Collectors of Chinese antiquities and art can count on Gianguan Auctions for pockets of very specialized collections–such as Warring States ritual bronzes and their later progeny. Several highlight Gianguan’s annual fall sale on September 8th. 

To be prized for design and craftsmanship is a pair of Warring States ritual Dou inlaid with gold and silver. Covered circular vessels sit high atop pedestals emanating from the backs of ferocious Bixie. Fantastical Kui dragons then encircle the risers and dare clutch the horn of the stealthy Bixie below. The inlays are worked in geometric patterns and scrolling set flush with the bronze. The pair is Lot 81, expected to fetch more than $200,000. 

A rare multiple Boshanlu Censer makes a strong statement about the quest for the most elaborate of votive items during the Warring States period. Here three mountain-shaped bowls with reticulated covers are surmounted by a fourth. All are supported on a stem pedestal with two bands of openwork in the form of waves. Applied beasts and humans anchor the foot. At 20” tall, Lot 80, carries a pre-sale value of more than $20,000.

At the dawn of history, the age resistant properties of bronze made it the perfect medium for the fruit and foods that assisted the deceased in their eternal journey. An excellent example is the Warring States tripod Ding, (ritual bowl with cover), decorated with cicada, geometric shapes, and three beast finials. Of mottled olive-green bronze with pale encrustation, it is Lot 82, 7” in diameter, valued at upwards of $6,000. 

A larger bronze tripod, Ding (11” in diameter) with a low domed cover is decorated with three ring knops offset by upright handles. Rising from from cabriole legs, the top of the globular form is cast with taotie masks above spiral masks and a raised rope pattern. There is a cicada-filled pendent below and Leiwen inscriptions are set on the base exterior. This is Lot 83, estimated at upwards of $8,000/

Both complex and simple archaistic vessel design was so admired that the forms were copied in a great variety of media through the ages. Few in the category can match the draw of a Qing silver-glazed ceramic Zun from the Qing Dynasty.

Molded in low relief, it is incised with a central band of Cicada lappets in a geometric pattern that sits below a scroll of taotie medallions.  Beast-head mock handles add the finishing touch. A light layer of silver was perfectly fired to replicate an aged patina. Such novel designs were a favorite of the Qinlong Emperor. At 11” tall, the vase has the Qinglong six character mark and is of the period. It is Lot 165, expected to bring more than $20,000.

For details on these and other items please visit the Gianguan Auctions catalog at www.gianguanauctions.com. Live previews run Wednesday, August 29 - Friday, September 7 (10 a.m.-7 p.m. EDT) at Gianguan Auctions gallery in New York City. The auction will be conducted live on Saturday, September 8, beginning at 6:00 P.M. EDT.  Bidding is live, online at invaluable.com, liveauctioners.com and epailive.com.

For inquiries and condition reports, please contact the Gallery Director Mary Ann at 212-867-7288 or email info@gianguanauctions.com.