NEW YORK, NY.- On March 22, Christie’s New York will present Auspicious Treasures for Scholars and Emperors: Selections from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection a single-owner sale of exceptional Chinese carvings, scholar’s objects, ruyi scepters, as well as furniture. Following the success of For the Enjoyment of Scholars in March 2010, Christie’s will offer an additional 137 lots from this renowned collection. Thoughtfully acquired over the past forty years, the Blumenfield Collection ranks among the most significant collections of Chinese scholar’s objects in the world and is expected to realize in excess of $5 million. This sale will be of interest to both seasoned and novice collectors.

Robert H. Blumenfield
Distinguished collector, scholar and author, Robert H. Blumenfield has dedicated his life to the study and appreciation of Asian Art. Mr. Blumenfield has amassed a personal collection that reflects his discerning and distinctive eye, with each object chosen for its rarity and superb quality. Many of the pieces in the collection are unique and exemplify the educated and elegant taste of the Chinese scholar.

Selections from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection

An Extremely Rare Yixing Lotus Petal-Form Water Vessel Signed Chen Mingyuan
Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000
This exquisite water vessel is finely modeled as a single lotus petal while the handle is fashioned as a lotus stem and lotus pod. Meticulously incised and painted details compliment the masterful potting of this extensively published and exhibited work.

A Rare Glass-Inlaid and Enamel-Decorated Gilt-Bronze Ruyi Scepter
Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Estimate: $70,000-90,000
This colorful scepter is elegantly and naturalistically cast as a fruiting peach branch, and is a dazzling testament to the imagination and technical skill of the Chinese craftsmen during the Qianlong period.

An Extremely Rare Imperial Small Songhua Ink Palette, Box and Cover
Qianlong period, ink palette with Qianlong carved four-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795)
Estimate: $300,000-500,000
The superbly carved ink palette, box and cover are decorated with a wealth of auspicious imagery. The cover envisions Autumn, with the exquisite depiction of two rabbits crouching amidst chrysanthemums and rocks, which symbolize, respectively, wealth and longevity. Stalks of bamboo have been incorporated to symbolize moral integrity. The bamboo is also a reference to the emperor, as is the dragon emerging from waves carved inside of the palette.

An Unusual Large Huanghuali Square-Corner Display Cabinet, Wanligui 17th century
Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000
This rare cabinet is highly unusual in its inclusion of removable side and back panels. The attractively figured single-panel doors open to reveal a shelved interior with two drawers.

A Very Rare Yixing Slip-Decorated Brush Pot
Signed Yang Jichu, Qianlong period (1736-1795)
Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000
While most Yixing wares display an austere simplicity, the famed Yixing potter Yang Jichu finely decorated this rare brush pot using different colored clay slips with a continuous landscape that unfolds like a handscroll. The artist’s refined skills are displayed in the bold, yet, precise ‘brushwork’, which depicts two figures in a boat approaching a secluded villa nestled amongst trees and rocky hills.

Auction: Auspicious Treasures for Scholars and Emperors: Selections from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection March 22 at 10 am

Viewing: Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries March 16-23