DALLAS, TX.- Heritage Auctions’ inaugural participation in Asia Week New York 2019 debuts with the Chenn Family Collection of fine Chinese paintings and calligraphy. First assembled by the early Chinese Republic scholar and political reformer Chen Guoxiang, the important collection spotlights significant fine Asian Art offered March 19 in New York.

“Heritage’s Asian Art department may be young, but we feel we are capable of establishing our New York auction as one of the premier Asian market events held in the United States,” said Richard Cervantes, director of Asian Art at Heritage Auctions. “We are honored to be a part of Asia Week New York.”

A notable figure in Chinese politics, Guoxiang (1871-1919) was an organizer of the Progressive Party in 1913 and served in the National Assembly of the Republic of China. With Liang Qichao, General Cai E and other compatriots, Guoxiang planned and supported the National Protection War of 1915-16 that successfully opposed Yuan Shikai’s reestablishment of the Chinese monarchy.

The family’s collection of paintings were passed to the family of Chenn’s son, a railroad executive, and were relocated along with subsequent generations of the family to Taiwan in 1949, and then the United States. Peony, Bottle Gourds, and Loquats, Dingzi, 1917, by artist Wu Changshuo (est. $300,000-$500,000) is a stunning work with impeccable provenance: the artist gave the four artworks of ink and color on paper to Guoxiang, and the family cherished the heirloom for nearly 100 years.

A beautiful 18th century fan leaf titled Calligraphy after Dong Qichang (est. $50,000-$70,000) is signed Xiang Guang with three seals of the Emperor Qianlong (1711-99). The calligraphy on the delicate fan reads:

Spring raindrops rest on the trees.
The dark mountain hides in the mist at dusk,
where the beautiful lady dwells,
And the stream divides the town.

Ladies in Garden, 1532, is one of the Chenn collection’s most astounding masterworks. The 234-inch-long handscroll is divided into four dynamically composed and highly detailed scenes depicting women in a garden during each of the four seasons. A poem accompanies each woman, as originally composed by the handscroll’s artist and noted calligrapher, Wang Chong (1494-1533).

In addition to the Chenn collection, the auction includes two important cultural artworks by renowned artists.

Beauty, 1939 by Zhang Daqian (est. $120,000-$150,000) is from the estate of Yu Youren, regarded as one China's modern masters. The former educator, scholar, calligrapher and politician in the Republic of China (1912 and 1949) presents a delicate portrait of a maiden among low-hanging branches.

Examples of Asian mastery of metal casting and ceramics include a Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enameled and Gilt Metal Tripod Ewers with Covers (est. $90,000-$100,000) and a Chinese Gilt Bronze Guanyin Figure on Stand, from the late Ming Dynasty (est. $30,000-$50,000).

Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:

• An Important Chinese Polychrome Stucco Fresco Panel Depicting Celestial Deities and Attendants, Yuan Dynasty (est. $80,000-$120,000)

• The Three Friends of Winter, Zhang Daqian, (est. $40,000-$60,000)

• Seated Avalokitesvara (Suwol Gwaneum), Korean School, of the Joseon Dynasty (est. $25,000-$35,000)

Heritage Auctions’ first auction as participants of Asia Week New York, the Fine & Decorative Asian Art Auction, is March 19.