Richmond Hill, ON – After a successful year in 2011, 888 Auctions is prepared to usher in the new year with its first sale, Chinese Paintings and Asian Works of Art, Thursday, January 12th, 2012. Comprised of over 550 lots, the auction will showcase an enticing collection of Asian art and antiques including but not limited to paintings, porcelains, bronze cast Buddhist deities, fine furniture, ivory, jade and shoushan carvings. Items have been meticulously selected for their fine artistic merits, historical value, and exceptional provenance.

With the skyrocketing value of Chinese paintings, buyers will be happy to hear the inclusion of two outstanding watercolour paintings. Lot 37, a Li Kuchan (1899-1893) Chinese Watercolour features two birds, signed and inscribed with two seals. It carries an estimate high of $20,000. However, it is the next lot that figures to garner the most interest in the auction. Thus, it will be to the surprise of no one that Lot 38, a Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) Chinese watercolour painting titled ‘Wuxia Mountain Clear Autumn’ will surpass its $100,000-200,000 estimate. The watercolour painting and accompany book was acquired in 1986. Furthermore, the accompanying publication highlights the fine watercolour painting. Lot 38 boasts exceptional provenance.

Moving on from the paintings, Lot 208 will be the highlighted lot from the collection of jade carvings – a fine Chinese carved white jade mountain ($12,000-15,000). The white translucent stone features a landscape scene with an Immortal and attendant resting atop a rockery in deep relief.

Ceramics and porcelains continue to remain the staple of auctions conducted at 888 Auctions and at Lot 446, buyers will be delighted to find the inclusion of a Guangxu Mark and Period mirror blue porcelain vase. The finely potted ovoid body features auspicious Buddhist symbols with shou longevity symbols and is marked at the base with an iron-red six-character Guangxu Mark.

It is no secret that throughout its history Chinese craftsmen have taken painstaking efforts to recreate archaic objects from its storied history. At Lot 447, collectors from all over the world will have a chance to view such an example. This rare Chinese square hu-shaped vase is covered with clear evidence of a rare type of enamelling called Gutoncai. The bronze glazes composed of speckled turquoise glazed fired at low temperatures for the specific purpose of emulating patinated bronze also features a band of auspicious bats atop peaches with classic scroll below a key-fret border underneath a raised rim in gilt gold. The six-character Qianlong Mark on the base shows evidence of flaked gilt gold. Standing 43 cm tall, this majestic vase is easily expected to surpass its high estimate of $60,000.

An unusual piece will be featured at Lot 604. Exceptionally detailed with gilt gold (3-5 oz), this lacquered wood plaque featuring a deeply carved sprawling operatic openwork figural scene of scholars, generals, government officials and men on horseback carries with it a $4,000 estimate high.

Of the fine pieces of Chinese furniture, 888 Auctions is proud to feature not one but a complete set of six Qing Dynasty yellow rosewood Huanghuali chairs at Lot 605 from a Richmond Hill estate. Sturdily constructed and inset with a marble ‘dreamstone’, this finely preserved set of six chairs carries an estimate high of $12,000.

The breadth of property offered at 888 Auctions’ Chinese Paintings and Asian Works of Art is not only varied, but also of excellent quality. However, buyers should feel comfortable knowing that will continue to find exceptional value at 888 Auctions.

Preview will be held Monday, Jan. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For details visit www.888auctions.com or call 905.763.7201.