I.M. CHAIT'S APRIL 25 AUCTION RECALLS CHINA'S GOLDEN AGES.

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

I.M. CHAIT’S APRIL 25 AUCTION RECALLS CHINA’S GOLDEN AGES.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA. China had its first Golden Age during the Han Dynasty, 206 BC to 220 AD. Nearly 800 years later, the Tang Dynasty ushered in China’s second golden age, possibly the nation’s highest point culturally. Both Dynasties revered ritual pottery in the form of horses, equestrians and such. When masterfully modeled, these ceramic items are in high demand. On April 25, I.M. Chait will feature a collection of fine Han and Tang pottery at auction.

The collection begins at Lot 197 with a pair of Han pottery dancing ladies. Each is depicted in motion with arms held aloft to display unusually long flowing sleeves. Meanwhile, tiny feet peek out from beneath fluted robes that still bear traces of white and red pigments. Almost two feet tall, the dancers are expected to fetch about $9,000.

The marquee item of the day dates to the Tang Dynasty. It is Lot 199 a pair of red pottery horses with much remaining pigment. Standing with forelegs lifted, their mouths are agape exposing teeth and tongue. The large horses should command as much as $25,000, possibly more.

Lot 200 is a large Tang Dynasty model of a Bactrian camel. Standing fore-square, with its head thrown back, teeth and tongue exposed, the double-humped beast is quixotically charming. Its catalog high estimate is $9,000.

Collectors wishing to test the market will find several other Han and Tang offerings, including Lot 206 a Sancai glazed pottery official, in the $2,000 to $3,000 range.

In China, the art of carving is on a par with the finest sculpture of the Western world. Over the centuries, carvers have tooled scenes of mythological proportions from simple materials such as wood and ivory.

Jade, or yu in Chinese, has long been considered the most beautiful of hard stones. It has been imbued with mystical properties and carved as objects of honor, fashion and ceremony. The enormous feat of bringing the stone to life can be seen in the jadeite carving that is the lead item in the Chait sale.

Lot 192 catalogued as a vessel with cover, has the appearance of an elaborate underwater fantasy. A shallow bowl of mottled green jadeite with tan suffusions is surrounded by intricately carved fish and hydra. The highly detailed green cover is encrusted with open work dragons that culminate off center. The 12-inch tall vessel is expected to command around $18,000.

Lot 193 is a green and lavender, high relief jadeite plaque of mythical figures. Two ride on the back and tail of a dragon. Others are shown with auspicious symbols such as phoenix, bat, coins, and fruit. On the verso, a mountain landscape is defined by bamboo trees and a full moon. The figural group is estimated at $18,000.

Among the outstanding wood carvings, Lot 196 is a larger-than-life Chinese Yuan/early Ming Dynasty Bodhisattva. Carved and gessoed, the 5-foot tall deity is seated in the position of Royal Ease. The deity, perfect for garden or temple, carries a catalog high estimate of $12,000.

Ivory, introduced to China by Silk Road traders, lends itself to figurative carvings. Lot 210 for instance, is an Imperial couple. The Emperor is depicted with dragons on his sword and crown. The Empress, shown with scepter and hanging tasseled ruyi, is decorated with phoenix. The bidding is expected to reach $7,000, possibly higher.

Other ivory carvings include three narrative, figural tusks lots (207 – 209) valued at between $3,000 to $4,000.

In today’s market, Japanese items are undervalued, a fact that make the entries in the auction more than notable. Lot 264 , is an antique Japanese Katana. The 28 inch samurai sword has a rare round back with wave-like temperline. Antique silver decorates the two-piece collar. The handle is covered in ray skin. It carries a catalog estimate of $8,000.

Lot 190 is a massive and elaborate antique Japanese Satsuma jar with cover. Depicted are Arhats (Buddhist priests) and dragons in a continuous landscape.

The final hour of the sale features a collection of gems and watches. Outstanding items include an engagement ring of platinum and gold with a catalog high estimate of $11,000 and Lot 329 is a ruby and diamond necklace and bracelet set, estimated at $10,000.

To view the complete I.M. Chait catalog online, please visit www.chait.com Full color catalogs are available for $35 plus postage by calling (800) 775-5020. Preview in Beverly Hills begins April 20th - 25th