Press Release (Hong Kong) 1 st April 2017

Transcription

1 Press Release (Hong Kong) 1 st April 2017 Poly Auction proudly presents Spring Auction 2017 to celebrate its 5 th anniversary, presenting 1,500 masterpieces for the savory of connoisseurs Preview:1 st to 3 rd April Auction: 2 nd to 4 th April 1

2 2

3 To commemorate its 5 th anniversary, Poly Auction (Hong Kong) Limited (Poly Auction Hong Kong) will host its Spring Auction at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong from 1 st to 4 th April The Department of Chinese and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, Chinese Paintings, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Jewels and Prestige Collections will present exquisite masterpieces, including Parasol Hall in Autumn by Zhang Zongcang of Qing Dynasty and Pink Chrysanthemums in a White Vase by Sanyu. Three sections will be presented by the Department of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, in which rare and fine arts such as Imperial White Jade Zi Qiang Bu Xi Seal of Qianlong Period will meet collectors and connoisseurs. The Department is also proud to present 27 imperial porcelain artifacts of the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties that are collected by the great Chinese porcelain collector, The Meiyintang Collection. The highlight of the Jewels and Prestige Collections lies on the world exclusive set of and carat Colombian emerald and diamond bracelet and necklace by Harry Winston lots will be presented in seven sections of the Spring Auction, with a total estimated value of over HK$700 million. A joint auction named Fusion Special Feature of Chinese Art will be hosted by Poly Auction Macau and Poly Auction Hong Kong, presenting Mask Series 1996 No. 6, which is Zeng Fanzhi s most important work from his Mask series. The work has once captured a new auction record of Chinese contemporary art. The auction houses aim to present masterpieces for the savory of connoisseurs. Auction Highlights Spring

4 Chinese and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art To celebrate our 5 th anniversary, Poly Auction Hong Kong is proud to present a series of museum collectibles by renowned Chinese modern artists, including masters like Sanyu, Wu Guanzhong, Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun. Their masterpieces have been exhibited several times at different important exhibitions across the international art museums, making it very commendable in this field. Therefore, it is believed that their collections will be leading the market again. The highlight of Chinese Contemporary art lies on Mask Series 1996 No. 6, one of the most important representative works created by Zeng Fanzhi. Mask Series 1996 No. 6 is also the most significant group portraits of the series. Characters arrangement in his work and the enormous art size has revealed the artist s maturity and confidence in style. Early Chinese Contemporary Art will also include major works by artists such as Liu Ye, Zhang Xiaogang, Yue Minjun, Mao Xuhui and Ding Yi, as well as the works by Yoshitomo Nara, Mr., Aya Takano and other Asian artists will show the development of modern and contemporary art of Asia. This extraordinary artistic feast will definitely be a valuable opportunity for connoisseurs to enrich their collections of rare collectibles. Lot 173 Zeng Fanzhi Mask Series 1996 No. 6 Painted in 1996 oil on canvas each: 199 x 179.3cm. overall: 199 x 358.6cm. Estimate on request In 1993, Zeng moved from Wuhan to Beijing. Surviving in a time of rapid change and urban development, he began to create the Mask series in the following year. Created in 1996, the Mask Series 1996 No. 6 becomes the most critical group portraits of the series. Characters arrangement in his work and the enormous art size has revealed the artist s maturity and confidence in style. Continuing the strong expressionism from the Hospital series and without any oppression from the atmosphere, through the expressions of brushstrokes by Zeng, he exaggerated the heads and hands of the characters. The emotions hidden under the masks seem to be one the verge to explode. The bloody flesh tones strongly contrasted with the cold white colour of the masks, and the bright yellow background reinforces this agitation. However, through the protagonists harmonious body language, it helps to mitigate the conflict. The picture thus achieves a delicate balance between reason and sensibility. 4

5 Differentiates from the early settings in the Mask series by having the protagonist to be in suit, symbolically presented as a successfully person within the community, Mask Series 1996 No. 6 became the first pile of works evolved from a narrative style of the third-person perspective to the elaboration of a personal experience. During Zeng s childhood, he was longing to have his own red neckerchief and uniform, but this shadowy event has consumed by his memory after he grew up. The work not only explores the social status of China in the face of rapid social transformation in the 1990s, the individual also conceals the social state of the real self-desire. Zeng used the protagonists overly intimate body language by having their arms around each other as the whole composition to contrast with the same facial expressions with the masks covered over the men and women. The image appears to be intimate but full of hypocrisy. The Mask Series 1996 No. 6, subconsciously implanted the artist s own living conditions. Recording China s experiences in urban development of human landscape, the work also presents human s superficial and fake relationships in the ever changing era. Lot 133 Sanyu Pink Chrysanthemums in a White Vase Painted in 1931 oil on canvas 100 x 70.6cm. HK$ 40,000,000-60,000,000 US$ 5,128,200-7,692,300 Chrysanthemums in Full Bloom A Key Work from Sanyu's Pink Period The still-life genre was one that occupied Sanyu for at least four decades of his creative career. He loved most painting chrysanthemums in a vase, returning often to this theme in his many painted odes to that flower. This piece is regarded as the largest size within his early works, the most prosperous for its creation in The flower and vase subject of Pink Chrysanthemums in a White Vase appears in the center of Sanyu's pictorial space, where he breaks with realistic three-dimensional presentations by reconfiguring and reorganizing the spatial presentation. Without any description of the background and the separation of the desktop, the left and right side of the pink curtain is not only the space of the partition and the barrier but defines the relationship between the different 5

6 perspectives. This echoes how Sanyu used different ways to describe the chrysanthemums and the bottle itself: more than ten flowers in full bloom chrysanthemum in the scratch of the tough lines revealed in the pink and indigo blue. The vase's empty form is poised in front of the background, while the linear depiction of the blooms and their stems emerging from the vase create an unusual depth through the texture formation from the oil paints. The blending of these lines and patches of colour redefine the formal structure and space of the painting, producing a multi-dimensional feeling within the limited space of the canvas and communicating a Chinese view of life and the universe. The image of chrysanthemum is always an important self-metaphor and spiritual support. In his frequent depictions of chrysanthemums, Sanyu took their lofty and unsullied image as a kind of portrait of his own life in foreign lands. In Pink Chrysanthemums in a White Vase, Sanyu further elevated his core concepts to a new and even higher level, revealing glimpses of the essential spirit that informed his entire creative career. Lot 130 Zao Wou-Ki Painted in 1968 oil on canvas 114 x 161.5cm. HK$ 25,000,000-35,000,000 US$ 3,205,100-4,487,200 Zao's is a classic work from this period. It was chosen for a retrospective of his work the year following its completion, and the numerous times this work has been shown or written about in publications indicate the special and important place it occupied in the artist's career. It further possesses academic value due to the important clues it provides regarding the artist's development. The size and composition of the work is magnificent. During the mid- 1960s, the strokes lines are clearly delicate and more, Zao not only used the pen strokes by intersecting with each other, creating a dynamic movement, the change of the gradient of the background also indicate the development of ink painting techniques after the 1970s. The deep brown tones of at times give way to layers of light gold or olive green, while traces of the splattering, flowing, and settling of Zao's diluted pigments engender a sense of time's passage. The exposition of this landscape-like scene, and the light that threads through it, became the artist's means of presenting his perception of nature as a whole embodies this new stage of innovation, conceptually and formally, by Zao Wou-Ki. During this period, Zao fused cultural outlook and formal elements, borrowing from both China and the West, and from tradition and modernity, to produce a singular new artistic language. 6

7 Lot 132 Zao Wou-Ki Painted in 1965 oil on canvas 114 x 162cm. HK$ 25,000,000-35,000,000 US$ 3,205,100-4,487,200 The composition of is structured around diagonal lines, while the canvas is segmented by its bold blocks of colour. A gradation of tones moves from inky blacks at the outside toward grey-browns and pinkish whites. The light background colours of the upper right add luminosity and an endless expanse of space, while the build-up of brushstrokes on the left suggest shadowy spaces of unknown depth. The intense contrasts of divide the canvas in two, evoking the line from the Du Fu poem, Gazing at the Mountain, the mountain imbued with the beauty of creation, dusk and dawn are its dark and bright sides. At the same time, Zao's portrayal of nature and this implicit conception of interdependence between yin and yang, form and emptiness, reveal how so much of Zao's art is informed by these traditional Daoist ideas. Clusters of lines emerge at the boundary between darkness and light in the painting, like the first rays of dawn; the universe is coming into being, day and night appear, and all else is about to be born. This rich sense of life's energy is suggested in the colour contrasts and dynamic brushwork of , and the energy of its atmosphere. This painting concretely manifests the artist's return to the Dao of yin and yang and the spirit of traditional Chinese landscape painting. Lot 134 Wu Guanzhong Red Lotus Flowers Painted in 1996 oil on canvas 92.3 x 60.3cm. HK$ 15,000,000-25,000,000 US$ 1,923,100-3,205,100 7

8 Lot 136 Wu Guanzhong A Valley of Colours Painted in 1993 oil on canvas 50 x 61.2cm. HK$ 8,000,000-12,000,000 US$ 1,025,600-1,538,000 Lot 135 Wu Guanzhong Pines Painted in 1974 oil on board 46 x 46cm. HK$ 6,000,000-8,000,000 US$ 769,200-1,025,600 Using Mountains as drafts-wu Guanzhong Work Series Lotus has always been a very rare theme within Wu Guanzhong s oil paintings series; inevitably collectors will be in huge favour and concern with the relative work. Red Lotus Flowers has been the first time to be exposed on the market. The artist used forms to deconstruct the lotus flowers, grow out of the mud but remain unsoiled, be present as pure and flawless even in crystal clear water, sensible within and straight without; no unnecessary branches. Wu Guanzhong used Prussian blue and green to form a variety of layers, branches and lotus leaves 8

9 interspersed in the relationship between the creation of the depth of space, which highlights the blooming red lotus and budding colour point, layering and intersecting between on points, lines, faces with colours. Red Lotus Flowers displays Wu Guanzhong s breakthrough in the development from abstract structure back to figurative scene. Pines and A Valley of Colours distinctively represent Wu Guanzhong s different styles across the 20 years. The symmetrical composition and square size in Pines show how the artist used his rational conclusion and arrangement towards the landscapes at his early age. The eye level for this work was set lower, making the scenery appear denser. Wu Guanzhong used a variety of bright colours to describe A Valley of Colours, already out of the purely realistic scenery, the valley between the pink, purple, yellow green, green and grey brown blocks revealed the artist s subjective feelings for the mountains of the motherland; the central movement to create a line of the rhythm of space, giving the work a strong visual tension to convey different emotions and a lively atmosphere. Lot 178 Liu Ye Poet Painted in 1999 oil on canvas x 199.8cm. HK$ 12,000,000-18,000,000 US$ 1,538,500-2,307,700 Liu Ye s unique childlike language imperceptibly makes the viewer involve in the world in Poet, a work that roams between the memory of the individual and that of the artist s childhood. The sophisticated and rational visual structure, under the artist s precise strokes depict the closed red curtain will be separated from in front and behind the scenes, emphasizing the nature of the performance on stage; at the same time, the sunglasses on the protagonists faces blocked the sights. Not only hiding the true emotions and facial expressions but the two different colours shown on their lenses also hinted their different views towards the world. Poet thus become an incarnation of personal experience where lies Liu Ye s deep emotion, depicting the artist s inevitable impact and struggle as an adult after living through upheaval of the times. 9

10 Lot 174 Zeng Fanzhi The Deer Painted in 2010 oil on canvas HK$ 10,000,000-15,000,000 US$ 1,282,100-1,923,100 Zeng's 2002 Chaotic Strokes series may be regarded as an exploration of the origins of artistic style. By 2010, he had created a theme and transformed the composition. He also integrated landscape and animals in order to stimulate discussion on the relationship between humans and nature. The essence was exploring the spiritual aspect. The black branches of The Deer reflect red and yellow colours, which come from Expressionism. The ground is blue and green, providing a strong warm/cold contrast. Careful examination reveals important technical innovations, such as layering lines on undried paint, broken and connected, clearly displaying the progress and development of the artwork. It is as if the artist's individual action is clearly presented in the picture, displaying Zeng's breakthroughs in the development of contemporary art. The Deer presents a merger of eastern and western aesthetics, integrates concrete and abstract Expressionist style, conveys the subject's spirit and emotions, and establishes richer possibilities and modes of expression. As the lines and colours intersect, Zeng uses new and unique artistic vocabulary to innovate upon contemporary art development and expressive possibilities. Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy As a crucial member of the Poly Auction Group, Poly Auction Hong Kong is dedicated to present a vastly collected works of arts of the finest quality and authenticity. Commemorating the 5 th anniversary of Poly Auction Hong Kong this year, the Department of Chinese Painting will present an auction with remarkable works highly cherished by collectors and enthusiasts. (I) Classical Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Poly Auction Hong Kong will present classical paintings and calligraphy from the Ming and Qing dynasties by historic maestros such as Parasol Hall in Autumn by Zhang Zongcang of Qing Dynasty, which is destined to catch the attention of all connoisseurs. 10

11 Lot 664 Zhang Zongcang Parasol Hall in Autumn Hand scroll; ink and color on paper cm. Estimate upon request Lot 663 Wang Hui Summer Mountain Hand scroll; ink and color on silk HK$ 6,200,000-7,200,000 US$ 794, ,100 (II) Fine Modern Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy This section features the most influential maestros in the likes of Zhang Daqian, Li Keran and Puru, including early publications, highlighting different phases and milestones of the artists. 11

12 Lot 519 Li Keran Summer Mountains Painted in 1986 Mounted; Ink and color on paper cm. HK$ 17,500,000-18,000,000 US$ 2,240,000-2,307,700 Lot 521 Yu Fei An Bird and Flowers Mounted; ink and color on paper 81 33cm. 4 HK$ 5,700,000-6,700,000 US$ 729, ,600 12

13 Lot 522 Zhang DaQian Four Seasons Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper cm. 4 HK$ 4,380,000-5,380,000 US$ 560, ,640 (III) Chinese Contemporary Ink Paintings Ink wash section comprises Pine Woods created by contemporary artist Wu Guanzhong in 1987, recognized as one of his most outstanding grey tone paintings in the 1980s. This section also features artists of Chinese fine-brush painting, including Reunion of the Lost Stones at Gen Yue by Peng Wei, demonstrating the contrast of classic and contemporary ink wash artists. Lot 438 Wu GuanZhong Pine Woods Painted in 1987 Mounted; ink and color on paper 87 68cm. HK$ 5,000,000-7,000,000 US$ 641, ,400 Pine Woods, executed in 1987, is a masterpiece from Wu Guzhong's "Greyish Period". It is also a rather delicate piece comparing with works of the same subject. Similarly, before creating the colored ink version, Wu started with a delicate yet unadorned sketch, which lay the foundation 13

14 for later abstraction. In the colored ink version, the painter has apparently freed from the constraint of form. The composition and image became increasingly simple, with only horizontal and vertical lines filling the entire space. With the variation of the density and thickness of the strokes, Wu successfully represented the luxuriant and overlapping branches and enlivened the trees onto the rice papers. The employment of color dots and typical modelling method of modern design constitution reconstructed the image of pine trees, making it the simplest way of expression. In this highly formalized picture, Wu used different density of ink and colors to represent the distance, the light and shadow. The delicate strokes, harmonious color schemes, the perfect representation of form and quality, all of these had helped to achieve the ideal integration. The Pine Trees is undoubtedly a rare masterpiece created in Wu's mature stage. From 1989 to 1990, this piece was repeatedly exhibited in the itinerary exhibition "Wu Guanzhong: A Modern Chinese artist" in San Francisco, Kansas City, St. John's, Birmingham and Detroit. Lot 442 Peng Wei Reunion of the Lost Stones at Gen Yue Painted in Mounted installation; ink and color on paper cm HK$ 2,000,000-2,800,000 US$ 256, ,000 14

15 Depicting large-scale and multi-faceted portraits of individual rocks marks the very beginning of Peng Wei's endeavor of art, from which Peng discovered a unique artistic language that differentiates her from other contemporaries. Admired by scholar-officials for their strange and ethereal qualities, scholar's rocks are perceived as elegant forms with patterns and textures that deliver aesthetic values since Wei and Jin period. Peng Wei was inspired by the Dragon and Stone' scroll by the Northern Song dynasty emperor Huizong-the painting solely features a monumental rock against blank background, on top of where stands bamboos and flowers. On the left side of the rock is Huizong's iconic calligraphy in slim yet sturdy script, which takes up quite a space in the entire composition. Accomplished in the 12th century, this scroll yet exhibits vigorous temporality in the eyes of Peng Wei. She believes the existence of these spirit rocks, and appreciates them as a representation of history and a meditation on the artist's experience of engagement. Through Peng Wei's ingenious deconstruction and reinstallation of the this classical paradigm, scholar's rocks become an interpretation of the past that proves the present, and encourage new possibilities within the context of contemporary ink art. (IV) Glossiness of Uncarved Jade Special Auction of Cui Ruzhuo [VIII] In the past year, Cui Ruzhuo s artwork was exhibited at the Palace Museum the most distinguished art exhibition platform in China. In the meanwhile, the artwork went abroad and reconstructed the perception of Russian audience on Chinese ink art. The exhibition in Russian was one of the most significant cross-cultural communication activities between the two countries. Borrowed from previous masters, Cui makes breakthroughs based on traditional techniques such as finger-ink, jimo and splash-ink, and innovatively produces works of huge dimensions. The works demonstrate strong artistic appeals, exquisite techniques and massive atmosphere. The elements are not confined within the picture, but a realm of liveliness lingering 15

16 in the viewers hearts. Viewers are easily affected by the vigor and layers of the image. In terms of inheriting the ink tradition, Cui makes further incalculable contributions. To explore the essence of traditional art, Chinese art must follow the path of passing on the previous traditions. Lot 1218 Cui Ruzhuo Rain in the Autumn Painted in 2010 Mounted; Ink and color on paper cm. Estimate upon request The auction Glossiness of Uncarved Jade Special Auction of Cui Ruzhuo [VIII] contains 26 masterpieces that employ techniques of finger-ink and jimo. Rain in the Autumn, in particular, as an example employs jimo technique, has a huge dimension of 9.3 m2. In this picture, the whistling woods covers the hills. The rugged and crooked maple trees stand in the autumn rain alone. The entire scene is shrouded in misty rain and moist fog. The pine trees under the roof sometimes disappear and sometimes reappear. Birds return to nest. Boat pulls in shore. The changing and overlapping sceneries indicate the simple philosophy of virtual and real, adding deeper meanings to the image. The idea of symbiotic is key to Chinese traditional ink painting. This piece fully illustrates the changing seasons, and thus has endowed the concept of time to the picture. If vigorous and grand is the highest kind of Chinese painting, then jimo is the key to producing vigorous and grand work. Cui is able to invent his own way of applying jimo in a mass of darkness, despite the blurriness or clarity. His skilled jimo technique adds layers to the thick ink, and therefore gives the picture a sense of philosophical connotation. 16

17 Lot 1217 Cui Ruzhuo Mountain View Painted in 2011 Mounted; ink and color on paper cm. HK$ 2,600,000-3,100,000 US$ 333, ,400 By the verdant bamboo bush, a pavilion stands by itself, with three people gathering inside. The trees by the river are exuberant and the flowers are blooming. The distant emerald blue mountain is partially hidden behind the mist. The bamboo leaves in the foreground are executed by a few fast strokes that are easy and plump, which have rendered the leaves full of variations. With the foreground and the distant view set off against each other and human figures interspersed within, the image becomes fresh and poetic. Lot 1216 Cui Ruzhuo Snowy Mountain Painted in 2012 Mounted; ink and color on paper 74 47cm. HK$ 2,400,000-2,900,000 US$ 307, ,800 This piece of finger-ink painting is a snow scene. The finger-ink technique successful enlivens the image. Snow scene in Chinese ink tradition has specific connotation. It refers to purity and vastness. The elements on the snowy hill jagged rocks, trees and bushes, scattered red leaves 17

18 and pavilion hiding in the woods consist a grand image. The blank space indicates white snow, demonstrating the ingenuity of traditional Chinese painting. Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Three sections, including Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, A Fine Selection of Early Chinese Ceramics and In Pursuit of the Past A Selection of Archaic Bronze Wares and Ceramics, will be presented by the Department of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art in the Spring Auction The Meiyintang collection, rare ceramics, Buddhist artworks, jade sculptures, lacquer, furniture, and other works of art will be presented in the section of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Meiyintang collection, poetically known as hall among rose bed, is one of the most impressive Chinese porcelain collections privately owned by Western owners for more than half a century. 27 imperial Chinese porcelain masterpieces from Jingdezhen, including artworks of blue and white porcelain, underglaze-red porcelain and colored glaze from Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty, will be the highlights for this section. The collection from trustworthy source and origin depicts the prosperity of Jingdezhen s porcelain industry and is highly sought after by collectors. The very fine imperial white jade Zi Qiang Bu Xi Seal illustrating the mastery of late imperial jade craftsmanship will be the highlight as well. It has previously appeared in the auction market. Ceramics from Ming and Qing Dynasties including the imperial kilns produced during the reigns of Qing emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong are of high quality. A variety of Buddhist works of art will be presented, which are brilliant artifacts from the areas of Centre Plains, Tibet and Himalaya across a wide range of time periods. For the auction of archaic and medieval rarities, it is divided into early Chinese ceramic with10 pieces of ceramic collectibles from the 7 th to the 13 th century, and archaic bronze wares with a series of the finest quality bronze wares. The unprecedented collectibles of the Spring Auction are destined to catch the attention of the collector. 18

19 (I) Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Lot 3008 A Rare Blue-and-White Rosette Moonflask Yongle Period, H 26cm Provenance 1. Collection of Enrico Maestrini 2. Eskenazi Ltd, London Literature Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, , vol. 4, no HK$ 6,500,000-8,500,000 19

20 US$ 833,300-1,089,700 Lot 3093 A Very Fine Imperial White Jade Zi Qiang Bu Xi Seal QiangLong Period, H 5.5cm W 7.5cm L 7.5cm 697g Provenance 1. Removed from Beijing, Collection of Galerie Langweil, Paris 3. Collection of Emile Guimet ( ), in the early 1900s 4. Passed down by the family of Guimet 5. Sotheby s Hong Kong, 8 October 2008, lot 2007 Estimate upon request This seal belongs to a set of three seals and is paired with Bazheng maonian zhi bao (Treasure of the Eighty-year old who concerns himself with the Eight Signs). It is carved with the characters Ziqiang buxi (Self-strengthening Never Ceases) and is used to make impressions at the right or left corner of a painting or piece of calligraphy. The Emperor s choice of Ziqiang buxi as a secondary seal was done to express his determination that before relinquishing power, he would not become indolent, but would always be mindful of his people and diligently do his best to govern. It is in square form, surmounted by a superbly carved pair of dragons. Each of them are exceptionally well carved with bulging eyes and flaring nostrils above curling whiskers, a partially open mouth revealing sharp fangs and even rows of teeth. The scales on the body and flowing mane are finely incised. The two scaly bodies intertwine and are pierced through the centre with an aperture. At the bottom, the square seal is deeply carved with the four Chinese characters Zi qiang bu xi, meaning Self-strengthening Never Ceases. The stone itself is well-polished with an icy, pale celadon tone and small white inclusions and natural veining. 20

21 Lot 3116 A Fine and Rare Hardstone Embellished Gilt-Bronze Mythical Beast Censer QianLong Period, H 26cm. Provenance 1. Christie's Hong Kong, 30 November 2000, lot Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2005, lot 1584 HK$ 10,000,000-15,000,000 US$ 1,282,000-1,923,000 This mythical beast censor is made in bronze and the surface is finely gilt. The beast stands on sharp-clawed feet with mouth agape bearing its teeth under a pointed snout and bulging eyes. Its hollowed body supports a cylindrical funnel on its back. The body is overall richly inset throughout with carved semi-precious stones like turquoise, jade, agate and lapis lazuli. An identical censer from the Herbert R. Bishop collection was included in the National Academy of Design loan exhibition in It was initially sold in the American Art Galleries, 25 January 1906, lot 2305, and sold again in Christie s London, 15 June 1999, lot 105. It is possible that the Bishop censer was the pair to the present censer. Lot 3038 A Fine and Rare Lavender-Blue Glazed Mallow-Form Cupstand YongZheng Period, D 14cm. HK$ 3,500,000-4,500,000 US$ 448, ,900 21

22 This cupstand is well moulded as a mallow flower with the furled edges of the six overlapping petals alternately barbed and gently incurved. The raised centre is also moulded with a Shou, Longevity, character carved in crisp relief. The underside base has six minute spur marks evenly spaced around the recessed ring bearing the reign mark in double circles. The present cupstand appears to be unique. Only a similar example can be found in Christie s Hong Kong, 28 November 2012, lot Lot 3039 A Copper-Red Glazed Garlic-Neck Bottle Vase YongZheng Period, H 28.5cm. HK$ 2,800,000-3,800,000 US$ 359, ,200 With bulbous body rising to the slender neck which terminates in the garlic head-shaped mouth, covered all over in a copper-red glaze. The crushed-raspberry tone of the copper-red glaze, as beautifully shown in the present vase, is in continuation of the copper-red glaze re-introduced during the Kangxi reign and inspired by the copper-red glazes used in the early Ming dynasty, during the reign of the Xuande emperor. The form follows on that used during the preceding Yongzheng reign, as can be seen in a lazurite blue glazed vase, Yongzheng seal mark and of the period, from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum: Monochrome Porcelain, Shanghai, 1999, pl.194 and a closely related example, Dongzheng Bejjing, 18 May 2014, lot 555. Compare two 18cm garlic-neck bottle vases, Yongzheng seal mark and of the period, were sold in Sotheby's Hong Kong, 4 May 1994 and Poly Beijing, 5 June 2010, lot 4826 respectively. Some related examples of monochrome-glazed garlic-neck bottle vase, mostly come with Qianlong seal mark and of the period, which was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong on 29 November 2016, a copper-red-glazed one, lot 4; another two guan-type-glazed garlic-neck bottle vases were sold in Dongzheng Auction, Beijing, 20 November 2014, lot 265 and Poly Beijing, 26 July 2011, lot 84 respectively. 22

23 (II) In Pursuit of the Past A Selection of Archaic Bronze Wares and Ceramics Lot 3206 A Fine and Rare Bronze Ritual Wine Vessel and Cover, You Early Western Zhou Dynasty, 11 th -10 th century B.C. H 34.9cm. Provenance: 1. Christie's New York, 1 June 1990, lot Christie's New York, 19 September 2013, lot 1107 HK$ 5,800,000-6,800,000 US$ 743, ,800 Lot 3207 A Rare Archaic Bronze Ritual Beast Vessel, FangYi Shang Dynasty, B.C. H 20.3cm. HK$ 3,000,000-5,000,000 US$ 384, ,000 23

24 Lot 3223 A Sancai Phoneix-Head Ewer Tang Dynasty, 7 th -10 th century H 31.5cm. HK$ 2,200,000-3,000,000 US$ 282, ,600 (III) A Fine Selection of Early Chinese Ceramics Lot 3322 A Carved Ding "Dragon' Dish Northern Song Dynasty, 10 th -12 th century H 7.4cm. D 29.3cm. HK$ 4,500,000-6,500,000 US$ 576, ,300 Jewels and Prestige Collections This season, the Jewels and Prestige Collections department presents a variety of precious gemstones, finest jadeites, prestigious watches, antique timepieces, rare and limited edition Hermès handbags, wine and whisky collectibles. 24

25 (I) Magnificent Jewels Celebrating the 5 th anniversary of Poly Auction Hong Kong, the Department of Jewels and Prestige Collections presents a selection of fine gemstones and exquisite jewels. In the past four years, the Important Jewels department not only has had increasing sales results, but also presented itself as a new key player in the market for Chinese jadeite. Apart from diamond and colored gemstones, it takes its advantage of the company s Chinese background and heritage and set a new world auction record for a jadeite pendant necklace. Lot 2115 An Imperial Jade Jadeite Beads and Diamond Necklace Composed of fifty-five graduated translucent Imperial Jade jadeite beads of intense emerald green color, completed by a clasp set with a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 5.03 carats, mounted in 18K white gold, jadeite beads measuring approximately mm, 60.0cm long Accompanied by an Appendix to Report No titled A gift of the Land from the Lord HK$ 48,000,000-68,000,000 US$ 6,153,800-8,717,900 On the contrary to common perception, the color of jadeite can actually cover the whole color spectrum, from red to violet with different intensities. Even the most well-known green comes in a wide range of hues and saturations. Color is also the most important quality factor affecting a piece of jadeite's value, with the other two factors being texture and transparency. The finest-quality jadeite, with its virtues displayed in these fifty-five flawless and perfectly matched beads, is almost transparent with a vibrant emerald-green color. It is known as Imperial Jade as identified by Gubelin geminology lab in its gem report. The color is pure and penetrating, a vivid hue with no hint of gray that looks bright and intensive even from a distance. The best jadeite is semitransparent the text you can read through it would be slightly blurred. With light entering and penetrating below the surface of the stone, semitransparent jadeite like this display an alluring brilliance. It almost appears to glow, intensifying the charm of the lush green color even further. 25

26 Back in imperial China, the royal court China once had a standing order for all available material of this kind. Ownership of Imperial Jadeite was reserved only for the Emperor family. In modern history, jadeite had accompanied the First Lady of the Republic of China, Soong Meiling, to many occasions, as the best compliment to her grace and elegance. Lot 2074 A World Exclusive Set of and Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Bracelet and Necklace, By Harry Winston HK$ 24,000,000-36,000,000 US$ 3,077,000-4,615,400 The necklace is set with a classic octagonal step cut emerald weighing carats, a legendary size even for the most experienced gemstone connoisseurs. The characteristic pure green hue is so mesmerizingly deep yet lively. The matching bracelet is also set with a similar quality emerald of carats with evenly distributed color throughout. All set in the signature style of Harry Winston with diamonds weighing altogether carats. During the extreme complex and violent processes of geological formations, rare crystallization processes of otherwise unrelated earthly elements occur. Due to this complexity of emerald s forming condition and process, it is very rare for emerald to appear as large and clear formations. They tend to have inclusions of many forms and fissures. The liveliness they represent is even romantically described by gemologists as Garden. This symbol of prosperity, life and rebirth is perfect represented and complimented in the Harry Winston sparkle it truly deserves. Lot 2131 A Highly Important Set of Burmese Ruby and Diamond Jewelry, By William Goldberg Composed of thirty-four graduated ovalshaped rubies, spaced by thirty-four Ashokacut diamonds, rubies altogether weighing carats, diamonds altogether weighing carats, with a pair of matching ear pendants and pigeon s blood ruby ring ensuite, ear pendants rubies weighing 5.64 and 5.01 carats respectively, ring ruby weighing carats, all mounted in platinum and 18K 26

27 yellow gold, necklace 41.5 long, ear pendants 2.3cm long, ring size 5 ½. Also accompanied by 37 GIA and 10 IGI diamond reports HK$ 26,000,000-36,000,000 US$ 3,333,300-4,615,400 The name ruby comes from ruber, Latin for red. Over hundreds of years and across cultures, it has becoming a symbolism for passion, lust, and power. It can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stones. It has been recognized globally that Burma (Myanmar) produces the best quality rubies in the world, with over thousands of years of history, and continues to maintain its place in the world market. The most significant factor in determining a ruby s value is its color. The best color is that of a pure hue combined with strong saturation. The color must be without significant brown, orange or purple hues, and be neither too dark nor to light. Burmese ruby s chemical composition typically contains chromium; this causes the fiery red color to be further enhanced by a red fluorescence under UV rays sunlight and most lighting conditions. Every gemstone has its unique internal environment. It is its own testimony to the secrets deep down under the Earth. Inclusions are expected to exist in rubies, such as needles and small crystals. Some inclusions can make a positive contribution to ruby s appearance. The typical inclusion of Burmese rubies, rutile silk, can cause light to scatter across the body of the gem, thus creating a more vivid color and a distinctive texture. Beyond the technical specifications of this exclusive and patented cut comes an interesting story about the name ASHOKA. It is only fitting that a diamond of legend bears the name of the revered spiritual and enlightened ruler, King Ashoka of India. His name means removal of sorrow and throughout his rule was known as the Emperor of Emperors. Today, ancient pillars carved with his edicts still stand, bearing silent witness to his reverence for life, tolerance, compassion and love for peace. They tell of a remarkable leader who treated his subjects as equals, regardless of their religion, politics or caste. The ASHOKA diamond is a stunning affirmation of William Goldberg s vision extraordinary, exquisite and filled with joy. (II) Important Watches To commemorate the 5 th anniversary of Poly Auction Hong Kong, the Important Watches section proudly presents a series of rare and highly cherished luxury timepieces, including the Grand Complications from Patek Philippe, such as 5101P 10 days power reserve tourbillon, 5078P Platinum Minute Repeater, and three 5271P Perpetual Calendar with Diamond, Ruby and Emerald set, most of the Patek Philippe watches are in factory sealed condition. We also have 27

28 other prestigious watches. Poly Auction Hong Kong is looking forward to offering a selection of attractive watches to the collectors. Lot 2357 Patek Philippe A very fine and rare platinum automatic wristwatch with Cloisonné Enamel Dial depicting native Indian on horse, in factory single sealed Native Indian on Horse, Ref. 5077P-058, CIRCA 2010 With Patek Philippe Certificate of origin and presentation box HK$ 850,000-1,200,000 US$ 109, ,800 Patek Philippe Ref is a classic series with exquisite and delicate cloisonne enamel painting that is guaranteed to bring endless surprises to watch collectors year after year. One of the most talked about models is the Native Indian on horse model 5077P-058. This special timepiece Native Indian on horse has an enamel dial with a 0.1mm ultra-thin gold outlines on the edges of the patterns, created with a variety of enamel powders smelted together multiple times to achieve the final design. The design portrays a spirited Indian sitting on a horse roaming through the open plains. To match the design display, the minute and second hand on the dial have been shaped into feathers like the ones worn by the Indian. The watch is beautiful on the outside and near perfection on the inside, receiving a Geneva mark. Due to the complexity of the enamel patterns, richness in color variety and intricate movement engineering, this watch has become a collector s favorite upon its release in 2010 Baselworld. There are only a few number of this model still existing on the market, with singlesealed and untouched condition, making this timepiece a collectible. 28

29 2309 Asprey A FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD WITH MOTHER- OF-PAERL CORAL AMETHYST AND DIAMOND-SET PAGODA FORM TROMPE L OEIL MYSTERY QUARTZ CLOCK CIRCA 1995 Movement : Quartz movement Dial : 18K yellow gold columns applied with round diamonds, flanking a frosted glass apse centered by a pair of hands set with round diamonds, which seemingly float and give the trompe l oeil effect of a mystery clock, hands are attached to a mirror Case : 18K yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, coral, amethyst and diamond-set pagoda-form Trompel L oeil shape Dial and movement signed Height 185mm With Asprey Presentation Box Estimate upon request The Grand complication 5104PR with minute repeater, perpetual calendar and skeletonized dial, is one of the well- known classic Patek Philippe timepiece. It shocked the world in 2006 upon its release with an ultra-complex movement coupled with clear surface and crystal glass as dial, displaying the intricate movement in its full array. Due to the complexity of the movement, the development process took a long time to meticulously create every unit in conformance with the Geneva mark. The surface of the watch uses multiple layers of crystal glass design with a thickness of 0.2mm. The dial is crisp and elegant, displaying the perpetual calendar, month and minute functions respectively. The casing is coupled with rose gold, engraved with elegant embellishment. The development of this special timepiece PP5104PR is extensive and rigorous, making it extremely rare on the market and an ultimate collectible. 29

30 Lot 2097 A World Exclusive Pair of Corum Jadeite and Diamond Bracelet Watches, By Wallace Chan Mechanical movement, pave jadeite dial with diamond-set roman numerals white gold square-shaped case, bezel set with diamonds, jadeite crown to a bracelet decorated by translucent emerald green color jadeite plaque, the other similar design, both mounted in 18K white gold, length approximately 20.5cm and 18.0cm HK$ 1,800,000-2,600,000 US$ 230, ,400 Wallace Chan, he is the artist with extraordinary creativity, passion, a philosopher s way of thinking, and a craftsman s superior technique. Grew up in Hong Kong, Wallace Chan spent his early youth mastering Eastern sculpture and the Western art of gemstone making. After twenty years of sculpting work, he hit the road to Europe to indulge in the art world of the Continent. Over the years, Wallace Chan has also been invited by museums and galleries from all over the world to exhibit his exquisite fine jewelry art. He keeps making breakthroughs and innovations, making impossible possible. His jewelry art is one of limitless creativity and endless surprises. In 2004, recognizing his genius with the ancient gemstone, Corum commissioned Mr. Chan to apply his patented Jadeite Luminosity Enhancing Technology to create this unique pair of jadeite wristwatches in the world. Applying jade in contemporary jewelry design gives it a sense of modernity. Thin slices of transparent green jade plate the wrist band and the face plate of the watch. These glowing green rectangles truly captivate the eye. As light spans across the imperial jadeite, a pure and penetrating green with an alluring brilliance appears as if it is fluttering in the sunlight. (III) Noble Handbags and Accessories The highlights of this auction include an extraordinary Himalayan niloticus crocodile handbag, a matte SO BLACK niloticus crocodile Birkin 30 and limited edition shiny cassis, bleu tempête and bleu izmir niloticus crocodile tri-colour constance, which will certainly arouse a keen competition between collectors and luxury lovers. 30

31 Lot 2717 Hermès, 2016 An extraordinary Matte Himalayan Niloticus crocodile Diamond Mirkin 30 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware Accompanied with original Box and Certifications. L.30 x H.20 x D.15cm Condition Report Grade 1 HK$ 1,500,000-2,000,000 US$ 192, ,400 Lot 2645 Hermès 2010 A rare matte SO BLACK Niloticus crocodile Birkin 30 with black hardware L.30 x H.20 x D.15cm Condition Report Grade 1 HK$ 450, ,000 US$ 57,700-83,300 31

32 Lot 2628 Hermès 2014 A limited edition shiny cassis, bleu tempête & bleu izmir Niloticus crocodile tri-color CONSTANCE 18 with palladium hardware L.18 x H.14 x D.6cm Condition Report Grade 1 HK$ 250, ,000 US$ 32,100-44,900 (IV) Prestige Collections Celebrating the 5 th anniversary of Poly Auction Hong Kong this year, the Department of Prestige Collections proudly presents a selection of fine whisky and red wines, which a series of rare and valuable limited wine edition will be the highlight for this section, offering an opportunity for collectors to enjoy the glorious moments that come with these wines. In the past four years, the Prestige Collection section have presented a variety of collectible of utmost quality, including the Macallan 18 Year Old Whisky Collection from 1962 to 1986, first edition of Yamazaki 50 and a complete set of Hanyu Ichiro s limited Playing Card Series. This year, the highlight goes to the Karuizawa Noh Whisky and Château Mouton Rothschild Vertical Tasting Collection from 1945 to 2013, which are all high sought after by collectors. 32

33 Lot 1893 Karuizawa Years Old Single Malt Distilled 1960 Bottled 2013 Cask Number of 41 bts ABV51.8% 700ml 1 bt HK$ 950,000-1,200,000 US$ 121, ,800 Lot 1835 Karuizawa-Noh 200ml x 2bts 700ml x 29bts HK$ 1,250,000-1,600,000 US$ 160, ,300 Lot 1638 Petrus Vertical France Bordeaux-Pomerol 750ml 42 bts HK$ 1,200,000-1,700,000 US$ 154, ,000 33

34 For high-resolution photos: l=0 Editor s Note : Poly Auction Spring Auctions 2017 (For reference only. Further notice of changes will be distributed) Preview:1-3/4/2017 Auction: 2-4/4/2017 Venue: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong) Date Time Lot 2 nd April 2:00pm Fine Wine and Whisky 3 rd April 4 th April 10:00am 1:30pm 1:30pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 10:30am 11:30am Postpone 1:00pm 3:30pm Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy [I] Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy [II] Magnificent Jewels Glossiness of Uncarved Jade Special Auction of Cui Ruzhuo [VIII] Chinese and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art In Pursuit of the Past A Selection of Archaic Chinese Bronze Wares and Ceramics A Fine Selection of Early Chinese Ceramics Important Watches Noble Handbags and Accessories Media Contact: Poly Auction HK Jessica Chen jchen@polyauction.com.hk Poly Auction HK Randy Tung rtung@polyauction.com.hk Poly Auction HK Fatima Lam flam@polyauction.com.hk Trinity International Limited Jackie Liu jackie@3trinity.hk 34

35 About Poly Auction Hong Kong Poly Auction (Hong Kong) Limited (Poly Auction Hong Kong), established in 2012 by Poly Culture Group Corp. Ltd., is a young but remarkable auction house in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. Beijing Poly International Auction, a subsidiary of Poly Culture Group Corp Ltd., is China s largest state-owned auction house and holds the highest auction transaction volume of Chinese art in the world. Poly Auction (Hong Kong) comprises of seven departments: Chinese and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, Chinese Contemporary Ink Paintings, Fine Modern Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, Classical Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Jewels and Watches and Chinese and Western Wine. We select only genuine, exquisite and rare artwork. We are entering the international art market with the aim to provide professional consultation, exceptional collections and the highest quality service. Poly Auction has a global network of offices, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Macao, Xiamen, Shandong, Taipei, Tokyo, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sydney and Melbourne. Offical Website: WeChat account: polyauction hongkong For enquiries, please contact Miss Jackie Liu at or to jackie@3trinity.hk. Distribution by Trinity International Limited on behalf of Poly Auction Hong Kong Tel: Fax: Website: info@3trinity.hk 35