HONG KONG.- Tokyo Chuo Hong Kong achieved strong results at its Spring Sales held on 28 & 29 May 2017 at the Four Seasons Hong Kong. There was consistently active bidding throughout for the 600 lots of Imperial Chinese ceramics and works of art, classical and modern Chinese paintings, scholar’s objects and Japanese tea wares on offer. Rare and exceptional works from important private collections in Europe, America and Japan were highly sought after by collectors and many lots sold for prices well above their pre-sale estimates.

In the Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy sale, the star lot was Recluse’s Life in Mountains by Gong Xian (1618-1689) which realized HK$25,760,000/ US$3,302,564 after competitive bidding between collectors on the phone and in the saleroom, nearly three times its pre-sale estimate. Formerly in an important European and American private collection, this monumental work of four hanging scrolls features magnificent portrayals of landscapes in different seasons. Recurrent motifs in classical landscapes, such as cottages hidden amongst pines, waterfalls and streams shrouded in mist, rolling hills and deep valleys, are all present to convey the lofty concept of an idyllic life in nature pursued by the literati.

Another highlight in the sale was Visiting Friends along the Stream by Shen Zhou (1427-1509) which fetched HK$9,200,000/ US$1,179,487. In the foreground of this spectacular work is a clump of towering trees, painted with different shades of ink and fine brushwork, on a shore lined with rocks. On the other side of the river are lofty hills, partly shrouded in mist, against a blank background, while a man is enjoying this scenery on a little boat.

Also of note was Landscape as a Dedication to Hech by Wang Hui (1632-1717) which realized HK$7,475,000/ US$958,333. This splendid handscroll inspired by a well-known Chinese poem depicts a tranquil scene of a river bordered by groves and mountains.

The top lot in the Fine Chinese Modern Paintings and Calligraphy sale was Landscape after Ancient Masters by Wu Hufan (1894-1968), selling for HK$9,545,000/ US$1,223,718. It was formerly in an important European and American private collection. The meticulous usage of colours and fine brushwork enhance the depth and distance between the magnificent peaks, conveying a sense of clarity and purity.

Bidding was active for a special selection of works by the master Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), led by Lotus which sold for HK$8,050,000/ US$1,032,051. A variety of different calligraphic techniques and the use of thick ink for the tips of the petals on the otherwise subdued tones of the work as a whole, bring out the spirit, delicacy and vigour of the lotus.

A carefully curated selection of Imperial ceramics and tea wares from the Koga Family Collection in the Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art and Ichigo Ichie — The Art of Tea Ceremony sales attracted enormous interest during the auction previews and drew competitive bidding. The Koga Family is one of the most esteemed families in Japanese history. The precious items featured in the sales were given to the Koga family by the Japanese emperor, who received them as gifts from the Qing court. This selection was 90% sold, demonstrating that rare works with impeccable provenance and fresh to the market are highly sought after by collectors.

Among the treasures from the Koga Family Collection was an octagonal Guan-type vase, Yongzheng mark and period (1723-1735) which achieved HK$6,900,000/ US$884,615 after active bidding. The delicate body is coated in a rich light turquoise glaze featuring fine and natural crackles that crisscross all over the vase, resembling the simple elegance of porcelain pieces from the Song dynasty. Similar surviving pieces are mostly hexagonal, while octagonal ones are rare. The current lot is also considerably larger than usual, making it even rarer.

Another prized offering was a pair of famille rose “flowers and butterflies” plates, Yongzheng marks and period (1723-1735), realizing HK$4,830,000/ US$619,231. These delicately potted plates feature famille rose hydrangeas in full bloom with flowering branches bearing prunus blossoms. They came from the J.R. Watkins Family Collection in the USA, and were acquired by Mr Watkins’ granddaughter Mariel King in Shanghai in the early 20th century.

A white-ground famille-rose “eight Buddhist emblems” vase, Jiaqing six-character mark and period (1796-1820) mark and period (1796-1820) was highly coveted by collectors and fetched HK$4,255,000/ US$545,513. Enamelled in brilliant tones, the globular body of this Tibetan-style vase is beautifully decorated with lotus scrolls and eight Buddhist emblems.

There was great interest in the exquisite pieces offered in the Ichigo Ichie — The Art of Tea Ceremony sale. A Jian “hare’s fur” Tenmoku tea bowl, Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) achieved HK$2,070,000/ US$265,385. This delicate tea bowl is remarkable for its fine hare’s fur pattern, its firm and strong potted body, as well as the vibrant navy blue infused in the otherwise jet-black glaze.

A further highlight was a pair of gold and silver teapots with dragon-shaped spouts by Zoroku II (with Tomobako) which sold for HK$1,817,000/ US$232,949.

Highlights in the Fine Scholar’s Objects sale included a Tianhuang stone seal carved By Wu Changshuo, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and an Imperial Songhua “gourd” inkstone, Qianlong Period (1736-1795), each selling for HK$472,000/ US$60,513.