China Guardian Auctions Co Ltd, established in May 1993 and one of the oldest auction houses in China, will launch the 2013 spring auctions on May 10 in Beijing.
“As this year marks the 20th anniversary of China Guardian, we will launch a series of special sales of rare artworks to share the beauty of art, and most of all, show our appreciation of the continuous support from the collectors,” said Wang Yannan, president and director of China Guardian.
The preview will be held from May 7 to 9 at the Beijing International Hotel Convention Center.
Chinese calligraphy and paintings
The Chinese calligraphy and paintings sale includes 18 auctions, with about 1,200 pieces up for grabs.
Lady Red Whisk by Zhang Daqian
Sun Flowers by Qi Baishi
The collection by Shu Qingchun (1899-1966) known as one of the most famous modern writer Lao She and his wife Hu Xieqing (1905-2001) is bound to attract enthusiasm from collectors as it comprises many iconic pieces by Qi Baishi (1864-1957), an influential Chinese painter in the early 20th century. Highlights include The View after Rain, Eagle Standing on Pine Tree, Gourd, Crabapples, and Sun Flowers, which depict flowers, birds and insects, the major themes of his paintings later in life.
Other highlights include Lady Red Whisk by Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), which is widely considered as one of his best Gongbi (claborate-style) works - a careful realist technique in Chinese painting; and his Pavilions among the Peaks will re-appear after it was sold for 140 million yuan in 1948.
In addition, Chrysanthemums and Rock, and Peach Blossom and Bee by Qi Baishi, Pavilion on the River Bank by Huang Binhong (1865-1955), Ink Lotus by Zhang Daqian, Horse by Xu Beihong (1895-1953), and Reading Room by Lu Yanshao (1909-1993)will be also be presented at sale room.
Four special auctions will take place, featuring more than 200 pieces from individual collectors, such as ancient ink wash paintings and traditional Chinese fans, and many of which will be offered to the public for the first time.
A Man with a Horse in the Mountain by Shi Tao
Over 300 pieces of traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings will be presented. One of the highlights is A Man with a Horse in the Mountain by Shi Tao (1642-1707), a Chinese landscape painter and poet during the early Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). Produced for his patron Huang Yan when they travelled together around the country, the piece shows Shi Tao‘s artistic philosophy - drawing attention to the act of painting itself through the use of washes and bold, impressionistic brushstrokes. The painting also features postscripts by many well-known painters and writers of the late Ming Dynasty, including Kong Shangren (1648-1718) and Zhu Da (1626-1705).
In addition, North American collectors will present about 40 traditional calligraphy and paintings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Included are Leisure in the Mountain by Zhao Zuo, a noted Chinese painter of the Ming Dynasty, and Mountain and River by his contemporary Shen Shichong, a Chinese landscape painter.
Also, an auction dedicated to calligraphy from the Ming and Qing dynasties will present over 100 pieces, with a focus on those produced in the middle Qing Dynasty. The ancient calligraphy and painting sale will present another 130 pieces.[!--empirenews.page--]
Porcelain, Works of Art and Furniture
The porcelain, works of art and furniture sale contains 18 auctions with about 1,900 lots for sale, including porcelain, jade, furniture, embroideries, Zisha ware, Buddha figures and snuff bottles.
An auction will be staged focusing on sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares and art work made for the imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with about 30 pieces up for grabs.
The highlights include two imperial jade seals from the Qing Dynasty, both of which are mounted with two carved dragons that affirm the supremacy of the emperors. The first one, made during the Qian Long Period, was once retained by the French collector Emile Guimet (1836-1918). The other was produced during the Jia Qing period and is noted for its exquisite craftsmanship and transparency.
An imperial jade seal from the Qing Dynasty
A Qing Dynasty gourd-shaped vase
A gilt bronze figure of Buddha from the Ming Dynasty
A Huanghuali censer table from the Qing Dynasty
A Qing Dynasty gourd-shaped vase at James Morrison’s Fonthill House is expected gain ardent attention after it appeared at Christie's in 2003. Large in size, the vase is carefully decorated with a variety of flowers, which represents prosperity and harmony in Chinese tradition.
In addition, a Huanghuali censer table from the Qing Dynasty and a gilt bronze figure of Buddha from the Ming Dynasty, will also be presented.
There will also be a furniture sale dedicated to works by Tian Jiaqing (1953- ), a leading authority on ancient Chinese furniture. Tian designs and produces his own furniture under the name of Modern Ming. By combining features of traditional furniture and modern design philosophy, his works represent a fresh outlook, drawing attention from collectors both at home and abroad.
Of the 670 pieces of modern and contemporary art works, a tea pot by accomplished master artists Gu Jingzhou (1915-1996) and Han Meilin (1936- ) is known for its simple yet beautiful shape. Most of the porcelain ware comes from the Republic of China, and represents the heyday of Chinese porcelain production in the early 20th century.
Seals cut by Qi Baishi
Seals cut by social celebrities will also be present. Included are those by Qi Baishi, Zhao Ziqian, Wu Changshuo, Qian Shoutie and Deng Sanmu as well as other prestigious artists.[!--empirenews.page--]
Chinese Oil Paintings and Sculptures
The Chinese oil paintings and sculpture sale will offer about 200 pieces.
Highlights of Chinese oil paintings from the early 20th century include Heavy Fragrance of Flowers in Yan’an, a large painting produced by Wu Zuoren (1908-1997) in 1977 in memory of Mao Zhedong who died a year earlier; A White Plum on a Green Background by Sanyu (1901-1966), a fusion of elements of his traditional Chinese training with aspects of the new modernist trends; and Two Buddhist Monks by the Chinese visual artist Fang Junbi (1898-1986).
Heavy Fragrance of Flowers in Yan’an by Wu Zuoren
A White Plum on a Green Background by Sanyu
Two Buddhist Monks by Fang Junbi
Joke by the contemporary Chinese artist Liu Xiaodong (1963- ) describes how seven young people react to a joke. Revolutionary Family by Liu Wei (1965- ) is a distorted mental image of his father in the army and expresses skepticism about traditional Chinese military ideas and their legacy in modern day.
Joke by Liu Xiaodong
Revolutionary Family by Liu Wei
Other important works include those by Zeng Fanzhi, Cai Guoqiang, Shen Yaoyi, Ai Xuan, Luo Zhongli and Xu Bing.[!--empirenews.page--]
Rare books, Rubbings and Manuscripts
The rare books, rubbings and manuscripts sale contains about 250 pieces ranging from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to Ming Dynasty and to the Republic of China.
A collection of ancient stories by Lu Xun
A volume of interpretations of classical texts of the Spring and Autumn Period
The highlights of include a volume of interpretations of classical texts of the Spring and Autumn Period, which was printed in the South Song Dynasty; a book recording the victory in the war with Vietnam, which was printed in 1790. Letters between Zeng Guofan, an eminent Chinese official of the late Qing Dynasty, and his family members, and a collection of ancient stories by Lu Xun (1881-1936), the leading figure of modern Chinese literature, will also be offered.
Watches and Jewelry
About 300 watches and 102 pieces of jewelry will be offered in the spring auctions.
Ulysse Nardin Circus Minute Repeater
A 36 carat sapphire diamond ring decorated by two triangle diamonds
The top watch is the Ulysse Nardin Circus Minute Repeater. The beautiful timepiece animates a circus scene on its adventurine dial with hand carved 18k white gold figures. The figures include a clown, trainer, monkey, bear and tiger. The trainer whip reaches out to the tiger indicating the quarters and the tiger paw indicates the minutes. The bear bows to the ballet dancer and the chiming mechanism activates – a true work of art.
Other famous watches include Patek Philippe Chronograph Perpetual Calendar 5971, Patek Philippe Celestial 5102J, and Franck Muller tourbillion watches.
Of the 102 pieces of jewelry, an impressive set of jadeite diamond necklace, rings and ear pendants, together with a 36 carat sapphire diamond ring decorated by two triangle diamonds, are bound to gain serious attention from the collectors.[!--empirenews.page--]
Coins and stamps
The coin and stamp sale, starting on May 17, will present about 3,000 pieces.
Bank notes from the Ming Dynasty
Highlights include coin trees- coins cast into copper plates, and some bank notes from the Ming Dynasty. They have long been sought after as they are the very objects that give an insight into the history of the ancient Chinese coinage and banking system.
A postcard sent from Khobdo to Beijing
Another unique item is a postcard sent from Khobdo to Beijing in 1919. The Khobdo Post Station, located in the remote Xinjiang area, was set up in November 1918 and remained open for only three years, with less than five stamps sent out from the station.
A new addition to the coins and stamps sale this year is letters and photography by international celebrities, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Dwight Eisenhower, Albert Einstein and Audrey Hepburn. The contents are all offered by overseas collectors.
A letter written by Napoleon Bonaparte
China Guardian 2013 Spring Auctions
Chinese Painting and Calligraphy; Porcelain, Furniture and Works of Art; Modern and Contemporary Arts and Crafts; Chinese Oil Paintings and Sculptures; Rare Books and Manuscript; Jewelry and Watches
Preview: May 7 - 9, 2013
Auction: May 10 - 14, 2013
Venue: Convention Center, Beijing International Hotel (9, Jianguomennei St., Beijing)
China Guardian 2013 Spring Stamps and Covers, Coins and Banknotes Auctions
Stamps and Covers, Coins and Banknotes
Preview: May 14 - 16, 2013
Auction: May 17 - 18, 2013
Venue: Beijing International Hotel (9, Jianguomennei St., Beijing)
China Guardian 2013 Spring Auctions Guangzhou Roadshow
Venue: Hall A, 1st Floor, Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dong Fang Hotel Guangzhou (120 Liu Hua Road, Guangzhou)
Date: 2013-04-20 10:00 - 18:00
2013-04-21 10:00 – 16:00
China Guardian 2013 Spring Auctions Chengdu Roadshow
Venue: Dignitary Hall, 1st Floor, Chengdu Jinjiang Hotel (80 Renmin Road South,Chengdu)
Date: 2013-04-24 10:00 - 18:00
2013-04-25 10:00 – 16:00
China Guardian 2013 Spring Auctions Fuzhou Roadshow
Venue: Fuzhou Hall, 3rd Floor, Shangri-La Hotel FuZhou (9 Xinquan Road South, Gulou District, Fuzhou)
Date: 2013-04-27 10:00 - 18:00
2013-04-28 10:00 – 16:00
China Guardian 2013 Spring Auctions Shanghai Roadshow
Venue: Banquet Hall, 9th Floor, Le Royal Meridien Shanghai (789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai)
Date: 2013-04-27 10:00 - 18:00
2013-04-28 10:00 – 16:00