Hindman to offer three days of Asian works of art in September

CHICAGO, IL.-Hindman will offer over 1,000 lots across three days beginning with Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art on September 24th, followed by Japanese and Korean Works of Art on September 25th, and concluding with an online only auction of Asian Works of Art on September 26th. Following the strong bidder engagement and global interest in the June Asian Works of Art auctions, significant interest is expected this fall.

“We have seen continued demand for important works from Asia as well as the U.S., despite the current climate. There are exceptional consignments offered in these sales and we are looking forward to the excitement we think these auctions will generate,” said Annie Wu, Director and Senior Specialist of Asian Works of Art.

Highlighting the Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art auction is a remarkable selection of Chinese books and manuscripts from an important Chicago collection. This historic collection includes a set of 17th century books as well as many out-of-print titles from the C.T. Loo Library. Notable lots include lot 188, an extremely rare copy of the Bogu tulu kaozheng, dated from the Ming dynasty. Originally compiled by Wang Fu during the Xuanhe period, it contains descriptions of over 830 bronzes from the Shang to Tang dynasties. This rare work with exceptional provenance was formerly the private libraries of Sheng Xuanhuai, C.T. Loo, and Cheng Bofen; and is estimated at $30,000-50,000.

Also offered in the collection is lot 192, a selection of important foundational works informing the study and collection of Chinese art in the early 20th century, from the personal library of famed art dealer, collector, and connoisseur C.T. Loo. This lot includes early catalogues from the seminal exhibitions at Burlington House in London, and a number of works by R.L. Hobson, keeper of ceramics at the British museum, as well as many of Loo’s personal copies from his own exhibitions. In addition to Loo, many of these works bear the names and notes from other contemporaries who were foundational to shaping the field, such as Langdon Warner, Charles Bain Hoyt, and Arthur Rothwell. Their collections and tastes have now spread throughout the world’s most renowned public and private collections. This lot comprises 46 works with many first editions and holds a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Jade continues to see strong demand and the Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art auction offers a selection of fine Ming and Qing pieces. Lot 26, an 18th century Carved White Jade Gu Vase, is carved with chilongs and dragons in high relief, the whole a beautiful even white color. It is offered as part of the Chicago collection of George Bruha and is estimated at $20,000-25,000. Other highlights of this session include lot 27, a 17th century Russet and Pale Celadon Jade ‘Chilong’ Rhyton Cup, and lot 25, a 19th century Fine Pale Celadon Jade Table Screen, each with a presale estimate of $10,000-15,000 and offered from notable American collections.

The September 24th auction also includes important Chinese paintings and calligraphy including a Rare and Fine Imperial Folding Fan, Qianlong period (1736-1799) (lot 80). Also from the George Bruha collection, this fan is delicately painted with birds and calligraphy in gold on an indigo background and is expected to sell between $30,000-50,000.

A pair of exceptionally fine 18th century gilt figures, each holding a presale estimate of $8,000-10,000, are expected to draw significant interest. The first, lot 353, depicts Bodhisattva Lokapala Vaishravana in gilt bronze. The figure is cast seated atop a fu lion and dressed in full armor. In the other, lot 354, a Gilt Copper Repoussé Figure of a Seated Lama is depicted on a floral decorated cushion and expressing a slight smile.

The Japanese and Korean Works of Art auction will include a curated selection of rare books from the same Chicago collection offered during the Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art auction, as well as numerous fine netsuke, inro, paintings and prints. Also featured will be two sets of 19th century Japanese armor and weaponry fittings.

All three sales will be held in Hindman’s Chicago saleroom with bidders able to participate on September 24th and 25th by telephone, absentee and online. The September 26th auction will be held entirely online.