We've already enthused about the likely top lot of an Asian Art and Antiques auction taking place in New York during Asian Art week: a wonderful Ming Xuande 15th century porcelain sprinkler.
However the sale is expected to be the biggest of the year for the Californian-based auction house, (with four fluent Mandarin speakers on hand to greet bidders and man the phones) and there are several other spectacular highlights - and the consignment deadline has not quite been reached.
One almost mesmerising piece is an intricately carved spinach jade brushpot. In fact auctioneer Isadore Chait describes it as "one of the most exquisitely carved brushpots we've ever seen."
Crafted from a single piece of jade, the piece depicts scenes in relief with an extraordinary layered effect. It shows a continuous landscape scene with sets of scholars playing chess amid bamboo, pine and rockery.
 The beautifully crafted Spinach Jade Brushpot |
Chait noted that the object is deeply and intricately carved from a single piece of jade, a method that requires great artistic skill. The carver’s technique masterfully rendered a three-dimensional, “layered” effect to the piece. The presale estimate has been set at $40,000-$50,000.
Sourced from an estate collection near the Californian auction house's gallery, it is listed at $40,000-$50,000, but we suspect it may go even higher.
 The bright, clean Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain bowl |
Perhaps more valuable still is a 14th century Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain bowl which has the rare privilege of having belonged to the celebrated T.T. Tsui Museum of Art Collection in Hong Kong.
The beautiful 14th Centurypiece presents the classical design of Mandarin ducks in a lotus pondon the interior, whilst the exterior has a meandering lotus motif above petaled clouds. The lot has expectations of reaching $120,000-$150,000 in the March 21 auction with previews for four days beforehand.
