector, the ritual bell from the Qianlong period holds a rare decorative scheme, making it quite an unusual find. It appears that only two other comparable examples are known; one sold at Christie’s, London on March 29, 1966 as lot 171 and the other sold at Sotheby’s, Paris on June 9th, 2010 as lot 43.

Lot8096 RhinoCup

Asian Art Specialist Harry Huang noted, “This reinforces that Imperial works of art will always attract considerable bidding interest and spectacular sale results. It was a great honor for myself and my colleagues to have acquired a once-in-a-lifetime piece such as this fine ritual bell. We were all quite amazed that the piece ended up taking in almost 6% of the entire days revenue.”

Another top performer was the rhinoceros horn lotus libation cup. Offered as lot 8096, the superbly carved horn was the second highest grossing lot of the day, selling for $70,200.

Also notable were two lots that went for over 6 times their high estimates. The aloeswood brush pot featured on the cover of the auction catalog brought an impressive $52,650, a far cry from its estimate of $6,000-8,000. From the esteemed Chinese glass collection of Ina and Sandford Gadient was a rare, multicolored snowstorm glass vase that also performed quite well, bringing in $32,175.

Fine Chinese porcelains and works of art from the Reynold Tom Collection were a considerable bidder draw. The collection experienced a 100% sell-through, totaling a respectable $138,294. The fine porcelain plaques that were a part of the collection undoubtedly helped the group to more than double cumulative projected high values. Lots 8201-8205 were especially noteworthy, as the rectangular and circular plaques of painted figures and landscapes accounted for a hefty $102,375.

Furniture also enjoyed a 100% sell-through, with multiple fine chair lots exceeding their high estimates. Two huanghuali horseshoe armchairs doubled their high values (lot 8335 - $15,210, lot 8336 - $12,870). A pair of hardwood armchairs quadrupled projections at $12,870 (lot 8343) while a group of eight hardwood chairs inset with marble plaques also brought in $12,870.

Lot8185 AloeswoodBrushpot

A rising star in the current Asian artworks market is undoubtedly Chinese paintings. Fine Chinese classical paintings have recently seen a sales increase of roughly 50% at auction and the future for such pieces remains optimistic. This notion is evidenced in two outstanding lots from the June Fine selection. An album of eleven painting and calligraphy leaves sold for over 14 times its high estimate of $1,200 for $17,550. Competition ran high for the collection of artworks by various artists, with a dealer eventually securing the coveted lot. Following close behind are two paintings by Pu Ru (1896-1963), sold as lot 8376. Acquired directly from the artist by the consignor’s father, the pair of ink and color paintings sold for $16,380, over three times the high estimate.

Civil and military rank badges also competed well at auction. The pieces were in wonderful condition, with many of the lots pulling 3 to 5 times their estimated high values.

About Michaan’s Auctions

Michaan’s Auctions is a leading full service auction house on the West

Coast. Specializing in the appraisals and sale of antiques and fine art, Michaans has specialists in the fields of Furniture and Decorative Arts, Modern, Contemporary Art, European and American Paintings and Prints, Jewelry, Asian Works of Art and Ethnographic Art.

Established in 2002, Michaan’s Auctions holds up to thirty sales each year attracting a broad base of buyers and consignors from all over the world. With one of the largest facilities in Northern California and the Bay Area’s lowest buyers premium Michaan’s offers buyers and sellers the opportunity to preview and bid on many unique and desirable property. Some of these pieces realized world record prices. In 2005 A.D.M. Cooper’s oil painting, Three Graces 1915, sold for a record $21,060 and an Eduard Gaertner oil, German City Street Scene 1831,sold for $266,000.

Michaan’s has built its reputation on its ability to accept single items, groups or entire estates with its “no risk consignment policy” free of hidden fees and charges. Michaan’s specialists are dedicated to staying current on the latest issues and developments in the market and are committed to providing personalized and professional attention throughout the entire auction process.

For a full listing of upcoming auctions or to view a complete catalog, please visit www.michaans.com.