I. M. CHAIT’S SEPTEMBER 13 ASIAN AND INTERNATIONAL FINE ARTS AUCTION OPENS THE HIGH SEASON WITH FINE ARCHAIC CHINESE BRONZES AND ERTÉ BRONZE SCULPTURES.

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

I. M. Chait’s September 13 Asian and International Fine Arts Auction Opens the High Season with Fine Archaic Chinese Bronzes and Erté Bronze Sculptures.

BEVERLY HILLS. The high season for Asian art collectors opens Sunday, September 13, in Beverly Hills when I.M. Chait rolls out a slate of properties that range from archaic Chinese bronzes to 20th Century bronzes, contemporary art and jewelry.

This Asian and International Fine Arts Auction gives collectors a chance to shop before the New York galleries open their salesrooms the following week.

Among the treasures on the block are ancient Chinese bronzes similar to those on display in the blockbuster exhibit, "Ancient Arts of Viet Nam: From River Plain to Open Sea," at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Notably, lots (133 – 140) ten Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) bronze mirrors are near matches to five Han Dynasty bronze mirrors that were unearthed in Viet Nam. The moderate catalog estimates, less than $1,000 for each, make the mirrors tempting additions to any collection.

These antiquities are merely the leading edge of a broad collection of early bronzes. Lot 198 a large Western Zhou Dynasty (1027-256 BC) gui, or food vessel, with ram-head C-scroll handles and an inscription on the interior bottom, will easily command $12,000 - $15,000. And, Lot 197 a pair of Warring States Period (770-221BC) bronze storage containers with domed lids showing traces of turquoise, should make $24,000.

The use of metals in ritual items and works-of-art is a thread that runs through the collections. For instance, Japanese cloisonné is amply represented by lots (101 – 111) Sino-Tibetan and Nepalese deities of bronze, gilt bronze and silver lots (393 – 398) offer evidence of the importance of metals in religious artifacts.

But it is the much later bronzes of 20th Century art-deco artist Erté that will fascinate yet a broader audience. lots (314 – 322) portray, among other iconic figures, "Madam Butterfly," "Byzantine," and "The Hunting." Bearing high estimates of $4,000, the sculptures could easily inspire heightened interest.

Porcelains

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

The marquee item, Lot 201 is an early Ming Dynasty Dragon charger nearly 15" in diameter. Of blue and white porcelain, the plate features a central mirror-image design of dragons writhing amid waves and flanked by running qilin. From the 15th Century Zhengtong Period, the Ming dish carries a catalog high estimate of $60,000.

Lot 202 is a fine pair of Qianlong Doucai trumpet shaped bowls, each 6 ½" wide. The superb painting features fruit trees and pomegranates rendered in two shade of blue, yellow, red and green on a translucent white ground. These 18th Century bowls are expected to bring as much as $30,000.

Another desirable porcelain is Lot 211 a rare green Kangxi Porcelain dragon bowl, circa 1700. The magnificent bowl has a contrasting aubergine design of writhing dragons.

Carved Jades

A stunning collection of elaborate carved jades in every hue and form reflect the prevailing Chinese taste. For instance, a Taoist priest in flowing robes, Lot 238 is meticulously carved of lavender jadeite with even coloration and flecks of white. Those with an eye for fine carving will find this estimate of $15,000 modest indeed.

Black and white jade, when properly carved makes the most outstanding of statements. In the case of Lot 241 the figural grouping of dragons and phoenix amid clouds carved out of the gray suffusions is both delicate and strong.

Other equally fine jade carvings span the spectrum from a white table screen Lot 235 that depicts equestrian travelers crossing a bridge, to a gray 19th Century scepter, Lot 236 to Lot 246 a multi-hued apple green, lavender and russet jade mountain

Carved Ivories

The carved ivories open with an unusually strong collection of ivory tusks. Lot 221 ivories open with an unusually strong collection of ivory tusks. Lot 221 is a massive 19th Century pair of finely reticulated tusks depicting dramatic scenes. There is a procession of warriors, a fleet launching at waterside, travel along a rockery and a watchtower with officials. The estimate tops off at $30,000.

Among the figural ivories, Lot 227 The Four Heavenly Kings of the Cardinal Directions, could not be more beautifully carved. Each of the guardians wears elaborate "maille" armor and has a swirling sash. The set is expected to bring a high of $12,000.

Contemporary Art and Jewelry

Contemporary art lovers should look to the latter portion of the auction, which offers two lithographs by Mexican "Mixografia" artist, Rufino Tamayo lots (377 – 378) Five Figurative-Expressionist pastels and two Abstract Expressionist works-on-paper by Hans Burkhardt appear at lots (379 – 384) Both carry estimates reflecting the current state of the contemporary market.

lots (334 – 355) 355 feature an outstanding collection of jewelry. A sampling includes Lot 349 a Baume & Mercier man’s watch of 18K gold with diamond hour markers. Lot 339 is a rare pink diamond ring. Several lots of fine jadeite jewelry also follow.

The September 13th sale will take place at Chait's Beverly Hills salesroom. For complete details on the more than 450 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