China Guardian 2017 Autumn Auctions
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Dec 18-23
Total turnover reached 3.039 billion yuan
5 top lots were sold at over 100 million yuan each
Hammer prices of 48 lots were more than 10 million yuan each
15 lots broke records
Five sessions achieved 100 percent transaction rate
Category of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting has raised 2.088 billion yuan
The turnover of the session "Grand View: The Night of Celebration" amounts to 1.632 billion yuan
Trading volume of the session "20th Century and Contemporary Chinese Art" totals 450 million yuan
The hammer price for a single lot broke 100 million yuan for the first time
A record high for China Guardian
China Guardian 2017 Autumn Auctions concluded at No 1, the Guardian Art Center, Wangfujing Street, on Dec 23. The six days of autumn sales with a total of 38 special sessions raised 3.039 billion yuan.
The auctions kicked off for the first time at China Guardian's new headquarters. They exactly mirror the market situation and real values of lots, which is conducive to guide the auction market to boom in a more sound and mature way. Our company's principles of being credible, professional and market-oriented are also fully demonstrated. The collectors gained admired lots as well as our sincerity and friendship.
Director and President Ms. Hu Yanyan
The six-day auction concluded with great success. Top lots of Shen Zhou, Xu Wei and Zhang Daqian all auctioned at more than 100 million yuan. Warm Spring in the Jade Pavillion by Chen Yifei topped the "20th Century and Contemporary Chinese Art" session. This was the first time that a single lot raised over 100 million yuan in this session. Star lots emerged in every session. For instance, the single hammer price for 48 lots exceeded 10 million yuan and 5 lots all realized more than 100 million yuan. The result exceeded our expectations.
We want to extend sincere gratitude to all our clients, staffs, media friends and partners. Prosperity in the auction market will benefit all. So China Guardian will stick to sustainable development, as well as open and fair rules to promote market development. We hope to win by our service and integrity.
▌5 top lots
· Chen Yifei, Warm Spring in the Jade Pavillion: 149.5 million yuan
· Shen Zhou, Presented to Wu Kuan: 148.3 million yuan
· Xu Wei, Nature Sketches: 127 million yuan
· Zhang Daqian, Landscape after Dong Yuan: 132 million yuan
· Zhang Daqian, Kuan Yin of the Water Moon: 101.2 million yuan
▌5 white glove sales (100 percent transaction rate)
· Elegance in Qinghuatang Studio: Modern Chinese Paintings from a Private Collection
· Genuineness in the Verdant Pavilion: Modern Chinese Paintings from a Private Collection
· Latitude/Attitude: The Schoeni Family Collection
· Fine and Rare Kweichou Mou-tai Chiew
· Fine Chinese Works of Art from the YILU Collection
▌15 record-breaking lots
· Chen Yifei, Warm Spring in the Jade Pavillion: 149.5 million yuan, highest among his works and among lots of the contemporary art category
· Shen Zhou, Presented to Wu Kuan: 148.3 million yuan, highest among his works
· Xu Wei, Nature Sketches: 127 million yuan, highest among his works
· Zhang Daqian, Kuan Yin of the water moon: 101.2 million yuan, highest among his figure paintings
· Zhou Chunya, China Scenery: 44.275 million yuan, highest among his works
· Jiang Zhaohe, Return Home: 25.3 million yuan, highest among his works
· Emperor Jiaqing, The Epic Poem Celebrating the Victory of Tonghe Battle: 18.4 million yuan, highest among his works
· Block-printed edition of Wen Xian Tong Kao in 1524: 14.95 million yuan, highest among block-printed books from the Ming Dynasty
· A Qingtian stone seal carved by Zhao Zhiqian: 12.075 million yuan, highest among his seals and all the seals
· Su Tianci, Early Spring in the South: 8.05 million yuan, highest among his works
· A Lao, All Chinese Children Love You: 6.9 million yuan, highest among his works
· A "Luxiangyuan" Gu embroidery "flowers and birds" album from the late Ming Dynasty: 4.37 million yuan, highest among Gu embroideries
· Xiao Shufang, Winter in Beijing: 4.14 million yuan, highest among her works
· A well preserved post stationery from Mongolia to Beijing in 1919: 2.185 million yuan, highest among post stationery
· Huang Yongyu, Dog: 736,000 yuan, highest among all the small works of art with a height between 33.33 cm and 66.66 cm
Classical Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
Vice-president and Chief of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Department, Guo Tong
The session maintains the recovery tendency of spring auctions. Four works raised more than 100 million yuan each and 32 lots' hammer prices exceed 10 million yuan in the session "Grand View: The Night of Celebration", which fully demonstrates collectors' passion for expensive lots. We are honored to collect rare modern and ancient lots from all around the world. These lots can make up our inadequate understanding of artists and stages of art history, which will determine market direction. During preview exhibition and auction days, this session witnessed great popularity and larger transaction volume. It indicates that the collection market is more prosperous and reasonable.
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
General Manager of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department, Dai Wei
Seven special sessions of the autumn sales raised 1.38 billion yuan in three days. We are glad to witness the popularity and strong market demand. Top lots of Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi realized high transaction prices. Masterpieces of Shi Lu, Huang Binhong, Lu Yanshao and Wu Changshuo all have been auctioned at higher prices beyond expectation. Two sessions of the auction, along with special sections themed on Li Keran' and Feng Zikai's works, realized a turnover rate of 100 percent. We have encountered new and veteran collectors at the auctions. The market demand is also adjusting, which is our focus. We will continue to keep pace with market development. Next year, we will usher in our 25th anniversary, and welcome all the collectors to join us and celebrate!
263
Zhang Daqian
Landscape After Dong Yuan
Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dated 1946,
Signed Yuan, with three artist seals and two collector seals;
187.5×120 cm
Price realized: RMB 132,250,000
428
Zhang Daqian
Kuan Yin of the Water Moon
Mounted for framing; ink and color on special canvas
Signed Zhang Daqian, dated guiwei 1943, with two artist seals
158.5×87.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 101,200,000
286
Qi Baishi
Eagle on Rock
Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Signed Qi Huang, with two artist seals
316×70 cm
Price realized: RMB 98,900,000
353
Huang Binhong
View of Xiling
Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Signed Binhong, with two artist seals
74.5×48.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 44,275,000
277
Shi Lu
Mountain Hua After Snow
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Signed Shi Lu, with one artist seal
180×91 cm
Price realized: RMB 38,525,000
Classical Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
General Manager of Classical Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department, Luan Jingli
"Grand View: The Night of Celebration - Classical" session hit a record high of 635 million yuan and an 84 percent transaction rate. This session is indeed a great success as it merely owns 32 lots with relatively higher estimate prices. So that it is supposed to be the best auction of classical Chinese painting and calligraphy concerning quality, notability or achievements.
What we have achieved fully demonstrates collectors' pursuit of classical Chinese art, as well as attention of corresponding cultural and historical values. Exquisite, finely preserved artworks with rich cultural content can usually be auctioned at higher prices. Among all the auctions, new records will be made. Rare high-quality lots have had increasing attention. Besides, exhibitions held by public or private museums provide an opportunity to enjoy these masterpieces.
456
Shen Zhou
Presented to Wu Kuan
Handscroll; ink on paper
Head 23.5×27 cm
Painting 31×1089 cm, calligraphy 31×108.5 cm;
Script 1 27.2×137 cm, script 2 31×200 cm;
Script 3 22.5×26.5 cm, script 4 30×64 cm
Price realized: RMB 148,350,000
453
Xu Wei
Nature Sketches
Handscroll; ink on paper
With eleven artist seals; inscriptions by
Qianlong Emperor, with ten royal collector seals
29×38.8 cm, 29×39.4 cm,
29×31 cm, 29×40.3 cm,
29×119.2 cm
Price realized: RMB 127,075,000
444
Tang Yin
Spending a Summer Day in Rocks and Woods
Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Signed Tang Yin, with one artist seal
110×42 cm
Price realized: RMB 83,950,000
447
Wang Hui
Pastoral Life
Handscroll; ink and color on paper
Dated 1714
Signed Wang Hui, with seven artist seals and thirteen collector seals
Head 43.7×108.5 cm, portrait 43.7×45 cm;
Painting 43.7×430 cm, script 43.7×690 cm
Price realized: RMB 74,750,000
449
Hong Ren
Landscape
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Signed Jianjiang, with two artist seals and three collector seals
103×47 cm
Price realized: RMB 30,475,000
20th Century and Contemporary Chinese Art
General Manager of 20th Century and Contemporary Chinese Art, Li Yanfeng
The total turnover of 450 million yuan is the highest among all the auctions of 20th Century and Contemporary Chinese Art for 24 years. Special credit should be given to the collectors. Unlike past years, though with fierce competition, uniform standards have been made among collectors this year. Such consensus, plus our determined efforts to be professional and standardized, will lay a solid foundation for a healthy and more mature market.
2068
Chen Yifei
Warm Spring in the Jade Pavillion
Oil on canvas
Dated 1993
169.5×243.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 149,500,000
2085
Zhou Chunya
China Scenery
Oil on canvas
Dated 1993
194×130 cm
Price realized: RMB 44,275,000
2081
Liu Wei
Self-portrait
Oil on canvas
Dated 1992
177×129.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 24,150,000
1976
Zeng Fanzhi
The Mask Series No. 16
Oil on canvas
Dated 1994
150×180 cm
Price realized: RMB 20,700,000
2038
Wu Guanzhong
Pines and Rocks on the Lao Mountains
Oil on wood board
Dated in 1976
53.5×45.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 13,225,000
Porcelain
General Manager of Porcelain Department, David Yu
The first batch of porcelain auctions at our new headquarters were bursting in popularity. A total of 11 special sessions have already raised 206 million yuan. Every session has its own highlights. Recommended lots of royal ceramics, jade, porcelain objects in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yixing zisha pottery and Buddha statues shown on the cover are all sold out. This is the third time that every single lot of "Fine and Rare Kweichou Mou-tai Chiew" has been sold and raised a total of 39.963 million yuan. Lots offered by veteran collector Qiu Yan were a highlight among snuff bottles and have broken the records of total turnover home and abroad. Gu embroidery tops in the embroidery auction. Porcelain, jade and wine auctions all witnessed great performances, as expected.
On the whole, the market is recovering. Top lots are all transacted smoothly, indicating that our auctions appeal to collectors' demands. As collectors require more refined lots with higher quality and created by great masters, we will make continuous efforts to do better.
2829
A fine blue and white fish basket-shaped zun with design of floral scrolls pattern
Xuande six-character mark and of the period (1426-1435)
H 13.5cm, caliber: 16.5 cm
D 21cm,foot: 14.5 cm
Price realized: RMB 11,500,000
3315
Nepal, Khasa-Malla, 13th/ 14th Century
Sadakshari Lokeshvara
Gilt copper alloy, with silver and turquoise
H 43.8 cm
Price realized: RMB 21,850,000
3486
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang period (1821-1850)
A purple clay teapot
16.8 cm
Price realized: RMB 2,875,000
3231
Late Ming Dynasty, 16-17th century
A "Luxiangyuan" Gu embroidery "flowers and birds" album
25.5×24 cm each
Price realized: RMB 4,370,000
3520
Ni Weibin
A white jade carving
20×10.8×8.6 cm, 2499.7g
Price realized: RMB 3,220,000
3703
Leng Jun (b.1963-)
Blue and white porcelain plate
110×28 cm
Price realized: RMB 1,380,000
3110
Qing Dynasty, 18th-19th Century
A jadeite snuff bottle
H 5.3 cm
Price realized: RMB 517,500
4115
Kweichou Mou-tai Chiew for state banquet- Vintage 2012
Alcohol content: 53%
72 bottles, 500ml/ bottle
Price realized: RMB 828,000
3873
Chateau Lafite Rothschild- Vintage 1982
6 bottles, 750ml/ bottle
Price realized: RMB 368,000
Furniture and Works of Art
General Manager of Works of Art Department, Qiao Hao
We wished for success before the auctions. At last the Works of Art Department has achieved a transaction volume of more than 140 million yuan. A tendency shows that collectors are more mature and eager for top lots. The market also tends to be a high-end and refined one, which pursues the best lots with higher academic values. It is in line with our belief in professionalism.
Sales of seal art, scholars' studio objects, ancient Chinese lutes and classical furniture are the best examples. For instance, the market has confirmed the value of Ming-style furniture and universal taste. Every single lot of "Fine Chinese Works of Art from the YILU collection" is sold out. A Qingtian stone seal carved by Zhao Zhiqian is a milestone as it has broken the global record of seals to be auctioned at over 10 million yuan. Sales of ancient Chinese lutes and scholars' studio objects were also a success, so that the auctions can be summarized by professionalism and diversity. The autumn sales will be a new start for us.
5134
Late Ming Period
Huanghuali painting table with elongated bridle joint
117.5×73.2×82 cm
Price realized: RMB 21,850,000
5115
Middle Qing Period
Zitan high-waisted side table
160.5×41.7×88.8 cm
Price realized: RMB 11,500,000
5129
Early Qing Period
Zitan side table in straight form with bat design
160×56.5×93 cm
Price realized: RMB 11,270,000
4394
A Qingtian stone seal carved by Zhao Zhiqian
4.8×4.8×5.3 cm
Price realized: RMB 12,075,000
5067
Ming Dynasty
Li Qujiang
Li-style bronze tripod censer
D 13.5 cm, H 6.3 cm, 1869g
Price realized: RMB 9,430,000
4904
Ming Dynasty, Jiajing Period
Hengwang xiang quanshen nong style lacquer Chinese lute
L 121 cm
Price realized: RMB 5,520,000
Rare Books, Rubbings and Manuscripts
General Manager of Rare Books, Rubbings and Manuscripts Department, Song Hao
The turnover of 560 lots totals 54 million yuan in this session, with an average turnover rate of 82 percent. A block-printed edition of Annotation of Poetical Works of Li Bai from the Yuan Dynasty, a block-printed edition of Wen Xian Tong Kao, written by Ma Duanlin in 1524 and Letters to Wang Shijie by Jiang Zhongzheng were the top three lots, especially Wen Xian Tong Kao, which hit a record high among block-printed books from the Ming Dynasty. Popularity and a high turnover rate have demonstrated our leading role in the market, as well as precise selection and positioning of lots and the market. We will continue to exert ourselves to serve collectors better!
2372
Written by Ma Duanlin
Wen Xian Tong Kao
Block-printed edition in 1524
100 volumes, paper
26×18 cm
Price realized: RMB 14,950,000
2319
Model calligraphy of diamond sutra by Su Shi
Rubbing book in Ming Dynasty
1 volume, paper
19.8×8 cm
Price realized: RMB 2,587,500
2425
Written by Li Bai, noted by Yang Qixian, Xiao Shiyun
Annotation of poetical works of Li Bai
Block-printed edition in Yuan Dynasty
8 volumes, paper
20×13 cm
Price realized: RMB 2,587,500
2610
Zhou Zuoren
Manuscript
Manuscript in 1949
1 volume, paper
22.5×15.8 cm
Price realized: RMB 2,300,000
2517
Jiang Zhongzheng
Letters to Wang Shijie
Manuscript in 1947
7 pages, paper
28×21 cm
Price realized: RMB 1,265,000
Stamps, Coins, Silver Sycees and Banknotes
General Manager of Stamps, Coins, Silver Sycees and Banknotes Department, Guo Xueguang
Auctions of rare stamps, banknotes and coins from veteran collectors all achieved success. The prices realized have far exceeded market prices. As we offered many lots with no reserve prices, all the collectors had access to their admired pieces. Besides, every single lot is not only endowed with profound historical background and rich cultural connotations, but also can reflect economic and financial situations, especially lots with unique background stories that had favorable returns beyond expectation.
The exquisite and rare lots provided by diverse collectors all have rich historical and cultural backgrounds. However, every auction has its own highlights. We have selected the best few lots that proved to be a great success. It fully demonstrates that number does not always equal value.
7291
Jin Dynasty
Bronze printing plate
235 mm
Price realized: RMB 2,530,000
6754
1919, a post stationery from Mongolia to Beijing, well preserved
Price realized: RMB 2,185,000
8811
1909, Da Qing Bank exchange note, 10-yuan
Price realized: RMB 1,035,000
6268
Lenin
Signed letter
17.9×24cm
Price realized: RMB 1,265,000
6045
A gold wine cup
Cup: H 6.5 cm, D 9 cm, plate D 18.8 cm, 691g
Price realized: RMB 977,500
Jewelry, Watches and Luxury Goods
General Manager of Jewelry, Watches and Luxury Goods Department, Wang Ting
We have been well-prepared for the 2017 Autumn Auctions. The enthusiasm of collectors also runs high. Two lots, a very rare 5.03 carat fancy light purplish pink VS2 clarity diamond and total weight of 8.47 carat natural fancy light pink diamond, pink diamond and diamond earrings, together with an extremely rare and magnificent jadeite and diamond necklace, are highly appraised by collectors. These two unique and inheritable lots' prices are priced fairly and can stand the test of the market. In addition, more than 30 other lots with no reserve prices were also popular. As these lots are unique in the world, a golden opportunity to possess them at a fair price was not to be missed. All our efforts are to spread knowledge through these superb jewels, though it is time-consuming.
5530
Very rare 5.03 carat, fancy light purplish pink VS2 clarity diamond with a total weight of 8.47 carats natural, fancy light pink diamond, pink diamond and diamond earrings
Price realized: RMB 18,400,000
5525
Extremely rare and magnificent jadeite and diamond necklace
Price realized: RMB 16,100,000
The 2017 Autumn Auctions is a new start for China Guardian. Finely selected lots, as well as collectors' trust and participation, contributed to the successful auctions. We have been honored and inspired by passionate collectors and the flourishing market.
The auctions concluded with a success. We will stick to our belief to offer better service and make joint efforts with collectors to win more glory.