Kaminski Auctions held a very successful Fine Asian Art and Antiques auctions on Feb. 28. Bob Yang, Kaminski's Asian specialist brought together a wonderful selection of fresh to the market porcelains and Chinese textiles that commanded strong prices. Interest in the two top porcelain lots saw buyers drive from far and wide to preview in person and the gallery was filled with Asian collectors the day of sale. Internet bidding was limited to $30,000 on the premium lots so the floor and phones were especially busy which made for an exciting salesroom atmosphere.
Important Chinese and Asian porcelains, jade, silk embroidery, bronze, silver, furniture, and paintings were all presented and each category performed well.
Among the best pieces in the sale were those from the Howard Coleman collection of Asian art from Columbus, Ohio, including the premium lots, which were three outstanding grand porcelains. Top lot of the sale was a 26-inch high under-glazed blue and white vase of hexagonal shape with a bulbous stomach and under-glazed six-character Qianlong reign mark on the base. Decorated with boughs of fruit and floral branches divided by arabesques and lotus sprays with Greek key scroll on the mouth and foot rims, this magnificent vase sold for $60,000 with buyer's premium. Well-preserved sketches showing the condition of the vase in the mid 20th century established solid provenance, as well as documentation of an identical vase having been exhibited in the Musée Guimet, the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques in Paris, and the Palace Museum of Beijing. The vase was purchased from an important estate in Denbighshire, Wales, in November of 1956.
Also from the Howard Coleman collection, a Grand Chinese blue and white Yen-Yen vase, 30-inches in height. The tall baluster form vase with ovoid body tapering to a flared foot and vibrantly painted all around with scholar figures in a rocky landscape sold for $36,000. A large Chinese copper-red dragon fish bowl from the Coleman collection with a six-character Kangxi reign mark on the base presented with its custom hardwood stand sold for $26,400.
Among the top textiles in the sale was a complete 18th century album after Yu Zhi Ding containing eight paintings in ink and color on silk, depicting Li Tai Bai and scholars. The rare album sold for over $20,400. A finely woven Chinese Kesi 12-symbol sun badge and moon badge, with the 12 symbols of sovereignty representing Chinese Imperial authority sold for $8,400 and $10,800 respectively.
The top jade lot was a rare carved with a man reading under a tree on one side and a landscape scene on the other side, measuring 3.25-inches high. It sold for $16,800.
For further information and all prices realized, visit www.kaminskiauctions.com.