HONG KONG.- Following the launch of the Chinese Classical Paintings department in Hong Kong earlier this year, Sotheby’s Hong Kong debuts the first dedicated sale of classical Chinese paintings during the Hong Kong Autumn 2015 sale series, adding to its existing saleroom for the category in New York. The sale, to take place on 5 October at the Hall 3 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, offers more than 50 lots, estimated in excess of HK$64 million/ US$8.2 million. It will feature rare works from the masters of the Song Yuan through Qing dynasties. Highlights include a Song Yuan dynasty album leaf and calligraphy from the Qianlong Emperor; works from the ‘Four Wangs’ and ‘Four Monks’ from the Qing Dynasty, many of which have distinguished provenance from prominent literati figures.

Rongde Zhang, Head of Classical Chinese Paintings, Sotheby’s, said, “To mark the first dedicated sale of Classical Chinese Paintings in Asia for more than a decade, we have meticulously selected important works in line with the collecting tastes of our Asian clients, for whom Hong Kong is an important hub. Formerly from the esteemed collection of Mi Yun Hall, we will offer a four-leaf album, Landscapes, and The Rubbing of Cui Jing Yong’s Epitaph, as well as Summit Lotus from an important private collection – all rarities on the auction market. We will also present eight works from the esteemed Sakamoto Goro Collection, including the Huang Yanlu Travelling Across Mountains handscroll by Shitao. Including some of the finest and rarest works from private collections around the world, this series is arguably one of the most anticipated sales of the season.”

Property from an Important Private Collection
One of the Qing Dynasty’s ‘Four Monks’, Hongren was among the most outstanding artists of the 17th century. When he died at age 55, he left behind only a small number of works, including very few handscrolls. Among them was Summit Lotus, an exceptionally rare piece painted by the artist to commemorate a trip to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) he took with a friend.

Property from Sakamoto Goro Collection
One of the most influential painters of his time, renowned 16th century scholar-artist Shitao had a profound effect on the artistic development of countless Chinese artists who followed in his footsteps. As one the sale highlights, this landscape scroll portrays Shitao’s friend and patron, Huang Yanlu. Particularly noteworthy is the painting’s colophon by more than 30 literati from the late Ming Dynasty, all of whom are friends of Huang Yanlu, illustrating how expansive and close knit his literati circle is. Boasting impeccable provenance, this work comes from the collection of legendary antiques dealer and collector, Sakamoto Goro.

Qing Dynasty Paintings from the ‘Four Wangs’
Two early Qing dynasty landscape paintings, by Wang Shimin and Wang Jian, will be featured in this landmark sale. Both disciples of Dong Qichang – revered as the most influential artist of his time – Wang Shimin and Wang Jian were also members of a group of painters commonly known as the ‘Four Wangs’ who all shared the same family name. Together with Wang Hui (1632–1717) and Wang Yuanqi (1642–1715), they led an Orthodox school of painting in the early Qing period which advocated seeking inspiration by recreating the styles and techniques of the ancient masters.

Wang Shimin’s Landscape after Dong Yuan is a powerful example of the artist’s early style, showcasing his artistic talents and mastery of the traditional painting approach. He dedicated it to Dong Qichang, his teacher and father-in-law, who later composed a poetry hall found in calligraphy at the top of the scroll, lending a special, personal importance to the work.

A sophisticated painting by Wang Jian, Landscape after Dong Qichang was painted in 1676, a year before the artist’s death. The work demonstrates Wang’s elegant brushstrokes and sense of composition deeply influenced by his teacher, Dong Qichang. Possessing a well-documented history that can be traced back to the Qianlong period (Qing dynasty), the work was kept in various esteemed private collections.

Important Property and Rubbings from Mi Yun Hall Rounding out this milestone sale, Sotheby’s is proud to present two exceptional works formerly from the distinguished collection of Mi Yun Hall. Landscapes is a four-leaf album that has passed through the hands of numerous prominent collectors including Qing dynasty painter Wu Yun and Liu E, a renowned novelist from the late Qing dynasty. The album showcases the typical painting style of the Song and Yuan dynasty periods, as well as the fine, delicate brushstrokes characteristic of the era’s celebrated master painters.

Another highlight from the Mi Yun Hall collection is The Rubbing of Cui Jing Yong’s Epitaph, created in the 17th or 18th century. Among only five known rubbing copies of this epitaph, the present work is one of two kept in private hands, making it exceedingly rare at auction.