NEW YORK, NY.- When a Zisha (purple clay) teapot by 20th century ceramic master
Gu Jingzhou made $2 million dollars at auction in 2010, it took the collecting world by surprise. Since then, the maestro’s work has commanded great interest, as it did at Gianguan Auctions June 10 sale when a spare, high profile pot made $19,000.

The reeded bamboo teapot with a mouse finial, caterpillar spout and three artists seals was expected to hit the mid-four figures. Although interest had been strong during the preview, no one foresaw the fierce bidding war that ensued after the opening bid of $3,750. The lucky buyer took the rarity for $19,000 USD, nearly five times the catalog estimate.

This is the second time in as many auctions that Gianguan Auctions has seen a Gu Jingzho Zisha teapot more than quadruple its estimate. In the March 11, 2017 sale that coincided with Asia Week, a masterful, medium profile, round pot with a ruyi band and lotus finial, all on a tripod base, started at $600. When the hammer finally came down, the winning bid was $7,000.

Gu Jingzho (1915-1996) has been honored as a "Master of Chinese Industrial Art."

Other Zisha teapots, including a collection of Qing Dynasty works, fared well, hitting their estimate or exceeding it.

For full details on the Zisha teapots in Gianguan Auctions' June 10 sale, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com.

Gianguan Auctions next scheduled auction will take place in September.