As scheduled, Gianguan Auctions will be holding its annual Spring Sale on Monday, March 16, at 6 PM in New York, presenting a well curated Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art Collection, featuring a trove of 255 items, fresh to the market.

The sale kicks off with Burmese carved jade jewelry pieces, Tianhuang and Shoushan stone seals (see also Qing Dynasty, Imperial Bronze Dragon Knop Seal, Lot 52). Followed by its renowned Classical, modern and contemporary Chinese paintings, interspersed with Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties’ porcelains and works of art. 

Leading the highlights of ink works is Lot 80. Kwong Lam, Unconstrained Freehand Cursive Script.  Breaking away from writing in the traditional sense Lam created calligraphic writing into free-flowing pictorial signs by relinquishing the conscious structure behind ideographic signs. Taking the concept of spontaneity to new heights of expression by discovering the law of nature within oneself. By forgoing the meaning of the individual sign, the function of calligraphy emphasizes “floating clouds” and “immortal dancing” -- in essence, the ecstasy of mind and body conjugated through the unbridled spontaneity of the brush. Lam’s Freehand Script was first exhibited at Beijing’s History Museum in 1994.  He is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, 2018. Est. $2,000 - $3,000. See also Lot 85.

A favorite among collectors, Zhang Daiquan, China’s most popular artists is well represented here. In 1941, while stationed in Dunhuang, Zhang painted this large hand scroll, Lot 105, Reminiscing Lotus Harvest, on rice paper measuring nearly three meters across. It displays compelling magnificence in continuous brushwork, without breaking in segments, in realistic and freehand strokes, giving the lotus an innate grace and purity. Estimate upon request.

Lot 108 Lotus in the Wind, shows Zhang at work with his Abstract Expressionism. This work, painted with intense and broad washes of layered ink, completed with loose, freehand strokes. Many have noted that Zhang's splashed-ink paintings were representations of a synergy of both Western and Chinese painting practices. Est. 60,000 to $80,000.

In Lot 77, the Guanyin portrait he painted is a fresco copy of the Bodhisattva in Mogao Cave. A gentle kindness is conveyed through the Bodhisattva’s solemn disposition.  Est. $50,000 to $60,000. Lot 160, Guanyin executed on gold paper is an excellent example where meticulous fine-line brushwork, rhythmic double lines and opulent colors are emphasized on a Zhang’s exquisite portrait of a female Guanyin, as learned from studies made at Dunhuang Caves.  Estimate upon request.

Also featured are works by other leading Chinese artists: Hong Ren, Lot 29, Spring.  Hongren, a monk painter using refined, dry, and angular brushwork techniques to create a minimalist composition that reflects his inner peace. Est. $60,000 to $80,000. Zhao Boju, Lot 60, Green Landscape, a Song Dynasty recluse, Zhao seek escape from the worldly cares by creating a secluded mountain landscape with green pigments. Est. $60,000 - $80,000. Another highlight of the Classical painting collection is a four panel scroll painting by Qi Baishi, Lot 84 Flowers and Vegetables. Here Qi painted familiar objects he saw around him, flowers, vegetables and insects.  Drawing inspiration from everyday existence.

Huang Yongyu, Lot 112, Lotus Pond, a classic example of Huang’s work, with bold strokes and dripping colors he created his original style in contemporary Chinese painting.

The art of Blue and White: Lot 91 Qing, A Fine Doucai ‘Three Friends’ Bottle Vase.  Ovoid form with rounded tapered sides supported on a recessed base, painted in vibrant cobalt blue with the ‘Three Friends of Winter’: flowering prunus, bamboo shoots and boughs of pine.  Enameled with underglazed blue lines all issuing from a double line scroll border encircling the foot.  These three plants are representative of fortitude and uprightness in adverse conditions, as well as symbolic of longevity.  Est.$30,000 - $40,000

Religious symbolism, Lot 100  A Qianlong Turquoise-Glazed Ceramic Kartrika with Vajra. This trowel, with a curved iron blade ornamented with a gilt makara, Vajra is a Tibetan-Buddhist ritual vessel, used in special ceremonies for blessing and consecrating sacred images and is usually cast in bronze. During the Qing Dynasty, with the Royal Belief in Buddhism, Jingdezhen’s Royal Kiln Factory produced a large variety of porcelain Buddhist utensils. In addition to being used as the implement of the Buddhist temple in the palace, it was also used by the court for Buddhist temples in Tibet. This porcelain five-stranded trowel perfectly combines the traditional shape of Tibet with the palace imperial porcelain, and it is also a historical witness of the fusion of Han and Tibetan culture. With a moderate estimate of $3,000 - $4,000

For enthusiasts of Crystal and Buddhist art, Lot 102 Song Dynasty, This unique Ensemble of Three Translucent Beryl-Green Crystal Glass Carved Guanyins has a unique emerald-green color, further distinguished by being each carved from solid blocks of glass rather than being blown, hence they are heavier, indicating that they were made to imitate hardstones. The ensemble Guanyins are carved wearing long robes holding the Sun, Moon and Alchemist Bowl. Est. $60,000 - $80,000

A collection of archaic jade carvings: Lot 168, Warring States, A Rare Jade Pillow Carved with Recumbent Hogs, animal form moulded in the round with a ruyi-shaped headrest on the top. Pillows in animal forms were believed to ward off evil spirit and enhance peace and wellness. Est. $2,000 - $4,000  Lot 166  Warring States, Gilt Silver Inlaid with Jade Bronze Garment Hook, Daigou The ‘S’-curved body surmounted by a small phoenix head gracefully curving to a widening contours highlighted with intricate phoenix-zoomorphic patterns in gold and silver inlay set between three jade cabochons, the reverse cast with a round knob. Est. $1,500 - $2,000

A fossilized tree resin, amber was a rare and highly treasured material which appealed not only for its attractive natural hues but also for the beneficial properties it was believed to possess, such as self-healing, transmuting negative energy into positive, as well as being effective for detoxification. Highlight in Lots 210 – 216.

The large collection of jadeite jewelry, with its symbolism and beauty will attract young collectors and connoisseurs alike with items starting at accessible estimates, $200. The beauty of Tianhuang and Shoushan stone seals are showcased with Yixing Zisha teapots as scholars’ items.

Gianguan Auctions’s full color catalogs with photographs and well-researched descriptions are available online at www.gianguanauctions.com. Previews begin on Tuesday March 10 through the 16, with live sale at the Gallery on Monday, March 16 at 6 PM, EDT. Online at Invaluable.com & Liveauctioners.com.

For inquiries, contact Mary Ann Lum, Gallery Director 212 867-728 maryann@gianguanauctions.com