Bonhams Prepares for Chinese Paintings Auction

Bonhams presents its upcoming Chinese Paintings auction, a gathering of classical ink, brushwork, and elegant compositions. Highlighting the selection is Qi Baishi's Peony, a vivid mid-century depiction of the lush flower, carrying an estimate of A$100,000 to A$150,000. Qi Baishi's mastery of form is further represented by his expressive Calligraphy, estimated from A$50,000 up to A$80,000, and the delicate, creeping tendrils of Morning Glory, which carries an estimate starting at A$45,000 and reaching A$65,000. Alongside these, Zhang Daqian's Landscape offers a serene, atmospheric view of nature with an estimate from A$38,000 to A$45,000, while his Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script (2) is estimated from A$30,000 to A$40,000. Wu Changshuo's robust brushwork also anchors the catalog, featuring Pine Tree and Lingzhi at an estimate of A$20,000 to A$40,000, Plum Blossoms at an estimate of A$20,000 to A$40,000, and Calligraphy in Seal Script at an estimate of A$25,000 to A$35,000. For industry professionals tracking the art category, this auction serves as a key indicator of demand. Across all auction houses tracked this year, the art category has realized a total of $232,654,277, maintaining a robust category-average sell-through of 86.2%, with Phillips leading the category. For Bonhams, this upcoming event represents its # sale of 20 concluded this year by realized value. It contributes to the house's year-to-date total of $18,496,614 across all its sales, highlighting the firm's footprint in the global market. As an upcoming auction that is not yet open for bidding, collectors are watching these initial estimates closely to gauge momentum in the Chinese art sector.