Sotheby's earns 10.5 million USD selling precious China Collection
On
14/06/2023Reading time:
12 min
Summary:
During this season’s Asia Week New York, Sotheby's A Journey Through China’s History: The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part I Sale saw remarkable results.
Son of a prominent statesman during early 20th century China, Dr. Wou’s Collection includes a comprehensive range of materials – such as bronzes, jades and sculptures.
Amongst the 147 lots offered, all were auctioned with no-reserve and estimates ranged from several thousands to nearly a million dollars. In the end, the auction house pulled off a white glove sale – amassing a sale total of US$10.5 million dollars. Many lots surpassed expectations, where their hammer prices were multiple times of their estimates – the highest was nearly 53 times when the hammer was dropped.
A 18th century Chinese Imperial jade boulder was the sale’s most expensive lot – it was sold at US$1.07 million dollars, with buyer’s premium.
Imperially Inscribed Pale Green Jade ‘Luohan’ Boulder
.Imperially Inscribed Pale Green Jade ‘Luohan’ Boulder
Created during the Qianlong period (1736-1795)
Height: 31.9 cm
Estimate: US$400,000 – 600,000
Sold: US$1,071,000
The auctioneer started the bidding at US$200,000 dollars. After more than 10 bids, the hammer was dropped at US$850,000 dollars – more than double of its low estimate. In the end, it was sold for US$1.07 million dollars, with buyer’s premium. The winning bid was by an online buyer with paddle number 232.
This jade boulder is remarkable for its Luohan carving –set against the backdrop of a rough stone grotto, its large overall size and for its Imperial inscription. It represents a three-dimensional, sculptural version of circa 9th to 10 century CE painting which impressed the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795).
In 1757, during one of his Southern inspection tours, the Qianlong Emperor visited the Shengyin Temple in Hangzhou, eastern China, where he admired a set of paintings depicting the Sixteen Luohans. These paintings were created by 9th to 10th century Chan Buddhist Master, Guanxiu
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe our newsletter to get weekly updates.