The splendor of China’s heritage is once again the focus of the exceptionally strong collections of classical and modern paintings and dynastic works of art set for auction on September 12 at Gianguan Auctions New York. The symbolism that underlies every facet of Chinese culture and Buddhist art is front and center. The elevation of scholarship is apparent in the craftsmanship displayed in items as varied as classical and modern paintings,  carved jades, antique ceramics, and jewelry and teapots. 

A collection of multi-million dollar scroll paintings underscores the leadership position accorded Gianguan Auctions in this category. Among the highlights is Lot 105, “The Steed and Groom,” by Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322). A prince and descendant of the royal family, Zhao Mengfu broke from tradition to explore the layering of grounds at various heights to create depth. In this ink on a stone-black stallion with one red tether is matched with a lone handler within a proscenium of rocky outcroppings. The pre-sale estimate is $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 USD. 

Considered one of the four great masters of the Yuan Dynasty, Huang Gongwang (1269-1354) created Lot 102, “Rain Falling on Mist Forest”. Comprised of rolling hills and rocky boulders, the landscape is inscribed and signed Dachi Daoren, one of the artist’s sobriquets, and has one artist seal. Ten collectors’ seals, a frontispiece by Wen Peng and a colophon by Xiang Yuanbian give this painting its pre-sale estimated value of $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 USD.

The epitome of Ming Dynasty Buddhist art is Qiu Ying’s “Venerable Buddha,” Lot 91. The image of Buddha, with halo and colorful robes, is rendered transcendent by placing him amidst clouds with a companion hoisting a ceremonial parasol. Deftly colored, signed and with one artist seal, nine Emperors’ seals and six collectors’ seals, the painting has a $2,000,000-$3,000,000 value.

The contemporary Buddhist art highlight is HH Doje Chang Buddha III’s 2013 “Loquat”.  Treating the ink as if it were as precious as gold, the artist has honed in on an ascending branch laden with fruit. Deft strokes give it an airy elegance, a simplicity that belies the hidden power within. There are no broken strokes or extraneous marks. The ink on paper painting carries the bell seal of Dorje Chang Buddha III and a three-dimensional finger print Gui Yuan.  It is priced at $9,000,000.

Xu Beihong, the 20th century master known as the father of modern Chinese art, excelled at capturing the personalities of horses. Lot 110, “Two Horses” is a supreme example of this skill. Here he pairs a white and black duo frolicking in full gallop.  The 1944 work is inscribed and signed Beihong. It has three artists’ seals. Bidding begins at $200,000 and may go as high as $300,000.

In 1939, Xu Beihong staged a war benefit at Victoria Memorial Hall in Singapore. Among the artists showcased was the 19th century painter Ren Bonian aka Ren Yi. (1940-1896). Lot 87, his “A Traveling Master”, is punctuated with carefully applied blue and yellow dabs at hat and sash. It is a hint of the color splash techniques of the mid-20th century. The work is estimated at $12,000-$20,000.

The vibrant color splashed works of mid-century Chinese artists were frequently of traditional tonality over laid with bold color splotches. Lot 101, “Spring in Southern China” by Wu Guanzhong, advances the color concept by emblazing an abstraction of sketched houses along a river with bridge in tones of blue, yellow, pink and green. Its presale estimate is $40,000-$60,000. Lot 86, Liu Halsu’s “Mountain Springs,” translates the ferocity of rushing water with roiling bursts of blue, white and black and a smattering of fiery pink. Signed Liu Haisu at 89, it has one artist seal. It catalog value is $8,000-$15,000.

Lot 97, Qi Baishi’s “Insect on Leaf in Water” is a minimalist work in gentle strokes of an ephemeral insect rafting on a leaf as a dragonfly circles above.  It is signed and has two artist seals. It will see $50,000-$60,000. 

For the complete line up of Chinese scroll paiantings and works of art in the sale scheduled at Gianguan Auctions on Saturday, September 12th, please visit http://gianguanauctions.com.

The auction will be conducted live at the gallery, 295 Madison Avenue. Online bidding takes place on invaluable.com, Liveauctioneers.com, and on the Gianguan website. For details and condition reports, please call 212-226-2660.