NEW YORK CITY — Bonhams concluded its auctions for Asia Week New York this autumn, which included The Joan and Ted Dorf collection of Chinese snuff bottles and archer rings on September 19, Chinese Works of Art and Paintings on September 19-20, and Fine Japanese and Korean Art on September 21. Bonhams’ Madison Avenue salesroom presented works from Chinese ceramics and paintings to Japanese hanging scrolls and lacquer that date back from the Neolithic period to the Twentieth Century. This year, Bonhams saw more visitors to the galleries than in previous years, many of whom were interested in the chance to preview highlights from the Cohen & Cohen Sale of Important Chinese Export Ceramics that will be offered for sale during Americana week in January 2023.
All sales were 99 percent sold by value, totaling $5.5 million. A good portion of lots sold to buyers in the United States and the majority of the top lots sold to buyers in Asia.
A superb carved emerald-green glass snuff bottle, imperial, attributed to the Palace Workshops, Beijing 1730-95. Sold for $50,775. Dorf Collection.
The Joan & Ted Dorf Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles & Archers Rings, September 19
Bonhams kicked off the annual fall iteration of Asia Week New York with a single-owner sale, the Joan and Ted Dorf Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles and Archers Rings, on September 19. A diverse and exciting collection that spanned more than half a century, the sale had a majority of buyers from the United States and saw nine of the top ten lots sell above estimate, including a superb carved emerald-green glass snuff bottle attributed to the Palace Workshops in Beijing (1730-1795) which more than tripled its estimate when it sold for $50,775.
Additionally, a famille rose enameled porcelain snuff bottle more than doubled its estimate at $35,655 and a blue green “water” jadeite snuff bottle sold for $31,875, almost four times its estimate. “The snuff bottle market continues to be a solid performer, and Bonhams is committed to enriching this area of our sales this next season,” says Dessa Goddard, US head of the Asian Art group, and senior specialist, Chinese art.
“Calligraphy in Various Scripts” by Zhang Daqian, sold for $214,575. Chinese Works of Art & Paintings.
Chinese Works of Art & Paintings, September 19-20
Following the conclusion of the Joan and Ted Dorf collection, Bonhams moved into a two-day various owner sale, Chinese Works of Art and Paintings, which saw success across the board and strong response for calligraphy works. The top lot of the sale was “Calligraphy in Various Scripts” by Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), an impressive four-panel calligraphic work which soared well beyond its estimate selling for $214,575. “Ode to the Sound of Autumn” by Pu Ru (1896-1963) featuring the beloved verse by Ouyang Xiu also had a spectacular performance, selling for $201,975, ten times its estimate. Deaccessioned works of fine export porcelain from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, all proceeds of which will benefit the Joseph and June Hennage Fund, achieved exceptional results with a famille verte “sericulture and rice production” rouleau vase from the Qing dynasty achieving more than 16 times its estimate at $164,175.
“It was an honor for Bonhams to be given the opportunity to offer this outstanding group of museum-quality ceramics and works of art and the success mirrored that of our March sale of the Richard Milhender Collection of Export Furniture,” said Michael C. Hughes, vice president, head of department, Chinese Ceramics & Works Art for the US. “The top end of the Chinese market has proven resilient, and we look forward to our upcoming online sale of Chinese taste tea wares, many dating to the Yongzheng period (1723-35) from the Richard and Maxine Markell Collection.”
An album of 29 woodblock prints, Nineteenth Century, by Utagawa School artists and others, sold for $57,075. Fine Japanese & Korean Art.
Fine Japanese & Korean Art, September 21
Concluding Asia Week New York sales at Bonhams was Fine Japanese and Korean Art on September 21, with a private collection of fine inro along with choice lacquer bringing consistently strong prices. Highlighting the sale was an album of 29 woodblock prints by Nineteenth Century Utagawa School artists and others, which sold for $57,075, nearly 10 times its estimate and a black lacquer four-case inro depicting autumn plants sold for $35,655, doubling its estimate. “Surf Riders, Honolulu,” a woodblock print by Charles W. Bartlett (1860-1940) sold for $31,875, above the high estimate.
The Japanese and Korean sale showed excellent results across the board, with particularly strong engagement and bidding among print clients,” commented Jeff Olson, director of the Japanese Department at Bonhams New York. “This is a good indication that the market is robust, and we look forward to our upcoming Samurai sale [October 26].”
Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house. For additional information, www.bonhams.com.
