EXCEPTIONAL ASIAN ART VALUES ABOUND IN I.M. CHAIT'S MAY 1 ASIAN AND INTERNATIONAL FINE ARTS AUCTION

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

Exceptional Asian Art Values Abound in I.M. Chait's May 1 Asian and International Fine Arts Auction

Beverly Hills, CA - I.M. Chait's May 1st Asian and International Fine Auction is filled with exceptional selections in the popular categories of Chinese Jade and Ivory Carvings, Antique Porcelains and Tang Dynasty pottery. Substantial collections of these Chinese Carved Jades and Carved Ivories from several important collections dominate the auction while collections of Chinese snuff bottles and rare Japanese netsuke and okimono offer a strong opening.

Many of the properties carry the provenance of prominent United States collections. Still others are referenced by their Chinese auction house history. And I.M. Chait's growing reputation adds to the excitement surrounding the almost 500 lots in this auction.

The day's most highly sought jadeite carving is a pale lavender and icy green Guanyin with an openwork mandorla. The unusual richness of the jadeite gives a transcendental cast to the robed figure that stands twenty-two inches tall and is mounted on a wire inlaid wood stand. It is Lot 229 and is estimated to fetch $35,000 or more.

Among the deep hue jades, a spinach green jade table screen takes top honors for quality and craftsmanship. The elaborate carvings on the plaque depict traditional rockery and a landscape of pine trees with pavilions. Gilt inscriptions add to the overall significance. The screen is set in an ornately scrolled openwork wood stand. It is Lot 225 and carries a catalog high estimate of $25,000.

Another beautiful carved jade is Lot 226, a brushpot of spinach green jade with a color so deep it impersonates black. The brushpot's carvings depict scholars and attendants in a landscape of pine and bamboo groves. At 7-inches tall, the brush pot is extremely heavy and expected to command around $18,000.

Other outstanding carved items include Lot 246, a Ming-style Ivory set of Chinese Immortals. From the Leonard and Lucy Carrier collection, the attractively stained figures each stand holding his or her attribute. The group is expected to exceed the high estimate of $12,000. Carved ivories in this price range continue for eight more lots.

An 18th Century style carved Zitan shrine makes its appearance as Lot 227 With a hexagonal alcove and glazed windows, the shrine has an elaborately shaped cornice. It sits upon a pedestal lotus base. The 16-inch high Zitan shrine is expected to find a buyer at around $10,000.

Lot 219 a pair of Tang Dynasty pottery horses in strong striding stances show remarkably good musculature. The 24-inch pair has their mouths agape and their tails are fancy tied. With much remaining slip, some pigments and TL Test, the pair will command around $25,000.

Lot 220 is a charming set of ten Tang Dynasty pottery musician equestrians. Some of the 10 ľ inch high figures hold instruments while others have raised hands. Most retain pigment in shades of beige, coral and red. Estimated at a catalog high of $10,000, the equestrian musicians are a real value.

When it comes to the antique porcelain collection, a rare antique Chinese circular box stands out. The overall yellow ground is covered by a scrolling design of blue, green and aubergine making the box a rarity. Lot 217 carries a Yongzheng Mark and is probably of the period. It carries an auction value of about $10,000.

Lot 218 an 18th Century Famille Rose vase is as desirable. The brightly painted figural scene with rich corals and reds on the white ovoid body features three young boys amid a study of flowers, vessels and benches. It bears the Qianlong Mark and is of the Period.

Among glazes, peacock blue is difficult to achieve and therefore highly desirable. Lot 216 a "robin's egg" blue vase of archaic "hu" form with moulded flanged handles is no exception. It has the Qianlong seal and is probably of the period. At 7 Ľ-inches tall, it should find its auction value at $8,000.

Collectors of the Guangxi and Republic or Minguo periods will be pleased by the concentration of offerings. Their lot numbers fall in the high 100s and low 200s.

From the collection of Sino-Tibetan Deities, Lot 221 is a large and ornate Buddhist deity seated in a position of Royal Ease, with one foot atop a lotus blossom. Bejeweled and regal, it is 11-inches tall and should bring $10,000 or more.

This auction brings out the allure of Chinese snuff bottles rendered in crystal, jasper, coral, cameo agate, turquoise, lapis lazuli and opal. They are numbered lots (75 – 108) Small rarities such as the carved hornbill skulls at Lot 148 add to the interest

Finally, a fantastic collection of antique and modern Japanese netsuke and okimono also includes a Skeleton band at Lot 150 and a fossil ivory okimono group at Lot 149 With more than 60 small handling-items - including Shunga - at the beginning of the sale, the opening hour should set the pace for a vibrant day at I.M. Chait.

To view the complete catalog online or to bid/watch streaming video and audio of the sale live in real time please visit www.chait.com. Full color catalogs are also available. Preview is open to the public from April 26 - 30, 11am - 5pm and auction day from 10am until auction start at 1pm PDT. I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers is located at 9330 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.