TOKYO.- Tokyo Chuo Auction concluded its autumn sales held on 4-6 September 2014 at Tokyo Dome Hotel with fantastic results. Bidding was frenzied throughout the three-day sale, driving the prices of many lots well above their pre-sale estimates. Works of high quality, rarity and exceptional provenance were highly sought-after by collectors.

The top selling lot was a superb painting, Figures under the Pine Tree, by the Ming Dynasty master Qiu Ying (c. 1482-1559) which realized a record price of JPY801,780,000/ US$7,616,910 after spirited bidding, multiple times the pre-sale estimate of JPY400,000-500,000. It also became the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction in Japan.

A spectacular painting Landscape in Snow by Yuan Ying of the Qing Dynasty achieved JPY278,880,000/ US$2,649,360, far exceeding its estimate of JPY800,000-1,000,000.

A scroll featuring calligraphy by Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, dated 503, attracted intense bidding and fetched JPY110,390,000/ US$1,048,705, well above pre-sale expectations.

The star lot in the ceramics section was a rare underglaze-blue-decorated yellow-ground Zun with two ears and Kui patterns from Qianlong period (1736-1795), selling for JPY98,770,000/ US$938,315. The vessel is masterfully decorated with underglaze-blue Kui patterns representing imperial supremacy.

A further highlight was a remarkable embroidered work from the Qianlong period that sold for JPY83,664,000/ US$794,808.

Another important lot was Along the River during the Qingming Festiva l attributed to Qiu Ying and with a colophon by Wen Zhengming that realized JPY75,530,000/ US$717,535.

Other highlights:

• A fine white jade hanging vase and cover, Qianlong period Price: JPY75,530,000/ US$717,535

• Peonies by Chen Chun (1483-1544) Price: JPY69,720,000/ US$662,340

• An archaic bronze vessel, Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) Price: JPY63,910,000/ US$607,145

• An important Dingyao seated figure of Guanyin , Northern Song (960-1127) Price: JPY58,100,000/ US$551,950