New York – On March 22, Christie’s New York is honored to present Auspicious Treasures for Scholars and Emperors: Selections from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection a single-owner sale of exceptional Chinese carvings, scholar’s objects, ruyi scepters, as well as furniture.  Following the success of For the Enjoyment of Scholars in March 2010, Christie’s will offer an additional 137 lots from this renowned collection.  Thoughtfully acquired over the past forty years, the Blumenfield Collection ranks among the most significant collections of Chinese scholar’s objects in the world and is expected to realize in excess of $5 million.  This sale will be of interest to both seasoned and novice collectors.

Robert H. Blumenfield

Distinguished collector, scholar and author, Robert H. Blumenfield has dedicated his life to the study and appreciation of Asian Art.  Mr. Blumenfield has amassed a personal collection that reflects his discerning and distinctive eye, with each object chosen for its rarity and superb quality.  Many of the pieces in the collection are unique and exemplify the educated and elegant taste of the Chinese scholar. 

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

An Extremely Rare Yixing Lotus Petal-Form Water Vessel

Signed Chen Mingyuan

Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000

This exquisite water vessel is finely modeled as a single lotus petal while the handle is fashioned as a lotus stem and lotus pod.  Meticulously incised and painted details compliment the masterful potting of this extensively published and exhibited work.

 A Rare Glass-Inlaid and Enamel-Decorated Gilt-Bronze Ruyi Scepter

Qianlong Period (1736-1795)

Estimate: $70,000-90,000

This colorful scepter is elegantly and naturalistically cast as a fruiting peach branch, and is a dazzling testament to the imagination and technical skill of the Chinese craftsmen during the Qianlong period.

 An Extremely Rare Imperial Small Songhua Ink Palette, Box and Cover

Qianlong period, ink palette with Qianlong carved four-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795)

Estimate: $300,000-500,000

 The superbly carved ink palette, box and cover are decorated with a wealth of auspicious imagery.  The cover envisions Autumn, with the exquisite depiction of two rabbits crouching amidst chrysanthemums and rocks, which symbolize, respectively, wealth and longevity.  Stalks of bamboo have been incorporated to symbolize moral integrity.  The bamboo is also a reference to the emperor, as is the dragon emerging from waves carved inside of the palette.

An Unusual Large Huanghuali Square-Corner Display Cabinet, Wanligui

17th century

Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000

This rare cabinet is highly unusual in its inclusion of removable side and back panels.  The attractively figured single-panel doors open to reveal a shelved interior with two drawers.

 A Very Rare Yixing Slip-Decorated Brush Pot

Signed Yang Jichu, Qianlong period (1736-1795)

Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000

While most Yixing wares display an austere simplicity, the famed Yixing potter Yang Jichu finely decorated this rare brush pot using different colored clay slips with a continuous landscape that unfolds like a handscroll.  The artist’s refined skills are displayed in the bold, yet, precise ‘brushwork’, which depicts two figures in a boat approaching a secluded villa nestled amongst trees and rocky hills.