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Contact: Josh Chait
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I.M. Chait Bridges Cultures with Strong Collections from China, Korea, Japan and Tibet In May 3rd Auction.

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA. When Asian art collectors the world over want to build or divest their collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics, Japanese Netsuke, carved jades and Sino-Tibetan bronze deities, they seek out I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers of Beverly Hills.   

Nowhere is this reach clearer than in the International Fine Arts Auction on May 3 at the I.M. Chait Gallery in Beverly Hills. More than 400 properties, including a small collection of fine jewelry, Chinese and Japanese textiles and some Natural History items will be up for sale.

One of the star items, Lot 208, is a rare Korean Koryo Dynasty celadon glazed vase of pear shape. Created between the tenth and twelfth centuries, the Koryo vase is inlaid with rows of flowers, a technique known as sanggam. To achieve the desired effect, the maker had to etch the floral design into a dry clay body and fill the carved spaces with slip. The glaze was then applied and the vessel fired. Having been in the collection of Alfred Mirsky, the American microbiologist, the Koryo vase is expected to bring $15,000 to $20,000.

Meanwhile, Lot 207, a Chinese Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Yuhu, is a fine example of advances accorded the 14th Century Chinese ceramists who perfected the cobalt underglaze technique. This Yuhuchunping has a pear shaped body embellished with a repeating lotus design. Lappets and foliage adorn the neck and bottom. Catalog estimate for the 9 1/2” tall vase is also $15,000 to $20,000.

Lot 205 is an example of the rare square form practiced during the 16th Century. It is a blue and white Jiajing Period Ming Dynasty square dish that depicts two five clawed dragons flanking a tower of auspicious symbols, one of which is "cash". The Jiajing square dish carries a high estimate of $10,000.

The May 3 sale also offers one of the strongest fields of carved ivories and carved jades to come to market this year.

Carved Ivories

Leading the field of carved ivories is Lot 210 a five-tiered pagoda, almost four feet tall (Lot 210). Each roof of the pagoda features scrolled flanges, from which loose bells are suspended. The panels, doorways and railings are all reticulated. A double-gourd finial sits atop the model. A stylized lotus motif base, its panels incised with the attributes and emblems of the Eight Immortals, completes the artistic story. The ivory pagoda model, which excels in design and workmanship, is expected to command between $10,000 and $12,000.

Lot 209, also large - just over three feet - is a magnificent Chinese ivory lantern in the form of a two-tiered pagoda. The electrified lantern has six large dragon-head flanges. The eyes of the dragons are the source of jewels of light that illuminate panels of highly reticulated celestial beauties. It is set on a double-pedestal stand with panels of flowers, phoenix flanges and bird-like feet. The carved ivory lantern is estimated at a high of $12,000.

Another example from the collection, Lot 214, is a highly detailed ivory Chinese Emperor and Empress. The pair, estimated at $6,000, leads the stunning collection of moderately estimated ivories.

Anchoring the collection is Lot 109, an unusual Japanese okimono of marine ivory. It depicts a sage standing on rockery and pouring from a double gourd. There is a child by his side and horse in the waves beneath. Signed, the okimono stands 11 ½" tall and carries a high estimate of $1200.

Textiles

A small collection of Chinese and Japanese textiles features Lot 389 an Imperial-style silk Kesi suite, in the style of Imperial parade armor. It includes a jacket with five detachable pieces and one gilt brass protective circular plate and chaps with blue silk ties. All pieces are decorated with five claw dragons amid clouds above mountains, waves and lishui band, all rendered in metallic thread. The suit is covered with gilt brass studs. It is 60 1/2" and is estimated at a high of $25,000.

There is also Lot 390 a Chinese embroidered silk robe (Lot 390) with gilt thread dragons amid clouds, bats and emblems on a dark blue ground. The robe is expected to fetch about $6,000 semicolon while Lot 393, a Buddhist red silk cassock with a crossed ladder design, carries a similar estimate.

For collectors of traditional Japanese dolls, Lot 374 is a set of armor consisting of helmet, face mask, main body and arms, chaps, shin guards and shoes. It is housed in a black lacquer storage box.

Carved Jades

Jades for all tastes are grouped in collections throughout the sale. Lot 254 is a spectacular pair of jadeite cranes standing atop pine tree trunks. At two feet tall, they are expected to bring between $4,000 and $6,000.

Lots 255 and 256 are both jade mountains, which, in this market are extremely collectible. (At the March sale, I.M. Chait saw a jade mountain go for nearly $200,000, including the buyer’s premium.)

Reflecting the Chinese taste is lots (125 – 127) Lots 125-127 a collection of jade teapots. Carved jade animals too numerous to itemize and carved jadeite snuff bottles are grouped in collections throughout the sale.

Buddhist Deities

An impressive collection of bronze deities begins at Lot 214, with a seated Buddha, and continues through Lot 102, a lovely Sino-Tibetan Bodhisattva with instrument. Later in the sale, Lot 282 is an antique Thai carved wood Buddha. Lot 283 is a Nepalese silvered bronze Bodhisattva estimated at $5,000.

Jewelry

The final hour of the auction will see a fine collection of antique and contemporary jewelry come under the hammer. There are several pieces of Moghul style jewelry and several rose cut diamond offerings.

The May 3rd sale will take place at Chait's Beverly Hills salesroom. For complete details on the more than 400 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. To order a fully illustrated color catalogue, $35 plus postage ($5 domestic, $15 international) Please call (800) 775-5020 or (310) 285-0182 or email us