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12 Carat Imperial Jadeite Cabochon and Rosenbloom Collection of Japanese Woodblock Prints Highlight I.M. Chait's January 20th Auction

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Lot 292

BEVERLY HILLLS, CA. Coming just two weeks before the beginning of the Chinese New Year, I.M. Chait's January 20th International Fine Arts Auction is dominated by outstanding properties from numerous world cultures. Among these are magnificent ivory sculptures, white and celadon jade carvings and Buddhist gilt bronzes.

Of particular note is the highly translucent Imperial Jadeite cabochon Lot 292 (pictured above) that measures 16mm X 14 mm. A full 12 carats, the gem is expected to fetch as much as $20,000. For collectors who like their jadeite nestled amongst diamonds, Lot 291 is a marquise cut jadeite ring expected to go off at $10,000.

A marquee collection of Japanese woodblock prints from the holdings of Dr. and Mrs. Nathan Rosenbloom, whose contributions to exhibitions at the Seattle Art Museum are notable, includes the work of both 19th and 20th Century masters. Many are being offered "en suite" at affordable estimates. For example, 186, 187 and 188 are groups of 10 and 11 yatsugiri-ban sized prints by Hokusai, each carrying a high estimate of about $2,500. Other artists represented include Tadashige Ono, Kiyoshi Saito, Jun Sekuno and Joichi Hoshi.

Lot 188

Twentieth Century art form an Arizona collection offers an impressive showing of works by Miro, Chagall and Picasso.

The interplay of East and West is graphically represented by the catalog cover photo. The figural detail of Lot 198, a white jade mountain, just over a foot tall and estimated at a high of $20,000, makes a poetic background for what appear to be four exotic butterflies. In actuality, Lots 273, 274, 275 and 276, are magnificent diamond and sapphire butterfly brooches with high estimates ranging $2,400 to $12,000.

Lot 198

True to their reputation as "the" resource for Chinese porcelains, Chait has imbued the auction's mid-point with all the drama that a desirable 18th Century Qianlong jar with original cover brings. Lot 196 is a 20" blue and white ovoid form jar. Its cover is topped by a peach shaped knob. Lotus blossoms amid scrolling foliage decorate the surface. Of the Period and with Qianlong Mark, it is expected to command interest at $25,000 to $30,000.

Lot 196

From the Tang dynasty, Lot 192 is a phosphatic glazed pottery vessel with iridescent cream splashes on a brown ground. Of ovoid tapering form, short neck and two handles, it carries a high estimate of $8,000. From the Song dynasty, Lot 153 is a Henen-ware glazed vase of bottle form on a raised foot. With iridescent iron-rust floral designs on a dark ground, it is expected to command as much as $6,000.

Lot 192

Outstanding among the monumental ivory sculptures is Lot 203, a pair of 47" tusks carved with the figures of Guanyin and Shoulao. The elaborately articulated Guanyin holds a bamboo staff with peony blossoms while a child on a phoenix plays at her feet. Shoulao holds a staff with double gourd and branch with abundant peaches, a boy on a deer at his feet. On wood stands, the pair is estimated at $12,000 - $18,000. Lot 204 is an elaborate 58" long landscape carved from a fossil mammoth tusk. Extremely well articulated, the scene includes figures on horseback and on-foot bearing weapons or standards and charging a fortified gate. This masterpiece carries an $8,000 - $12,000 estimate.

Lot 203

Song Dynasty sandstone Lohans, (Lot 195) 14" tall, in draped robes, situated in various poses with the attributes of their natures apparent (three play a game of chess) bear the noble estimate of $20,000. Lot 197 is an exceptional pair of bronze Chinese sages, one with a pony, and the other with a donkey. The 17th to 18th Century figural groups are expected to draw interest at $12,000 to $15,000. Lot 209, a 23 1/3" tall sectional Chinese ivory mountain depicting the popular Monkey and Pig Kings in pursuit of a third deity is estimated at $8,000.

Lot 195

Among the important jade carvings, Lot 199, a massive Ming-style jade mountain of mottled green with much natural "skin" remaining, is carved with a continuous scene of figures and attendants in a palace-like building. There are balconies at various levels, stairs and a bridge. At 17" tall, it is expected to command $15,000 - $18,000. Lot 252 is a white jade mountain with a seated figure of Guanyin in a landscape, phoenix and figures at her feet, estimated at $8,000 to $12,000. Smaller jade carvings include Lot 128, a recumbent ram, and Lot 129, geese and lotus group, bearing high estimates of $2,500 and $3,000 respectively. Lot 132, a jade marriage bowl and Lot 135, a jade covered vase, are expected to bring $3,000 and $4,000, in that order.

Lot 199

The collection of Buddhas runs through lots 229 – 239 , with examples of Chinese, Nepalese and Southeast Asian deities in silver and gilt bronze. Their high estimates range upwards of $1,000. At the top of the market, are Lot 235, a 17 ¼" tall gilt bronze Buddha seated atop a lotus leaf and Lot 234, a Qianlong- style gilt bronze Bodhisattva, hands in mudra and ornate headdress, seated atop a lotus form pedestal. Both are estimated to bring $6,000 to $6,500.

Lot 234

The final of hour of the sale features art by known 20th Century masters. Lot 323 is a pair of Salvador Dali woodcuts from "Dante's Divina Comedia" series. "The Tree of Punishment," depicting Dante and Virgil, and "The Two Circles," portraying Dante and Beatrix, are both signed on plate and in pencil. Their high estimate is $1,500. Lot 325, Joan Miro's "Exposition Peintures, 1972," is a fine color lithograph numbered 140/152 and signed in pencil. It is expected to reach $4,000. Lot 326, a color lithograph by Marc Chagall, entitled "Profile and Red Child," is pencil signed and numbered H.C. 1960. It is expected to command $5,000. Slumbering amidst these modernist giants is Lot 324, a Francisco Goya etching entitled "Reyna del Circo," featuring a female acrobat standing on the back of a horse, the audience laughing in the background.

Lot 326

Collectors wishing to begin the year on a note of good fortune can purchase the full color auction catalog for $35. I.M. Chait's March Asian Art auction will take place in New York City during Asia Week. Details are soon to be online.