Private Collection of Guy E. Mayer Part 2

The upcoming Pauling’s auction will highlight the private collection of Guy E. Mayer, a New York gallery owner and an avid collector of Eastern arts. During a missionary trip to Japan in 1927, Mayer first encountered traditional Buddhist statues, paintings, and calligraphies. The sale will include more than 50 lots from his collection, including several paintings from Giuseppe Castiglione. A Jesuit priest and missionary, Castiglione traveled to China to paint for the Imperial court in the early 18th century. Many of his works bridged the gap between Eastern and Western art, as seen in several of the available lots. A large figure painting by Castiglione is among the highlighted items, depicting a battle between two opposing armies. Dozens of blue-clothed figures on horseback dominate the scene with twisted trees and mountains in the background. 

Also from Mayer’s collection is an anonymous arhat painting from the Ming dynasty. In Buddhism, an arhat is someone who has achieved spiritual enlightenment or nirvana. This painting shows a group of spiritual men praying, offering incense, and contemplating flowers. Other paintings from artists such as Huang Binhong, Qi Baishi, and Chao Shao-An will be available. Chao was a 20th-century painter who enjoyed a nearly 80-year career. He emerged after the fall of China’s last imperial dynasty and focused on blending international techniques with traditional Chinese painting. Chao’s available works are painted in bright shades of yellow, red, and blue and depict birds and tree branches. 

Several qin instruments are also available in this auction. Commonly known as guqin, meaning “ancient qin,” these seven-stringed instruments have been present in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. One of the featured qins comes from the Qing dynasty and is decorated with teal blue tassels on one end. Examples of Chinese calligraphy will also come to auction in this event. Browse the complete catalog and register to bid on LiveAuctioneers.