Kwong Lum Advises Collectors on "Period of Adjustment in Chinese Art"

  • NEW YORK, California
  • /
  • May 25, 2012

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"Three Musicians" by Fu Baishi

As Gianguan Auctions prepares for its June 10 sale, Kwong Lum, President of Gianguan Auctions, advises collectors on how to manage the changing dynamic in the Chinese art market. "This period of adjustment," he states, "should be viewed as an opportune time to buy."

The advice is reflected in the realistic estimates and reliable cataloging of the fine Chinese Paintings, Ceramics, Bronzes and Works of Art in the upcoming sale.

Gianguan opens its morning session with more than seventy traditional and contemporary paintings by renowned Chinese artists, whose works are in the $4,000 - $25,000 range. World art leaders included in the sale offer promise for high-level collectors.

Among these is Zhang Daqian's "Lotus." Collectors will remember that Zhang Daqian's works outsold Picasso's in 2011.  "Lotus" is an ink on paper image, rendered in a matured splashed-ink technique vaguely reminiscent of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Its three stamps and seal are from Daqian's own collection. It is Lot 12. The catalog estimate is $200,000 to $300,000.

Fu Baishi, whose recent retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art introduced him to audiences worldwide, is represented by an ink and paper scroll entitled "Three Musicians." A departure from the nationalistic style favored by Mao, this painting of musicians in a landscape integrates poetic atmosphere with traditional ink technique. It is Lot 33, expected to bring $100,000 to $150,000.

Lot 62, a Bodhisattva painting with calligraphy by Master Hongyi, will be well received at $8,000 to $12,000. Of black and red inks on paper, the work of art is a fitting way to celebrate the one hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the artist, who became a monk at the age of thirty-nine.

The catalog cover features Lin Liang's "Hawk and Magpies," a Ming Dynasty ink and color on paper. The highly detailed painting portrays birds on a tree branch. Inscribed by Liang Qingbiao, signed Lin Liang, the large scroll carries four collectors seals. It is Lot 53 and expected to bring around $300,000.

Master Hongyi's Bodhisattva

Gianguan Auctions' afternoon session is comprised of decorative arts, many of them scholar objects. Some are functional and others are inspirational. Most are small enough to decorate a desk or complement a study.

For the contemporary office, there is a finely carved zitan telephone with LED screen and press buttons. The casing is remarkable openwork carving of gnarled branches adorned with birds, flowers, bamboo and plum blossoms. The unusual phone is expected to bring upwards of $15,000.

Among the traditional items, the highlight is an Imperial Qian Long zitan brushpot raised on three tab feet. It is signed by the Emperor. The inlays of wood, mother-of-pearl, coral, malachite and ivory depict birds among prunus blossoms and rockery. A spring poem and two Imperial seals complete the design.  Estimate is $10,000 to $15,000.

Of the Chinese ceramics, the marquee item is a rare Qing Dynasty Famille-rose red garlic head vase similar to one in the permanent collection of the newly renovated Beijing Capital Museum. It is Lot 271 and is finely painted with flowering prunus branches and bamboo, the design features two birds. The leaves are drawn in shades of green to blue, all reversed on an even rich red ground. The vase stands 8 ½" tall and bears the Yongzheng Four Character mark and is of the period. The estimate is available on request.

Telephone in elaborately carved Zitan base

For complete details these items as well as the cinnabar, jade and ivory carvings, decorative ceramics and pottery, please see the online catalog at http://gianguanauctions.com

Gianguan Auctions June 10 sale begins at 11:00 a.m. It will be conducted live at the gallery, 285 Madison Avenue and online at LiveAuctioneers.com.  For condition reports, call 212-867-7288.

 

Contact:
Mary Ann Lum
Gianguan Auctions
212 2622660
info@gianguanauctions.com

Gianguan Auctions
295 Madison Avenue
New York, New York
info@gianguanauctions.com
2128667288
http://gianguanauctions.com

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