CHICAGO, IL.- Leslie Hindman Auctioneers October 4-5 Asian Works of Art auction continued to see strong results, driven by prices realized for traditional Chinese works bought by Mainland Chinese buyers. The two day sale drew a crowd to the Chicago auction room adding to the often overflowing bank of telephone bidders. The sale realized over $3.08 million against a low estimate of approximately $1.02 million.
We are thrilled to be experiencing continued success in our Asian Works of Art sales. Our Asian sales prove just how global the auction market has become, as international bidders enthusiastically competed on the internet, telephone and in the room to secure the top lots, said Leslie Hindman, CEO and President.
The highlights of sale included a damaged 17th/18th century carved rhinoceros horn cup (lot 59) which sold for $292,000, a stained ivory and hardwood screen which brought $244,000 (lot 72), and a spinach jade brush washer which brought $97,600 (lot 96) and a pair of huanghuali armchairs at $122,000 (lot 64). Other highlights in the sale were drawn from the Chicago Estate of Dr. Joseph and Donna Lee Boggs, including a mark and period Qianlong vase which brought $272,400 (lot 63) and a carved cinnabar lacquer treasure box which went for $97,600 (lot 62).
We have seen that attractive estimates, traditional taste, high quality and fresh property are what the Chinese collectors seek and are willing to pay top dollar to obtain them, commented Andrew Lick, director of Asian Works of Art. Traditional Chinese taste ruled the sale with ivory, jade and hardwood objects rising to the top. Included in this genre were a number of 18th century snuff bottles, including an enameled Qianlong mark bottle which brought $51,240 (lot 39). The Japanese session which included netsuke, ojime and inro, drawn mostly from two private collections, saw positive results as well, bringing over $180,000.