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Contact: Josh Chait
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I.M. Chait Assures Legality of Chinese Antiques in International Fine Arts Auction on July 12.

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA. With an important Eighth Century B.C. Chinese bronze vessel leading I.M. Chait's July 12 International Fine Arts Auction, collectors can be assured that properties meet the new regulations for import of Chinese Antiquities as outlined in the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US and China.

The MOU, which affects the importation of Chinese items from the Paleolithic Period (75,000 B.C.) through the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.C.), became effective in the waning days of the Bush Administration. According to I.M. (Izzy) Chait, Founder of the widely respected auction house, many of the items in the collections had been purchased from the Gallery in previous years. Others carry impressive credentials, among them a Palos Verdes Estates collection of archaic bronzes and the Lee Youngren Collection of antique ivory and wood netsukes.

This comfort level should more than increase interest in Lot 205, the museum-quality Early Western Zhou Dynasty bronze vessel estimated at $80,000. Known in Chinese as a gui, the archaic container has a domed lid and is decorated with the intertwined geometrics characteristic of the era. Fantastical animal-heads decorate the handles and legs. An inscription inside the cover completes its attributes.

Other archaic bronze highlights include Lot 206, a pair of massive covered Hu (wine storage containers) from the Warring States Period. The rounded bodies are adorned with bands of scrolled decoration and each has an inscription at the neck. Lot 207, a large Western Zhou ritual food vessel with C-scroll handles is banded with whorls and geometrics. It too bears an inscription, on the interior. Both are in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.

Lot 204 a Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain dish in a smooth yellow enamel glaze highlights the ceramics collections. The beauty of the yellow glaze (created through low temperature firing) is made all the more outstanding by underglaze cobalt blue and white flowers on both the plate’s top and underside. This masterpiece of form, painting and firing bears the rare Zhengde Emperor’s mark. It is expected to bring $70,000 or more.

A private Japanese collection housed the Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain charger that is Lot 203 The masterfully painted platter has a palm-like plant at its center surrounded with fruit, squash and blossoms on vines. All are encircled by Lotus blossoms. A diaper pattern band at the rim adds even more finesse. Almost 16 inches in diameter, the 14th Century charger is an impressive addition to any collection at about $70,000.

Ivory Carvings

Both Chinese and Japanese tradition favor ivory carvings and nowhere is there more variety than in this auction.

A pair of antique tusks, Lot 239 is handsomely and elaborately reticulated with figural scenes depicting sages, warriors, farmers and travelers set amid flowering branches. The early 19th Century pair sit on their original carved pine-motif wooden stand.

Lot 240, a finely carved ivory brush pot is a remarkable example of the reverence afforded Chinese painters and scholars in the 19th Century. Only 9 ˝-inches tall, it is articulated with miniscule court scenes being played out in ornate gardens. Of cylindrical form, the brush pot has a lacquered interior and rests on an openwork wooden stand.

A more capricious approach to the art of carving, Lot 242, is a large Japanese “treasure” boat. Comprised of sections, the boat has a feathered phoenix at the prow, a tall mast with two billowing sails and a rudder that moves. On board are the Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin) and two young boys. The ornately carved boat is 29” inches tall and rides on a wave form wooden stand.

Deities and Figures

Unique to this auction is an exceptionally strong collection of Asian deities and figures rendered in limestone, sandstone, ivory and jade.

Highlights include Lot 235 a large Northern Qi Dynasty head of Guanyin carved of limestone. Lot 229 is an 11th Century full-length figure of Uma (Parvati), consort of Shiva, mother of Ganesha and Skanda. Lot 231 is also a rare 12th Century-style, Ankor-type bronze figure of Ganesha. And Lot 234 is a fine Indian Jain carved stone stele.

Two red sandstone Indian figures still show the dexterity of their 11th Century carvers. Lot 230 is a partially nude female torso with full bosom and garlands. It was last seen at Lempertz, the German auction house. Lot 232 is a divine couple, or Mithuna, standing side by side. He holds a large sword and caresses the woman. She has one arm over his shoulder. The Mithuna was formerly in the Avery Brundage Collection of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

Estimates on the collection of deities range from $6,000 to $24,000.

Jewelry and Other Western Treasures

The July 12 sale winds up with a fine collection of jewelry that includes Rolex and Patek Philippe wristwatches and 18 lots of exquisite jade jewelry. Lot 274 for instance, a pair of jadeite and diamond earrings, is fashioned of bright emerald-green cabochons set in platinum surrounded and surmounted with diamonds.

The July 12th 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