New York – This September, Bonhams will present a series of three live sales during Asia Week New York at its U.S. flagship galleries at 111 West 57th Street: Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, and Fine Japanese & Korean Art. Together, the sales will showcase exceptional works from across Asia, highlighting the breadth, diversity, skill, and artistry of the region's rich cultural heritage through remarkable examples spanning centuries.
"We are pleased to return to Asia Week New York this September at 111 West 57th Street with an exciting series of sales that reflect the strength of the market and celebrate the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural significance that define these fields," commented Dessa Goddard, Senior Vice President and Head of Asian Art, Bonhams Americas. "As our first fall season in our new flagship galleries, we look forward to building on the momentum of our March sales. From a magnificent gilt-copper-alloy elephant stand to rare zitan furniture, several works by the renowned Chinese painter Liu Dan, and an iconic Hokusai print of Red Fuji, this season's offerings exemplify a remarkable range of Asian art available to collectors worldwide."
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
September 14
A Magnificent Gilt-Copper-Alloy Glass-Embellished Elephant Stand, Qianlong/Jiaqing period, will be presented in the Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale on September 14. Estimated at US$150,000 – 250,000, the present lot highlights the technical sophistication and artistry of Qing Imperial craftsmanship. Lavishly adorned with brightly Coloured glass inlay, the elephant-form stand embodies the auspicious wish for peace and prosperity, a motif long Favoured in Qing decorative arts. Close surviving parallels to the present work are found among the celebrated elephant-standclocks in the Palace Museum, Beijing, underscoring the rarity, sophistication, and significance of this exceptional example of Qing Court Collection.
Another major highlight in the sale is a Rare and Splendid Zitan 'Lotus' Luohan Bed and Kang Table, 18th/19th century, estimated at $US600,000 – 900,000. Executed in richly figured zitan, one of the most prized hardwoods used in Chinese furniture making, the ensemble exemplifies the refined craftsmanship, elegant proportions, and lavish sophistication of elite Qing interiors. Acquired from the highly respected Hong Kong dealer Lai Loy (1926–2012) and offered from a prestigious New York family collection, this remarkable example of Chinese classical furniture is distinguished by its exceptional provenance.
Additional highlights in the sale include:
● A Rare Turquoise-Ground Puce-Enameled 'Dragon' Altar Vase, Gu, Qianlong six-character mark and of the period, estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000. Finely Modelled in the archaistic gu form with a flaring trumpet neck above a central bulb and bell-shaped foot, the vase is vividly decorated in puce enamel against a striking turquoise ground with four five-clawed dragons leaping amidst clouds.
● A Fine and Rare White Overlay Pink Glass 'Ox and Cart' Snuff Bottle by the renowned Yangzhou School master Li Junting, dated spring 1821 and bearing the seal mark Wei Zhi, estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000. Featuring an uncommon pink ground, a rare variation within Yangzhou glass, the bottle exemplifies the artist's technical virtuosity and inventive approach to Colour. The present bottle is offered as part of a distinguished private single-owner collection of 41 Chinese snuff bottles featured in the sale.
● A White Jade 'Quails and Milet' Vase and Cover, 18th century, estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000. The present lot showcases exquisite craftsmanship and is carved from fine white jade. Its auspicious rebus, suisui ping'an (may there be peace year after year), offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and cultural values of the eighteenth-century elite.
Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy
September 15
On September 15, the Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy sale will feature both classical and contemporary works with special emphasis on 20th century painting schools and modern movements. Comprising a selection of paintings by highly collectible masters including by not limited to, Zhang Daqian (1899–1983), Qi Baishi (1864 – 1957), and Pu Ru (1896–1963), the sale will also feature paintings by members of the Fifth Moon Group, as well as leaders in Contemporary Ink.
Headlined by Zhang Daqian's (1899–1986) Blue/Green Landscape, 1945, estimated at US$60,000 – 90,000, this painting relies on an archaic palette of Colour to evoke the distant past. Painted during a turbulent era, and shortly after his residence in the Dunhuang Buddhist cave site, Zhang Daqian at once embraces the landscape painting tradition, while providing an innovative approach.
Additionally, the sale will feature two works by Liu Dan (b. 1953), widely Recognised as one of the most important artists working in the field of contemporary Chinese Ink painting today. Renowned for his meticulous technique and innovative engagement with the Chinese literati tradition, Liu has earned international acclaim for works that bridge classical aesthetics and contemporary artistic practice. Highlights in the sale include Dan's Single Pinwheel, 1999, estimated at US$45,000 – 75,000, and Ink Daffodil 1, 2000, estimated at US$22,500 – 47,500.
Additional highlights in the sale include:
● Portrait of a Court Lady in Winter Robe, Qianlong Period, mid-18th century, School of Jean Denis Attiret (Wang Zhicheng, 1702–1768), estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000.
● Tao Ye Tu (Illustrations of Porcelain Manufacture), late 18th/early 19th century, After Sun Hu (active 1736-1745), Ding Guanpeng (active 1740-1768) and Zhou Kun (active 1741-1748), estimated at US$40,000 – 60,000.
● Mu Xin's (1927–2011) Silent Expanse, estimated at US$20,000 – 40,000 from the collection of the artist and fellow New York emigrant, C.C. Wang (Wang Jiqian, 1907–2003).
Fine Japanese & Korean Art
September 16
Bonhams' Asia Week New York live sales will conclude with Fine Japanese & Korean Art on September 16. Highlights include Gaifū kaisei (Fine Wind, Clear Weather), a woodblock print by the master printmaker Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849). Estimated at US$150,000 – 250,000, the print is among Hokusai's most Recognisable and sought-after designs, celebrated for its powerful simplicity and striking use of Colour. Known internationally as "Red Fuji," the image ranks among the most important works from the artist's landmark Fugaku sanjūrokkei (36 Views of Mount Fuji) series.
Another notable print featured in the sale will be Utagawa Hiroshige's (1797–1858) Kameido Umeyashiki (Plum Estate, Kameido). Estimated at US$75,000 – 95,000, it ranks among the most pleasing designs from Hiroshige's celebrated Meisho Edo hyakkei (100 Famous Views of Edo) series, distinguished by its striking composition and masterful rendering of the famed plum garden.
Additional highlights in the sale include:
● A Massive Cloisonné-Enamel Plaque, Meiji era (1868-1912), by Namikawa Sōsuke (1847–1910) for the Shippō Gaisha estimated at US$50,000 – 70,000.
● A Buncheong Jar with fish design, 15th century, estimated at US$30,000 – 50,000.
● A Large Porcelain Vase, Meiji era (1868–1912), late 19th century, by Makuzu (Miyagawa) Kōzan (1842–1916), estimated at US$20,000 – 30,000.
Complementing the live series of auctions, Bonhams Asia Week New York will be rounded out by two additional online sales, including Chinese Paintings Online: 20th Century & Beyond Part III, running from September 8–17, and Chinese Works of Art Online, running from September 15–25, offering collectors an expanded selection of exceptional Asian works of art.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.