TOKYO.- Tokyo Chuo Auction will hold its 2017 Spring Auctions from 25 February to 2 March 2017 at Tokyo Dome Hotel, featuring nearly 3,000 lots of exceptional artworks. Ten sales will be featured including an Evening Sale of Important Chinese Art, Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy, Fine Chinese Modern Paintings, Fine Chinese Works of Art, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Scholar’s Objects and Ichigo Ichie - The Art of Tea Ceremony. A carefully curated selection of Chinese paintings and Imperial Chinese works of art will be offered in the highly anticipated Evening Sale. It also features the sale of important inkstones by Chinese masters from a Japanese museum collection being offered for the first time at auction.

Important Chinese Art Evening Sale
Amongst the precious art pieces that will be auctioned at the Evening Sale, the highlight will definitely be Mountain Recluse by Huang Binhong (1865-1955) (Estimate: JPY 60,000,000 - 80,000,000). Formerly in the collection of an important Taiwanese museum, this set of four hanging scrolls depicts idealised Chinese literati landscapes with excellent brushwork and a superb mastery of ink and water. With clear provenance, this well-preserved set is expected to attract intense bidding from collectors.

Wansuitongtian Tie, or “Calligraphy by the Wang Clan of the Wansuitongtian Era”, was a set of calligraphic works by different generations of the celebrated Wang clan, known for their mastery of calligraphy. While the long lost original contained calligraphy by 28 members of the Wang family, the present handscroll is composed of copies of works by seven calligraphers, including Wang Xizhi (Estimate: JPY 50,000,000 – 80,000,000). The superb technique and style employed give reason to believe that they were created by calligraphy masters serving the court of the Song Emperor Huizong. As shown by the seal marks left by collectors and connoisseurs of different dynasties, this is undoubtedly a rare and cherished piece of art.

An Imperial gilt-bronze figure of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, Kangxi period (1662-1722) H: 48cm
This Imperial gilt-bronze Shakyamuni Buddha from the Kangxi period has noble features, a calm expression, and a hint of delight reflecting the inner peace of his pure state of mind. The lotus pedestal is embellished by a Lianzhu pattern, and the base is incised with a cross gada to ward off the attacks of evil spirits. The figure is given a sense of elegance and solemnity by the artisan’s exquisite technique. Cast in an unmistakable court style, the current lot is undoubtedly a collectible that is rarely seen on the market (Estimate: JPY 50,000,000 – 60,000,000).

A blue and white “dragon” bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and period (1723-1735) H: 11.5cm; D :24.5cm
Leading the Imperial ceramics selection is a fine blue and white “dragon” bowl from the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735) (Estimate: JPY 40,000,000 – 50,000,000). The exterior is delicately decorated in bright shades of cobalt blue with ferocious five-clawed dragons amidst rolling waves above a wave pattern in softer tones of blue. With its elegantly potted form and superb glaze colour, the present lot with the five-clawed dragons symbolizing Imperial authority is an excellent example of porcelain produced in the Imperial workshops of the Qing court.

Fine Chinese Ink Sticks and Ink Stones from a Japanese Museum Collection
An Imperial Songhua inkstone in the shape of an ancient spade coin, Kangxi period (1662-1722) L: 15cm; W: 11.5cm; H: 1.5cm
This inkstone is made of the precious Songhua stone quarried along the Songhua River in northeast China. Songhua stones were esteemed not only for their jade-like colour, but also for their effectiveness and ease in the grinding of ink sticks. Finely carved in the elegant shape of an ancient spade coin, this soft grey-green inkstone has a flat, smooth grinding area and a deep well for storing ink. It comes with a precious zitan case decorated with a phoenix design. Created by the Imperial workshops more than 300 years ago, it is still in an excellent condition (Estimate: JPY 3,000,000 – 4,000,000).

An Imperial polychrome “dragon” ink cake collected at the Hall of Character Cultivation, Qianlong period (1736-1795) L: 13.5cm; W: 5.5 cm; H: 2 cm Weight: 175g
This rectangular ink cake dating from the Qianlong period (Estimate: JPY 450,000-550,000) is decorated with a pair of golden dragons chasing flames in high relief against a background of roaring waves. On the back, it is carved with two Chinese characters “Longde” meaning “the virtue of dragons”. With its dragon motif and outstanding technique, this is without doubt one of the finest ink cakes crafted at the palace workshops for Imperial usage.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
A blue-and-white “lotus scroll” vase, Qianlong six-character mark and period (1736-1795) H:47cm
The highlight of this sale is a fine blue and white “lotus scroll” vase, Qianlong six-character mark and period (1736-1795) (Estimate: JPY 30,000,000- 50,000,000). Finely potted on its exterior with lotus flowers amongst dense scrolling foliage, some dark blue spots on the surface are signs of a high iron content, suggesting that it was modelled on the imported cobalt blue and white vessels of the early Ming dynasty.
Combining both Eastern and Western designs, its slender neck is decorated with a band of waves and ruyi heads, further enhanced with Rococo-style acanthus leaf scrolls on its shoulder. Blue and white vases from the Qing dynasty are rare on the market and this elegant, elaborately decorated vase will be highly sought after by collectors.

A gilt-bronze figure of a seated Vairocana Buddha, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), H: 42cm
This Ming gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha has a well-built figure. Sitting comfortably on his head is an elaborate crown inlaid with jewels. The Buddha’s downcast gaze, gentle smile and dignified expression add to the fulfilment and satisfaction symbolised by hands in a mudra that is unique to Vairocana in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. The present lot has been in overseas collections for many years and is a true connoisseur’s piece (Estimate: JPY 7,000,000 – 8,000,000).

A bronze “Taotie” vessel, zun, Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1100 BC) H: 27cm
Dating from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1100 BC), this bronze vessel from a Japanese collection displays an elegant shape and fine patina (Estimate: JPY 3,000,000 – 3,500,000). Its body is meticulously embellished with cloud, taotie and kui dragon designs in a careful composition. A special feature of the mythical beast patterns is that their eyes are deliberately crafted in high relief. Made more than 3,000 years ago, this is an excellent example of beautiful Shang dynasty bronzes.

Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy
He Yi (17th-18th century) Boating Dated dinghai year (1707) Ink on paper, hanging scroll
Boating by He Yi (17th–18th century) (Estimate: JPY 5,000,000 – 8,000,000) features a typical composition in Chinese painting, “one river, two shores”. In the foreground is a clump of towering trees with a few cottages on a hillside skilfully painted in different shades of ink with fine brushwork. On the far shore are rolling hills and valleys under a cloudless sky. Meanwhile a person is enjoying this scenery on his little boat on the peaceful lake. Although the subject of idyllic country life is quite common in literati painting, Boating does not fail to charm viewers with its simplicity, tranquillity and beauty. This exceptional painting was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong in 1990 and had been in the collection of various renowned collectors.

Fine Chinese Modern Paintings
Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), Peaches. Ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll
145×38cm
Peaches is a brilliant example of Wu Changshuo’s extensive oeuvre (Estimate: JPY 5,000,000 – 8,000,000). Wu meticulously depicts peaches and the surrounding foliage with his mature brushstrokes. The vivid application of pigments showcases Wu’s ingenuity, while the balance between dense and sparse pictorial space reveals his thoughtfulness. Although the leaves and branch appear to overlap each other, they are in fact clearly distinguished in a series of intricate layers, whilst the ripe and luscious peaches punctuate the greenery. This vivacious work clearly demonstrates Wu’s superb expertise and taste.

Xu Beihong (1895-1957) Lion Ink and colour on paper, framed. Dated 1939, 100×65cm Provenance：From the collection of a Singaporean collector
Central to this work by Xu Beihong is the energy of a strong, heroic lion depicted in a proud stance in a rugged landscape, his fierce glare and his sonorous roar resembling the vigour and spirit of an army ready for battle. Like a shining crown, his majestic flowing mane exudes the might and power of the King of Beasts. Although simple in composition, this work epitomises both senses of the word “prowess - the fearlessness of the lion and Xu Beihong’s unmatched mastery (Estimate: JPY 18,000,000 – 22,000,000).

Books and Manuscripts
Primary rubbings of The Orchid Pavilion Gathering carved by the Prince of Zhou, Ming dynasty (1368-1644) 21.5×491cm Estimate：JPY 1,200,000-2,000,000

“Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Tea Ceremony” Sale
A Longquan celadon “phoenix” vase, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) H: 28 cm. Provenance: Collection of the 8th master of the Hosokawa Clan
This Longquan celadon “phoenix” vase (Estimate: JPY 15,000,000 – 25,000,000) once belonged to the 8th master of the famed Hosokawa Clan. It features one of the classical shapes of Longquan wares from the southern Song dynasty. Its elongated neck is decorated with a pair of phoenix-shaped handles, while the whole vessel is uniformly covered in a radiant, translucent celadon glaze. A classic among Longquan vessels, this vase will be highly sought after by collectors of Song ceramics.

A gold teapot and cover with rock design and iron handle by Chikueidou Eishin. H: 17 cm. Weight: 704 g
Another highlight is a gold teapot and cover with a fascinating design (Estimate: JPY 4,000,000 – 5,000,000). The even rock pattern on the body is created by hand with a particular type of hammer, while the handle is engraved with floral motifs. Of special note is the knob of the lid, carved in openwork design in the shape of a flower with a heart made of pure gold, highlighting the teapot’s innovative and unique style. This teapot is no doubt a true manifestation of the virtuosity of the leading goldsmith in Kyoto and is not to be missed by discerning collectors.

Fine Scholar's Objects
An archaic bell-shaped Duan inkstone with the signature of Zhou Lianggong, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) L: 19cm; W: 14cm; H: 3.5cm
The star lot of the Fine Scholar's Objects sale is an exceptional and rare example of an archaistic Duan inkstone made in the Qing dynasty (Estimate: JPY 150,000 – 250,000). The inkstone is decorated with kui dragon motifs, engraved in seal script on two sides, with a bell-shaped carving in relief in the centre. The top of the inkstone has a taotie pattern harking back to the Bronze Age, whilst the base bears the signature “Zhou Lianggong”. Its balance and sturdiness, simple yet elegant decoration, delicate and precise engraving, as well as its outstanding shine, all contribute to the remarkable quality of this inkstone.

Eight Tianhuang Stones
The current lot comprises eight fabulous Tianhuang stones (Estimate: JPY 2,800,000 – 3,500,000). Among them are examples of “dongshi” (frozen stone), a kind of Tianhuang stone that is particularly valued for its golden hue, sparkling translucence, and smooth gloss. The three larger stones and the figure carved in the round are the stars of the lot. The former are engraved with detailed scenes all over their surfaces. Despite the diminutive size of the figure, it is a magnificent display of the superb craftsmanship of the engraver who brought the arhat to life, portraying his calm manner and enduring charm.

Further Highlights of Chinese Works of Art:
A blue and white wucai beaker vase with dragon and phoenix design, Wanli period (1573-1619) H: 86cm
A blue and white wucai beaker vase with dragon and phoenix design from the Wanli period (1573-1619) of the Ming dynasty (Estimate: JPY 5,000,000-6,000,000) is another notable lot. Modelled on the form of an ancient bronze vessel, it comprises three sections with a pair of dragon heads on its neck. The sturdy body is decorated with dragons and phoenix in blue and white and wucai appearing to dance amidst floral scrolls and plantain leaf patterns in red, green and blue. Wucai ceramics reached their peak during the Wanli reign and it is extremely rare to see large pieces today. The present lot with a height of 86cm is therefore a true gem in the sale.

A blue and white plate with plantain leaf and fruit design, Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) H: 8.5cm; D: 46.5cm
This sturdily potted Yuan dynasty blue and white dish (No reserve) has three bands of design, its interior delicately painted in vivid graduated tones of underglaze-blue, featuring plantain leaf, fruit and melon motifs. Its cavetto is encircled by a continuous lotus scroll pattern, further enhanced by a border of lozenge design. The perfect combination of bold and soft underglaze blue tones fully demonstrates the technical excellence of the period. Very few perfect examples of Yuan blue and white ceramics survive today and large pieces like the present lot are even more rarely seen on the market.