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Contact: Josh Chait
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HISTORY BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AT I.M. CHAIT GALLERY/AUCTIONEERS

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Lot 189

Beverly Hills, November 20, 2006 - I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers plans to host one of their most diverse auctions this year during the December10, 2006 Asian and International Fine Arts Auction. Ranging from rarely seen samurai swords, important Imperial Chinese ceramics to a collection of Rolex watches and Fancy Yellow diamonds! This auction satisfies the appetites of both the novice and experienced collector as well as the compulsive shopper.

The samurai swords featured in this auction are particularly unique because they range from a variety of periods in Japanese history and reflect the unique story of the samurai warriors. Possessing a deep pride in military discipline, the samurai began serving the Imperial Court in the 15th Century. One sword featured in the auction is the antique Muromachi Samurai Long Sword(Lot 129). Made in the 16th Century the long sword is representative of the period when samurai culture was influencing the Japanese arts, helping create cultural practices such as the tea ceremony and floral arrangement. The sword also possesses minor battle cuts, which only adds to the excitement of the piece. Estimate $2,500-3,500

Lot 129

Many unique histories surround the large collection of Chinese period porcelain featured in this auction. Although each piece is unique, one of the most impressive items is the Massive Empress Dowager Charger (Lot 199). Possessing characteristics of an ancient piece, this charger might have been painted for the Empress Dowager Cixi. The Chu Xui Gong mark on the charger is the name of one of the western palaces and the last place she lived before being expelled from the Forbidden City in 1924. The charger is estimated at $15,000-30,000. Other notable porcelains include a pair of Qianlong Enameled Wine Cups (Lot 198), which have an exceptionally deep plum ground with bats and flowers that make the set a treasure to own; estimated at $15,000-20,000.

Lot 199

Animals are not only represented on porcelains, but serve an essential role in the Chinese pottery being sold. The highly detailed pair of Tang Pottery Equestrians (Lot 189 pictured above) show a couple playing musical instruments riding atop highly animated horses, estimated at $20,000-25,000. During the Tang Dynasty horses were domesticated and sports, such as polo and horseback riding, began to be fashionable for both sexes. Other pottery pieces display horses, including The Northern Qi Pottery Horse (Lot 186), estimate $12,000-15,000, that is styled as a “parade” horse, again representing the animal’s use in leisure and spectatorship. These horses represent the social side of Chinese history, shying away from standard military attributes, and are essential to any collection.

Lot 186

The charismatic attributes of animals are highlighted in the jade selection offered this month. The Carved White Jade Lion (Lot 241) shows a lion playing with a ball and ribbon displaying the playful nature of the animal. The curved features that the jade possesses provide the piece with a relaxed style. The lion is estimated at $5,500-6,500. Other jades, like the Massive Carved Jade Mountain (Lot 200) are finely carved and detailed with rockery and pine trees, This exceptional lot is estimated to bring $30,000-35,000.

Lot 200

Jade pieces have also infused the jewelry section of the auction. The Fine Jade and Platinum Man’s Ring (Lot 316) is an extraordinary piece due to the striking emerald-green color of the cabochon; estimate $18,000-20,000. The contrast between the platinum and jade colors makes the piece the perfect accent to any hand. This auction will also have a spectacular selection of important gems and jewelry including; a beautiful 5 plus carat unmounted square brilliant-cut diamond (Lot 331A) estimated at $60,000-70,000. Also featured is a magnificent fancy yellow diamond ring estimated at $100,000-125,000 (Lot 329), weighing nearly 9 carats! Classic items being offered include a Diamond Tennis Necklace (Lot 378), estimate $18,000-20,000, a piece that will always be in style and a gift that any woman would cherish. Other traditional jewelry pieces can be found in the watch collection found in this sale, which features names such as Rolex, Cartier, and Ebel. One exceptional watch being auctioned is the Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust (Lot 359), which features a two-tone face, diamond hour markers, and diamonds around the face. The beauty of this watch is extraordinary, estimated at $3,500-4,000.

Lot 329

Designer brands keep emerging in this sale, especially in the older decorative items. The Tiffany Gold Favrille Vase (Lot 280) has a subtle feather design that makes the piece extremely delicate. The beautiful blown glass is classic Tiffany and is estimated at $3,500-5,000. The Bronze Dog by the French artist A.L. Barye (Lot 283A) is another example of superior execution, giving the whippet an expressive startled look, after seeing the butterfly; estimate $6,500-8,500.

Lot 280

The I.M. Chait sale would not be compete without a small collection of modern pieces that are fresh on the market and might be difficult for one to find at another auction. These pieces include a group of works by California artists; including a painting by artist Dana Bartlett titled Peacocks (Lot 299). Probably a study for a show or musical, the color and intensity of the woman and peacock is wonderfully executed, and this piece would be a wonderful addition to any home. Estimate $600-900. For a person more interested in celebrity, a Group of Authentic Michael Childers’ photographs (Lot 305) is in the auction and contains photos of artist David Hockney, actors John Travolta and Carol Kane, all positioned in artistic and open backgrounds. This idea is a rare and wonderful addition to a photography collection, estimated at $1,500-2,000. Another fascinating 20th Century item offered at auction is the Albert Einstein Signature (Lot 306). The signature is framed together with a print of the great figure himself, seated in a chair surrounded by books. This piece is not only extremely uncommon, but provides a personal view into the life of one of history’s greatest minds; estimated at $400-600. Finally, if one is interested in historical figures, one should look no further than the Collection of President Signed Books (Lot 286). This group of twelve books is signed by such great presidents as Hoover, Truman, and Reagan. These items represent not only these great leaders, but periods of joy and strife in American history, and is estimated for $3,000-3,500.

Lot 299

Ring in the holidays and get that perfect gift for someone special or why not treat yourself? Whether it is a fabulous piece of jewelry, a wonderful objet d’ art or a historically important piece that tells a story. Join us for our last International & Asian Fine Arts auction of the year, to be held on Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 1:00 PM PDT. The auction offers in-room, absentee, phone and live online bidding at www.chait.com. 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.