Bonhams Opens Bidding for Asian Art Auction

Bonhams opens its Asian Art auction for bidding, presenting a curated selection of classical furniture, ceramics, and scholarly objects. Highlighting the catalog is a Huanghuali Mirror Stand from the Qing Dynasty, a piece of exceptional woodwork estimated at A$20,000 to A$40,000. Collectors of fine Chinese furniture will also note a Huanghuali Horseshoe-Back Folding Armchair, Jiaoyi, from the Late Qing Dynasty, carrying an estimate of A$8,000 to A$12,000. Among the ceramics, a Guan Type Vase bearing a Guangxu six-character mark and of the period is estimated at A$8,000 to A$12,000, alongside a Blue and White 'Dragon' Plate with a Jiaqing mark and of the period, also estimated at A$8,000 to A$12,000 for the plate. Bronze works are represented by a partially gilt bronze 'Duck' incense burner and cover from the Ming Dynasty, estimated at A$10,000 to A$12,000 for the burner, and a bronze tripod incense burner with scroll handles and elephant-head feet, estimated at A$4,000 to A$6,000.

This auction represents a vital category for the house. Across the wider market, the art category has realized a massive $232,654,277 this year, maintaining a strong average sell-through rate of 86.2%, with Phillips leading the category. For Bonhams, which has achieved a year-to-date total of $18,496,614 across all its sales, this event is a key sale among its 20 concluded this year.

The auction is currently open for bidding now. Other notable works include a Calligraphy Couplet in Stone Drum Script by Wu Changshuo, estimated at A$6,000 to A$8,000 for the couplet, and Ng Eng Teng's sculpture 2 Faces of Eve No. 13, also estimated at A$6,000 to A$8,000 for the sculpture, rounding out a sale where estimates sit at accessible entry points for serious collectors.