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

IM CHAIT GALLERY OFFERS ULTIMATE VALENTINE’S VASE IN 2nd ANNUAL ASIAN ANTIQUITIES AUCTION MARCH 20 IN NY

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Three Dozen Long-Stemmed Red Roses: $215
14th Century Ming Vase To Hold Them: $1.5 Million
Look On Her Face: Priceless

Lot 212

New York, NY March 20, 2008 - When you spend a few hundred dollars on a couple of dozen beautiful long-stem red roses for your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, you might as well splurge also on a magnificent vase for them. I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers has just the vase.

Indeed, at its second annual New York auction of Important Chinese Ceramics and Asian Works of Art, I.M. Chait is putting up for auction a rare 14th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty vase made for Emperor Hongwu, the very ruler who unified China and established the famed Ming Dynasty.

The vase, estimated to sell for $1 million to $1.5 million, is one of 275 important and valuable Asian antiques at the auction on Thursday, March 20, at I.M. Chait, 267 Fifth Ave. (at 29th St.), 11th floor.

The 22-and-a-half inch high vase is specific to the founding Emperor’s reign. The unique copper red underglaze was employed because his name, “Hong,” literally means “Red.” The Ming dynasty is generally noted for its blue and white porcelain.

The superbly detailed body is adorned with alternating floral sprays below a band of clouds and floral lappets. All the flowers are not only ideal for the romantic, but have important symbolism in Chinese art:

- The Peony – the flower is known as the “hua wang” (King of Flowers) and represents riches, honor, brightness, and masculinity. It is also the flower representing Spring. - The Lotus – a symbol of purity and perfection, as well as an emblem of fruitfulness and offspring. It is the flower representing Summer. - The Day Lily – emblematic of the mother of a family, and supposedly favors sons. It is also a charm to dispel grief.

Other items at the auction, which is expected to achieve over $5.2 million in sales, include a blue and white ritual Xuande Porcelain Water Sprinkler, from the early 15th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty, estimated at $250,000 to $300,000; a singularly rare blue and white Xuande Ming Porcelain Basin, estimated at $125,000 to $150,000; and a massive, archaic covered Warring States Bronze Vessel, estimated at $80,000 to $100,000. There will also be other fine porcelains from the Ming and Qing Dynasties; numerous carved Jades, including Nephrite and Jadeite; Chinese pottery and stoneware, including rare Song and fine Tang pieces; and ancient Southeast Asian Bronze and Stone together with a collection of Sino Tibetan Bronzes.

Auction lots will be open for preview in Beverly Hills Feb. 26th to March 1st and in New York March 17th to 20th. The auction will take place beginning at 1 p.m. on March 20th 267 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor. It will be simulcast live from New York to the Beverly Hills location with viewing and bidding available through a live online feed at www.chait.com