San Francisco, 19 August 2011
On 30 August, the auction house Bonhams will offer a major Asian art sale in San Francisco. It will notably feature Qing dynasty (1644-1911) porcelain and snuff bottles.
Traditionally popular categories of Asian art sales are well represented in this auction. Amongst Chinese porcelain, a blue and white glazed rouleau vase with figural decoration, dating from the nineteenth century, will be showcased. It is estimated between $1,500 and $2,500.
Many hard–stones are also up for grabs, including various jade sculptures: one of depicting a monkey (symbol of social advancement) and another of a group of peaches (symbol of immortality). An 18th century jade belt buckle is expected to go under the hammer from $1.800 to $2,400.
As in most Asian art auctions, many snuff bottles will feature. One of the star lots is a red snuff bottle, wearing the Qianlong mark, from the Ridell Hoffman collection. Objects from the Gardner Hart Pierson estate will also be on display such as a jade snuff bottle (1820-1900), estimated from $1,500 to $2,500.
Other Asian countries, including Japan, Korea and Tibet, will also be represented. Several colourful Thangkas will go under the hammer, such as one portraying the Gelug school patriarch Tsongkapa, which is estimated from $1,000 to $1,500.