FROM JAPANESE ART TO MENS ROLEXES - I.M. CHAIT'S AUGUST 29 AUCTION HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

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Contact: Josh Chait
310.285.0182
josh@chait.com

From Japanese Art to Mens Rolexes - I.M. Chait's August 29 Auction Has Something for Everyone.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA. Collectors of Japanese art are in for an unusual treat when they view the catalog for I.M. Chait's August 29 Asian and International Fine Arts Auction. Strong collections of Japanese netsuke, inro, okimono, porcelain, lacquer boxes and scrolls run through the sale like anime and manga through today's culture.

I.M. Chait's always-anticipated specialty offerings of Chinese Porcelains and Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty pottery, Tibetan Bronzes and Estate Jewelry are equally as impressive.

As recently profiled on the Forbes.com Video Network, the collectors' market for Japanese art is healthy and still within reach. This trend is particularly apparent in Chait's opening collection of netsuke, inro and okimono.

For example, the antique inro with the highest estimate is Lot 15 It is a four-case inlaid wood inro en suite with a parcel-glazed netsuke of a Tanuki (folkloric badger dog) and a carved chick-in-egg ojime bead. The suite's catalog high estimate is $2,400.

Later in the auction, there is a collection of 15 antique Japanese scrolls. Interestingly, scrolls were changed to coincide with the seasons. While antique scrolls purchased from important dealers can easily hit five figures, items in this collection carry far more reasonable estimates.

Among the highlights is Lot 342, an antique ink-on-silk Buddhist scroll, depicting a narrative of Buddha on his deathbed beneath trees and surrounded by disciples and animals. It is expected to fetch $1,000 to $1,200.

The Chinese collectibles open with a fine selection of Chinese snuff bottles. Buyers who like snuff bottles and want to know more about them, should read Isadore M. Chait's Snuff Bottles: What They Are and Why Collect Them

As the auction moves along, exquisite collections of Chinese porcelain give way to Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty pottery.

Lot 193 fabulous pair of Qianlong Doucai plates, is one of the day's more remarkable porcelains. The 18th Century period plates are decorated with coral like elements connected by green scrolling and bordered by stylized characters. Bearing a hallmark that, translated, says "Made at the studio of cheerful painting," the doucai pair is expected to bring between $12,000 and $15,000.

Lot 194 A rare Kangxi Famille Verte Dish is the star of the Chinese porcelains. Estimated at $25,000 or more, the period porcelain dish has enameled blossoms at its center. They are painted over a ground of anhua engraved dragons and flowers. Rockery decorates the interior and exterior.

Ancient Chinese Pottery is well represented with several stellar lots. The premier lot is Lot 198 a pair of red Tang Pottery Horses, also expected to command as much as $25,000, possibly more. Finely molded and in dramatic stances, the horses have detailed facial features. Their mouths are agape with teeth bared. The Tang Pottery Horses are also complete TL Test Certificates.

Lot 199 pair of Northern Qi Pottery "fancy" parade horses, are remarkable for their detailing and pigment. Each horse stands foursquare and is adorned with conch shells and bells. The both are outfitted in wide flared saddles. With TL Test Certificates, the dramatic pair is estimated at around $20,000.

Breathtaking is the only word for Lot 195 a rare Chinese Kingfisher Headdress (feng-tian). It is decorated with sprig-mounted elements inlaid with kingfisher feathers (tian tsui). The headdress is illustrated in the 2001 book "Kingfisher Blue: Treasures of Ancient Chinese Art." It last appeared at Christies in September 2007. Mounted in a lucite case, the remarkable headdress drips with seed pearl garlands and colored glass teardrops. It is marked Lot 195 and should command $8,000 or more.

Estate Jewelry wraps up the August 29 sale with and outstanding collection of mens watches and ladies watches, including luxury brands Rolex, Cartier and Mathey-Tissot.

Few women will be able to resist the diamond and emerald collar that makes an appearance at Lot 303 The necklace features a pear-shaped emerald drop suspended from garlands of white gold and diamonds. Estimated at a high of $10,000, it is a bargain. Other estate jewels include Lot 301 a south sea pearl necklace estimated at $3,000 or more plus 8 diamond rings.

The August 29 sale will take place at Chait's Beverly Hills salesroom at 1PM. Preview begins August 24 - 28, 11am - 5pm or by appointment. For complete details on the 440 plus lots in I.M. Chait's Asian and International Fine Arts Auction, visit www.chait.com or in person at I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers, 9330 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.