'Orient Express' charges on as $250,000 Jade Screen highlights Asian Art boom

The popularity of Asian Art shows no signs of abating - as the pending Doyle's auction suggests

On March 21, Doyle New York will be holding a massive auction of rare and beautiful Asian art.  Scheduled to coincide with New York's 'Asia Week', the wonderful sale includes pieces from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Items date from the Neolithic period up to the 20^th Century, with a range of collectibles including pottery, jade, bronzes, furniture, paintings and porcelain.  With many highly valuable, yet still affordable, pieces available, investors could get involved in the current boom in Asian art.

The most expensive lot on offer is a Chinese Jade eight-panel floor screen.  Dating from the Qing Dynasty, this highly detailed and ornate piece depicts a variety of scenes on the jade panels; these include scholars, maidens and travelers in landscape settings, as well as animals and flowers.

The hardwood frame is carved with interlocked, scrolling and lotus flowers.  This wonderful antique would be a wonderful investment and will grow in popularity as the Chinese become more involved in repatriating their art.  It has an estimate of $150,000-250,000.

Also included is a pair of 18^th Century Chinese Huanghuali cabinets.  They are rectangular, with an 'ice plate' edge around the protruding top.  The panel doors open to reveal drawers and a shelf.  These rare pieces of furniture are expected to realise between $120,000-180,000.

'Sitting Pretty' - This Chinese Jade Buddha could make $120,000

Finally, a magnificent Chinese White Jade Buddha is likely to go for quite a price - and stakes a claim for the most beautiful piece in the auction.  Again, dating from the Qing Dynasty, the Buddha is seated on a blue enameled, gilt-bronze double lotus base and is adorned with delicate coral inlaid necklaces.

Behind the Buddha is a striking and vibrantly coloured mandorla, enameled in turquoise, blue, red, pink and white.  At 11 inches high, this exquisite example of antique Chinese art is certain to excite collectors - it has an estimate of $80,000-120,000.

In recent years, the emerging economies of the world have been very influential in setting trends in collectibles markets; Asia is fast becoming a real powerhouse in the art world, particularly China.  This auction is a prime opportunity for investors to ride that wave and purchase a brilliant asset - before they all return home.