Richmond Hill, Ontario – Over 500 fine Chinese carvings and works of art—to include jade and Tianhuang stone carvings, jewellery, ivory, bronze, porcelains and silver—will be sold to the highest bidder on Thursday, Aug. 16, by 888 Auctions at 1 p.m. EDT.

Hot off the heels of an auction that saw remarkable prices for jade carvings, 888 Auctions’ final summer sale of the year will be highlighting an exceptional collection of exceptional jade carvings and jewellery.

Quality jade carvings have experienced a resurgence in the market. Continuing the trend of strong jade carvings will be Lot 185. It is sure to raise a few eyebrows as it is reminiscent of the jade Zigang pendant that achieved a final hammer of $19,200 in 888’s June auction.  It will be very interesting to see bidding for the modestly estimated Zigang pendant (High Est. $800)

Thus, it will be no one’s surprise that the highlight of the sale will feature an exceptionally Chinese carved emerald green jadeite brooch will be headlining the event. The Burma jadeite brooch, immaculately carved in the form of a butterfly, is encrusted with 34 diamonds on 18K white gold. Lot 243 boasts strong provenance from the Lau Collection, Hong Kong (Circa 1970) and in light of the hot market for jade carvings, it is expected to far exceed its high estimate of $15,000.

In addition, collectors will also be pleased to find an Eastern Zhou White Jade Gold Gilt Funerary Vessel.  Although the 2000 year old funerary vessel shows significant signs of age, it only adds to the value of this rare and archaic vessel. With clear evidence of gilt gold and shallow relief carvings intact, Lot 163 commands a $25,000 high estimate.

However, in spite of the strong market prices achieved by the jade carvings, it is a Chinese Qing Period Shoushan Figure of Daoist Immortals serving as the star lot of the auction. Carved in exceptionally detailed relief with incised designs throughout the figural group, Lot 214A commands a high estimate of $10,000.

Two bronze pieces are certain to get attention. One at Lot 461 is a 15th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze Buddha Shakyamuni (High Est. $30,000). Seated in meditative dhyanasana pose and hands in dhyana mudra, the serene face is framed by pendulous earlobes with an archaic Ming Xuande mark near the base on verso.

The other, located at Lot 420, is a pair of Chinese 10K gold gilt bronze Qianlong Period Vases (High Est. $20,000). Tested for purity, the quatrefoil-shaped body features a charming pair of handles in form of clambering chilong dragons.

Other lots of interest in the sale include:

·         Lot 465: 5th Century Chinese Wei Dynasty Buddha Dated 495 AD (High Est. $10,000)

·         Lot 334: 19th C. Chinese Red Glazed Gold Gilt Vase Daoguang Mark (High Est. $20,000)

·         Lot 476A: Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carved Libation Cup (High Est. $6,000)

888 Auctions’ next big sale will be slated for Thursday, Sept. 13. Quality consignments are still being accepted. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, call 905-763-7201 or email info@888auctions.com.