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

I.M. CHAIT'S APRIL AUCTION FEATURES FINE ASIAN ARTS, MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND PAINTINGS FROM SEVERAL ESTATES

View Sale

Lot 195

Beverly Hills, CA. On April 29, I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers will present nearly 400 lots of fine property new to the market from estates in California, Ohio and Chicago. While the hub of the sale revolves around the Asian treasures for which I.M. Chait is known, an impressive selection of western items, including magnificent jewels, Russian enamels and Post-Impressionist and contemporary paintings, promise to make this sale one of the more interesting presentations of the spring season.

While the Chinese Dynasties are amply represented by collections of porcelains, statuary, snuff bottles, furniture and decorative arts, the sale embodies several thematic threads. For instance, an equestrian theme emerges with the offering of a Han Dynasty (206 – 220 A.D.) horse, in stride, with white "trappings" to the head and much remaining red pigment. A pair of Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.) sancai (three color) glazed pottery horses standing foursquare bear female musicians, one playing the lute (pipa), the other playing the panpipes (paiziao); while another pair of Tang pottery polo horses are captured in mid-jump, their female riders in full action. A Tang painted pottery horse, standing with whimsical "spotted" decoration to the neck and finely featured facial expression is being offered en suite with its original separately modeled saddle. Adding a touch of realism to this segment is a Chinese Liao Dynasty (916 – 1125 A.D.) gilt bronze saddle, probably from a Royal tomb, with silver repoussé designs typical of the Liao metalworks. Sectional, and in the condition in which it was found, the saddle includes part of the original wood base.

Lot 199

Among the Chinese porcelains that are an I.M. Chait specialty, an eighteenth century Qianlong Period blue and white porcelain ewer with cover is a stand out. With a sweeping handle and spout, each side bears a slightly raised peach-shape panel of a five-clawed writhing Imperial dragon amid clouds, reserved on a ground of lotus blossoms and extending vines. Additionally, a massive Famille Noir enameled porcelain Palace vase, standing 33 1/2" tall and bearing the Chenghua mark, makes a dramatic statement. It is superbly painted with two phoenixes amid large blossoms and flowering branches and decorated with numerous small birds. An extremely rare blue and white hexagonal, pear shaped Yuan Dynasty Yuhuchunping vase is another stand out. On its facets, a warrior and an official are shown among the foliage and rockery. The later chain attached cover completes the vase with Islamic style detailing to the silver. Also highly desirable is a pair of Kangxi blue and white dishes, circa 1700, with Chenghua marks. Depicted on the interiors are "The Three Friends," of pine, bamboo and hawthorn. Gracing the exteriors, a continuous figural scene. A circa 1500 blue and white Ming Dynasty meping vase in pristine condition is also of interest. Created in a "windswept" pattern of blue and white porcelain, it portrays rolling clouds above several figures while the shoulders are embellished with floral panels.

Lot 196

Indicative of the depth of the collection, which can only be hinted at here, are a Northern Song Dynasty Junyao dish with a sky blue glaze and a thinly carved Moghul-style celadon jade vase, covered and footed; as well as an extensive collection of tea-pots, one of carved spinach jade and another of celadon jade. Topping off the category is an imperial Jiaqing Period Famille Rose enameled wine cup with lotus blossoms, bats, peaches and Buddhist symbols on a red ground with turquoise interior.

Lot 188

Several lots of traditional carved ivory sculptures include a fisherman, acrobats, a basket vendor walking, and female figure with hardstone jewels offset by a cultural revolution carving of basketball players that imitates the bamboo wristrest form. An unusual carving from Tibet with archaistic designs on a human skull offers an even different take on the genre.

Lot 266

From Japan comes a collection of swords and daggers, including an Meji period samurai dagger by Gassan Sadakazu, eight inches in length, and a Bungo Takeda School sword (katana) 27' in length, signed Yamato daigo Fujiwara Sada and certified by the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword (NBTHK) with Tokubetsu Kicho-token papers.

Lot 220

Moving west, the sale features several fine Russian enamels, including an antique Easter egg, with the exterior of elaborate geometric scrolling, and a gilt interior painted with Madonna and Child. A signed Faberge parasol handle, made of tortoise shell and spinach jade, enameled and set with seed pearls and signed with makers initials, adds interest.

Lot 328

Masterworks from Tiffany items include an Art Deco sterling bowl on raised foot with segmented design and a signed Tiffany favrille glass vase. Trumpet shaped with subtle feather design of light golden peach and green iridescence, it is signed LCT.

Lot 284

But it is the collection of estate jewels that give this sale appeal to a wider than usual audience. Included are a cognac color diamond and platinum ring, centering a prong-set marquis shape diamond of amber brown from the Jolson family collection, and a ruby and diamond "belt" bracelet in 18 K gold, set with170 faceted oval rubies and encrusted with a diamond belt buckle. A fine multicolor suite of sapphire and 18K white gold with stones in the vibrant colors of the rainbow, are also sure to attract interest.

Lot 330

Finally, a collection of paintings by Pierre Sicard (French 1900 - 1980) and sculptures by his wife, François Sicard, lead off a fine selection of paintings and sculptures, including a bronze statue by Claire Curtis-Huxley (active c. 1900) and a bronze sculpture by G. Northrup (b. 1940).

Lot 286

This auction, being held in the I.M. Chait Beverly Hills show rooms will also be presented live on the Internet. A fully illustrated color catalogue with Chinese translations, is $35.00 plus postage. Please call (800) 775-5020 or (310) 285-0182.