Inaugural Chinese And Japanese Works Of Art Auction At Olympia Auctions On Wednesday 8th Of November
Olympia Auctions’ inaugural dedicated sale of Chinese and Japanese Works of Art presents a diverse range of Chinese Works of Art from the Neolithic period, Liangzhu Culture (3,300- 2,300BC) to the Warring Sates Period (475-221BCE), through the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing Dynasties (1723-35), concluding in the Cultural Revolution (1966-76).
The sale includes ceramics, bronze vessels and figures, jades including a green jade cong, archers’ rings and small animals. Also lacquer, paintings including ancestor portraits, posters and silk panels. Estimates range from £100 – £60,000, and 22 of the 126 lots are offered without reserve.
From the Neolithic period, a Chinese mottled green jade cong, Liangzhu culture (3,300 – 2,300BC) is carved to each corner with a stylized mask beneath striated bands. This is from a private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1990s. There is a very similar jade cong in the Sze Yuan Tang Collection of Chinese Jades. This is pictured left and estimated at £10,000 – £15,000.
Estimate: £1,000 – £1,500
Going forwards through the centuries, another highlight is a Zhou Dynasty (475- 221BC) archaic bronze wine vessel, (hu), from an English Private Collection which is to be offered without reserve, estimated at £15,000 – £25,000, pictured top left of the press release.
A fine collection of archers rings from the Edward McEwen Collection of Archery and Associated Items are particularly eye catching. A highlight in this group is a stunning white jade archer’s ring, Qing Dynasty, 18th century, estimated at £2,000 – £3,000, pictured right.
A characterful group of Chinese celadon jade animals, with pieces made throughout the centuries of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) will no doubt appeal to collectors of this discipline. It includes horses, dogs, a cat and mouse group and a buffalo. Estimates range from £300 – £3,000.
A magnificent pair of Qing Dynasty Yongzheng Famille-Rose fish bowls pictured at the top centre of the press release is estimated at £40,000 – £60,000 and a large pair of Canton Famille-Rose baluster vases, late Qing Dynasty, 19th century is another highlight, estimated at £10,000 – £15,000. A very handsome pair of Chinese cloisonné enamel ‘Dragon Vases’, Qing Dynasty, also 19th century is estimated at £5,000 – £7,000.
A film poster for the American-Hong Kong production ‘Enter The Dragon’ pictured right, is also included in the sale. A 1973 martial arts film, it was directed by Robert Clouse, starring Bruce Lee who sadly died after it was made, in July 1973. It is regarded as one of the greatest martial arts films ever made. This year is 50th anniversary since the film was released.
The equally diverse Japanese section of the sale includes netsuke (Meiji Period 1868-1912)), Miyao bronzes (Meiji Period) and ceramics from Shoji Hamada (1894-1978).
Another highlight in the Japanese section is a beautiful six-fold screen, Edo period, late 18th– early 19th century is pictured left.
Stephen Loakes is running the new dedicated department to Chinese and Japanese Works of Art. He worked for 17 years in the Chinese Department at Sotheby’s Bond Street, latterly as a director.
Editor’s notes
Olympia Auctions, conveniently located in London’s Kensington Olympia since 2008, provide an outstanding level of service with over 25 highly regarded specialists and consultants and an active and buoyant international buyer base. From this prime location they offer a diverse calendar of auctions as well as professional valuation services for auction, insurance, probate, family division, tax purposes, house contents as well as regularly assisting with collection management.
Auctions are live, with online bidding available on all major auction platforms. Free online bidding is also available at Olympia Live. Fundraising events, including lectures, valuation days and other events are regularly held during the year.
For further information please contact Antonia Grace [email protected] + 44 207 806 5541
