SYDNEY.- Wednesday evening 22 May saw continuing market interest in Chinese paintings at the Asian art auction at Bonhams Sydney. Collectors from around the globe participated with intense bidding with as many as eight telephones at a time on numerous lots which saw them achieve results well in excess of their estimates.

The sale cleared 121% by value and 67% by lot, grossing AU$ 786,924. Featuring a number of important and previously unseen collections, the auction attracted interest internationally and bidders from 10 countries participated. With the strongest performance coming from Chinese paintings, the auction’s highlights were works by artists such as Huang Binhong (1865-1955), Chen Jinzhang (b.1929) and Cheng Shifa (1921 - 2007). Held in Australian collections and discovered through the expertise and scholarship of Bonhams Asian art specialist Yvett Klein, a number of works soared past their estimates as collectors fought to secure lots.

Director of Bonhams Australia, Merryn Schriever said: “The animated bidding from the telephones and the saleroom in last night’s auction are a testament to the continuing vibrancy in the Asian art market. Both regular and new buyers enthusiastically sought to acquire rare and fresh-to-market works in the sale”.

The Top Ten Lots:

1. Lot 14
Huang Binhong (1865 – 1955), Recluse by the Stream, hanging scroll
Estimated at AU$ 50,000 – 80,000. Sold for AU$ 61,000 inc. premium

2. Lot 49
Chen Zinzhang (b.1929) and Mai Huasan (1907 – 1986), Landscapes and Calligraphy
Estimated at AU$ 600-800. Sold for AU$ 45,140 inc. premium

3. Lot 30
A blue-and-white ‘dragon’ bottle vase
Estimated at AU$ 15,000-20,000. Sold for AU$ 42,700 inc. premium

4. Lot 77
Cheng Shifa (1921-2007) A Portrait of Ah Q
Estimated at AU$ 30,000 - 35,000. Sold for AU$ 42,700 inc. premium

5. Lot 99
Chen Wen His (1906-1991), Squirrels, ink and colour on paper
Estimated at AU$ 10,000-15,000. Sold for AU$ 39,040 inc. premium

6. Lot 67
Pu Ru (1896-1963), Landscape with Papillion, ink and colour on paper
Estimated at AU$ 8,000 - 12,000. Sold for AU$ 37,830 inc. premium

7. Lot 23
A famille-rose ‘five-bats’ saucer dish Xianfeng six-character iron red mark and of the period
Estimated at AU$ 8,000-12,000. Sold for AU$ 36,600 inc. premium

8. Lot 43
Gao Quifeng, Eagle, ink and colour on paper hanging scroll
Estimated at AU$ 30,000 - 50,000. Sold for AU$ 36,600 inc. premium

9. Lot 16
Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), Orchid on Rock, ink on paper hanging scroll
Estimated at AU$ 30,000 – 50,000. Sold for AU$ 36,600 inc. premium

10. Lot 15
Gao Jianfu (1879 – 1951), Red Peach Blossoms, ink and colour on paper hanging scroll.
Estimated at AU$ 8,000-10,000. Sold for AU$ 30,500 inc. premium

Additional strong results that far exceeded estimates:

1. Lot 55
A pair of famille-rose dragon and phoenix vases Guangxu period (1875-1908)
Estimates at AU $12,000 – 15,000. Sold for AU$30,500 inc. premium

2. Lot 45
Li Xingcai (1910-2001), Pine Tree and Waterfall and Calligraphy
Estimated at AU$ 6,000-8,000 Sold for AU$ 24,400 inc. premium

3. Lot 103
Yang Shanshen (1913-2004), Sparrows and Peony, ink and colour on paper
Estimated at AU$ 6,000-8,000. Sold for AU$30,500 inc. premium

4. Lot 104
Yang Shanshen (1913-2004), Abstract Landscape, ink and colour on paper
Estimated at AU$ 3,000-5,000. Sold for AU$19,520 inc. premium