FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Chait
310.285.0182
josh@chait.com

I.M. CHAIT GALLERY SHOWCASES A METAMORPHOSIS IN TRADITIONAL ASIAN ART!

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Lot 200

Beverly Hills, July 24, 2006 - Asian developments in bronze and porcelain take center stage at I.M Chait Gallery for the upcoming October 8th fall Asian and International Fine Arts auction. Some of the most striking items are a collection of Japanese bronzes, showcasing the rise of this ancient yet quite advanced method of production. Chinese porcelain becomes equally intriguing in this auction as objects that could have been used for holidays or ceremonies and the portraying of the famous “windswept” look that was revolutionary in the Ming Dynasty are showcased. The Chait Gallery’s reputation for having renowned jade collections persists and this sale contains unique forms that will surprise even the most seasoned collector. The unique nature of this auction’s items brings the progressive character of these Asian dynasties to the forefront and is ready to impress.

Lot 119

The Japanese have long been recognized for their metalwork, which can be seen in objects such as swords, armor and vessels. The Chait Gallery is proud to feature a collection that embraces this time honored craft with several fine examples and ranges in subject matter from the figural to the functional. Representing the figural here is a nearly four foot tall antique bronze sculpture of a samurai (Lot #212) estimated at $2,500-3,500. Other pieces include lot #272 (pictured below) a large antique bronze urn with a samurai on the hunt on the front and a writhing dragon on verso. The meticulously executed figures and foliage emphasize a soft contrast between the heroic warrior and the mythological beast. The estimate is $2,500-$3,500.

Lot 272

Although the Japanese remained fairly isolated geographically, they managed to share many forms of imagery with the Chinese. Both cultures included dragons and lions in their decorative arts, and both cultures’ mastery of these forms is still apparent today. This is not to say that Chinese porcelain was not appreciably unique; indeed, Chinese porcelain has many rare illustrations that showcase the development of Chinese art. One unusual piece found in the upcoming auction is a large Ming Dynasty Wani Period Wucai bowl Lot #200. With images of deer, shrimp and bats amid auspicious plants on the interior, the question of the vessel’s use remains a mystery. It is possible that this item was used for New Years because shrimp is a traditional Chinese food eaten at New Years’ celebrations and the word shrimp in Cantonese sounds like “laughter.” This is only speculation, although the piece’s rarity cannot be contested. The estimate is $35,000-$40,000.

Lot 200

Lot 200

A more traditional decoration can be found in the tall Ming Dynasty blue and white Meiping Lot #188. Displaying a “windswept” design, the rolling clouds and people look as though they are battling against a large gust of wind. Serving as a uniquely Chinese composition, this was a new form of stylization in the Ming period and has rarely been used by other Asian cultures. The estimate is $12,000-$15,000.

Lot 188

The act of manipulating the classical to represent something original can be seen throughout this auction. The best example of this technique is lot #253 a rare white jade bird cage. With scrolling feet and an openwork bat crest, the piece is constructed of traditional material, used in an extremely innovative way. The estimate is $8,000-$10,000. Other interesting uses of jade can be seen in Lot #119 (pictured above) a fine celadon jade mountain, where a block of jade has been finely carved to represent workers along a path to a pavilion, amid rockery and foliage. Although this is a common scene of everyday life, it’s setting in jade stone makes the specificity and intricacy even more astounding. The estimate is $2,500-$3,000.

Lot 253

This not-to-be-missed International Fine Art auction will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 1:00 PM PDT. The auction offers in-room, absentee, phone, and live on-line bidding. The I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers is located at 9330 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, California, 90210. For more information, please call (310) 285-0182, toll free (800) 775-5020 or email us.