On July 15, the Xiling Yinshe 2024 Spring Auction celebrated its 20th anniversary with a successful conclusion. The total transaction amount reached 1.243 billion RMB, with an impressive completion rate of 84.7%. The auction featured three “white glove” sessions and nine major categories where the transaction rate exceeded 90%.
Among the highlights, Wu Changshuo’s classic seal carving “Taishan Canshilou” sold for 9.315 million RMB. The auction set multiple records in various categories including Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy, Important Manuscripts and Photographs, Inkstones and Inksticks, and Chinese Ceramics.
Notable sales include the Zhang Gongxiang “Ru” Celadon Brush Washer, which went for 14.03 million RMB, and the Northern Song Dynasty rubbings of the Ji Wang Shu Sheng Jiao Xu, which was sold for 10.81 million RMB. In total, seven items were sold for over 10 million RMB each, with an additional 17 items exceeding 5 million RMB each.
Over a hundred media outlets across the country covered the Xiling Yinshe 20th Anniversary Spring Auction.
At this year’s Xiling Yinshe 20th Anniversary Spring Auction, the Chinese painting and calligraphy section achieved a total transaction amount of over 440 million RMB, with a completion rate of 87.4%. The modern and contemporary Chinese paintings and calligraphy section saw its highest completion rate in recent years, while the classical Chinese paintings and calligraphy section reached its highest transaction amount in recent years. We sincerely thank collectors for their recognition and support of our auction's vision for the painting and calligraphy sessions.
Auction scene
The "Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy and Ming and Qing Dynasty Manuscripts" session was the most comprehensive and academically focused of its kind to date, achieving a total transaction amount of 229 million RMB, the highest record in recent years.
Xiling Yinshe Auction has maintained a unique and steadfast approach to the structure of its painting and calligraphy sections. Over the past twenty years, its academic research, session organization, and promotional strategies have consistently centered around the themes of “Jinshi” (inscriptions and seal carvings) and “Jiangnan” (the Jiangnan region).
Chen Yuanlong Sutra In Regular Script
Starting Price: RMB 4,000,000
Sale Price: RMB 8,280,000
A new record for the highest price achieved by works of Chen Yuanlong
In this 20th Anniversary Spring Auction, we thoroughly explored the “Zhejiang Topic” by showcasing the Zhejiang School of Painting, Zhejiang cultural heritage, and Jiangnan scenery to present the cultural characteristics of Zhejiang.
While focusing on museum-quality pieces and unique market items, we also emphasized the overall presentation of painting schools. We balanced form and content by uncovering the literary value of ancient manuscripts while also appreciating their aesthetic quality. Our approach highlights the artistic value of the works and the academic significance behind them.
Lin Liang Bamboo, Rock And Bird
Starting Price: RMB 4,000,000
Sale Price: RMB 4,600,000
A new record for the highest price achieved by works of Lin Liang
Huang Daozhou Letters to Ni Yuanzan about Resisting Qing Government
Starting Price: RMB 3,500,000
Sale Price: RMB 6,440,000
A new record for the highest price achieved by works of Huang Daozhou
Wen Peng Verse In Cursive Script
Starting Price: RMB 3,500,000
Sale Price: RMB 6,900,000
The modern and contemporary section prominently featured "The Great Jiachen Year: Bronze Inscriptions, Calligraphy, and Paintings for the 180th Birthday Anniversary of Wu Changshuo", a special session jointly presented by the Calligraphy and Painting Department and the Inkstones and Inksticks Department
As an innovative feature of this spring auction, we presented Wu Changshuo’s diverse talents through a comprehensive display of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving. Additionally, we explored the breadth of his interactions by examining his hometown, poetry, teachers and friends, and disciples, providing a deeper insight into the connections and influences of this modern art master.
In the special session, Wu Changshuo’s personal seal, "Taishan Canshilou," carved from Qingtian stone by Gao Yong, garnered significant attention from seal enthusiasts due to its renowned reputation even before the auction.
At the auction, the auctioneer started the bidding at 180,000 RMB, and immediately, a buyer offered 2.4 million RMB. The price quickly escalated to 4 million and then 6 million RMB, ultimately closing at 9.315 million RMB. This seal, a textbook example and published over a hundred times, became the highest-priced item of the spring auction.
Wu Changshuo A Qingtian Stone Seal for Gao Yong's Private Use
Starting Price: RMB 180,000
Sale Price: RMB 9,315,000
achieving 51.75 times the pre-auction estimate
The "Taishan Canshilou" seal, performing exceptionally in this special Jiachen year at the Xiling Yinshe auction, stands as a fitting tribute to the first president of Xiling Yinshe. The entire commemorative session achieved a total transaction amount of over 65 million RMB, with a completion rate of 93%. This event served as a comprehensive review and a high honor to Wu Changshuo and the academic art circle led by Xiling Yinshe.
The calligraphy of Master Hongyi was prominently displayed at the entrance of the preview hall, drawing viewers from across the country to stop and admire. Collectors who had previously visited the Fujian tour returned to savor the works again, unable to tear themselves away. Many visitors commented that viewing Master Hongyi’s calligraphy brought a sense of spiritual purification, reflecting a devotion and tranquility that are rare among most calligraphers.
The auction began with a piece from Master Hongyi, a 1938 work written at the request of Yu Zhilang for his 40th birthday, featuring inscriptions by Master Yinguang. Starting at 300,000 RMB, this piece saw fierce bidding and ultimately sold for 4.255 million RMB, receiving applause from the audience. Another notable item, a long letter with Master Hongyi’s hand-painted monk's robe, began at 80,000 RMB and was finally sold for 1.725 million RMB after multiple bids from both the floor and commissioned bidders. In total, 35 pieces of Master Hongyi's late calligraphy achieved a combined transaction amount of 20.07 million RMB, setting multiple market records for his manuscripts and postcards.
Master Hongyi Calligraphy
Starting Price: RMB 300,000
Sale Price: RMB 4,255,000
Master Hongyi Autograph Letter Signed to Yu Zhilang about the Hand-Painted Monk’s Dress and Becoming a Monk
Starting Price: RMB 80,000
Sale Price: RMB 1,725,000
[Inukai Tsuyoshi] Li Hongzao, Li Hongzhang, Xu Yongyi, Jing Xin, Rong Lu, Weng Tonghe, Yi Xin, Zhang Yinhuan, Wang Mingluan, Zhang Jianxun, Huang Shaoji Calligraphy Album to Lin Dong In The Same Year as the Signing of Treaty Of Shimonoseki
Starting Price: RMB 400,000
Sale Price: RMB 989,000
Since its inception fifteen years ago, the Department of Important Manuscripts and Photographs has been dedicated to unveiling and restoring the interpersonal relationships and historical contexts behind each piece. The department aims to present each lot through an academic lens of cultural history, leading the service and development of the market for both domestic and international famous figures' manuscripts.
The most highly anticipated items at this session were the calligraphy albums created by eleven prominent figures, including Prince Gong Yixin, Li Hongzhang, Li Hongzao, Ronglu, and Weng Tonghe, et al. All were handwritten in 1895, representing the works of some of the most influential and powerful officials of the Qing dynasty who shaped its future. This significant historical collection was auctioned from 400,000 RMB and ultimately sold for 989,000 RMB, earning the top spot in the "Important Manuscripts and Photographs" session.
On the evening of July 13th, at 9 PM, Room A was bustling with collectors of calligraphy, painting, contemporary art, and garden stones, all eager to witness the results of a cross-disciplinary innovative session. The excitement mirrored the sustained interest in the special exhibition area for this session over the past four days. In ancient times, “Woyou” (imaging travelling) was not only a method of landscape painting but also a refined way of appreciation. Through lying travel, the artist creates a vast imaginative space, and the viewer enters the artist’s creative context, letting their imagination unfold and achieving a state of spiritual fulfillment.
Our newly introduced session, "Encounters: Calligraphy and Paintings Inspired by Stones," embodies the essence of lying travel. It features the "Yeyun Peak" Taihu stone from Mi Wanzhong’s collection, calligraphy and paintings by artists like Zheng Banqiao and Qi Baishi, and contemporary art that uses mixed media to depict the textures of stones. This session conveys the resilience and perseverance of Chinese literati through the accidental beauty of stone themes, extending to the thoughts and experiments in contemporary art.
After two hours of intense bidding, the session concluded successfully with a total transaction amount of 28.2026 million RMB and a completion rate of 92.6%. This result confirmed the collectors' recognition and support of the humanistic spirit of "Woyou" (imaging travelling) and the concept of this special session. It fulfilled our long-standing vision and preparation, adding another significant achievement to Xiling Yinshe Auction's innovative sessions.
Guan Liang (1900-1986) 1951
Sale Price: RMB 5,98,000
The "Salute to Pioneers: 20th Century Oil Painting Art" session commenced around 11 PM on July 13th, featuring works by masters such as Tang Yunyu, Sha Qi, and Wu Dayu. The bidding was intense, and all pieces were successfully sold.
Lot 653, Lin Fengmian’s oil painting "Autumn Beauty," exemplifies his signature themes, showcasing remarkable color layering and water reflections, blending the essence of both Eastern and Western painting styles. The painting depicts what seems to be the artist's dreamlike hometown, with tall trees along the river displaying the vibrant colors of autumn. The traditional Guangdong houses, with their white walls and dark tiles, are built along the river. The river in the foreground reflects the trees and houses, creating a rich yet harmonious composition. This piece was included in Lin Fengmian's most significant personal album, published by Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House in 1979. Starting at 3.5 million RMB, the painting saw multiple bids and was finally sold for 5.175 million RMB.
Lin Fengmian (1900-1991) Autumn Beauty
Starting Price: RMB 3,500,000
Sale Price: RMB 5,175,000
Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of Sha Qi's Birth
In this session, special features established since 2018, such as "Drama in Paintings: Liang Gong's Treasures" and "Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of Sha Qi's Birth," all achieved high prices. These themes paid tribute to pioneers, honored classics, and celebrated 20th-century Chinese oil painting.
Chen Ke (b.1978) Tree Planting
Sale Price: RMB 6,325,000
The final session of the first day of the auction, "Boundless: Modern and Contemporary Art," extended into the early hours of the next day. Despite the late hour, bidders in person, through commissions, and online remained engaged. We sincerely thank everyone for their enduring support. This session concluded successfully with a total transaction amount of 48.233 million RMB and a completion rate of 92.42%, marking a triumphant end to the first day of the 2024 Xiling Yinshe 20th Anniversary Spring Auction.
Chen Ke’s 2010 masterpiece "Tree Planting," the largest painting by the artist ever seen at auction, was a highlight. The work presents a gentle narrative about growth, blending cartoon elements with classicism to create an immersive and inclusive scene. Tree planting serves as a metaphor for self-cultivation and nurturing, where the pains of growth transform into a subtle melancholy within a Friedrich-style romantic sentiment, exuding warmth, melancholy, and strength. Each character and detail in the painting is meticulously crafted, making it one of Chen Ke’s representative works. The piece was ultimately acquired by a collector who had long admired it.
The Inkstones and Seal Carvings category, a traditionally strong sector at Xiling Yinshe Auction, has consistently upheld the spirit of combining artistic value with academic integrity, earning the favor of collectors. On the occasion of Xiling Yinshe Auction's 20th anniversary, this category continued to enjoy high popularity and significant premiums. The total transaction amount for the inkstones and seal carvings category reached 86.323 million RMB, while the renowned seal carving section achieved 65.2418 million RMB.
In addition to the "The Great Jiachen Year: Bronze Inscriptions, Calligraphy, and Paintings for the 180th Birthday Anniversary of Wu Changshuo" session, which featured the "Taishan Canshilou" seal provided by Wu Changshuo’s family, there were notable contributions from the families of modern calligraphers and collectors such as Jiang Chengzhi, Deng Sanmu, Zhang Luan, Zhou Lianxia, and He Xiufeng. These family collections of personal seals and treasured seals also performed exceptionally well at the auction.
Qing Dynasty A Shoushan Stone Seal Engraved By Ding Jing For Wang Depu's Private Use
Starting Price: RMB 1,800,000
Sale Price: RMB 3,220,000
Level the record for the highest price achieved by works of Ding Jing
A standout item was the "Rong Da" seal, carved by Ding Jing for the poet Wang Depu of Qiantang, from the collection of Mr. Jiang Chengzhi. Ding Jing, the revered founder of the Zhejiang School of seal carving, has influenced the field for over 200 years. As a prominent figure among the "Eight Masters of Xiling Society of Seal Art," Ding Jing’s works are highly treasured by seal collectors and rarely appear in the auction market.
This particular seal, previously owned by Ding Fuzhi and others, is featured in important collections such as Dingchou Jieyu Yincun and Eight Seal Collection of Masters from Xiling Society of Seal Art. With a well-documented provenance, it is considered a significant historical piece. Starting at 1.8 million RMB, the seal was sold for 3.22 million RMB, maintaining the highest record for Ding Jing's seal carvings.
Qing Dynasty A Pair Of Qingtian Stone 'Dragon' Seals Engraved By Wu Rangzhi For Liu Hanchen's Private Use
Starting Price: RMB 500,000
Sale Price: RMB 3,105,000
A pair of Qingtian stone 'Dragon' seals, engraved by Wu Rangzhi for the book collector Liu Hanchen from Taizhou, debuted at the auction with great anticipation. These seals, exemplifying Wu Rangzhi's typical work, feature excellent carving, rich brushwork, smooth knife techniques, and full characters. They are documented in early seal catalogues and verified by Liu’s collection seals. The pair started at 500,000 RMB and achieved a high premium, selling for 3.105 million RMB.
In the Tianhuang stone special session, over 90% of the items were sold. A Mid-Qing Dynasty Tianhuang stone seal, with pine tree and deer patterns, was particularly notable. This large seal, with a square impression surface and weighing nearly 200 grams, started at 1.8 million RMB and was sold for 2.76 million RMB.
"Study Series: Chinese Inkstones and Inksticks" of the Xiling Yinshe 20th Anniversary Spring Auction gathered an impressive collection of renowned inkstones and inksticks, achieving a total transaction amount of 20.196 million RMB.
Qing Dynasty A Super Fine and Rare Inkstone Inscribed by Ji Xiaolan
Starting Price: RMB 3,500,000
Sale Price: RMB 5,060,000
Among the highlights was a rare and fine Song Dynasty inkstone inscribed by Ji Xiaolan, presented in this session. This inkstone, also documented in the book Inkstones Collected by Yuewei Cottage, is unique in the market as it bears the inscription "Guanyi Daoren," indicating it was for Ji Xiaolan's personal use. It started at 3.5 million RMB and sold for 5.06 million RMB.
Another notable piece was a Duan inkstone from the Qing dynasty, inscribed by Ruan An. Originally part of the Sydney L. Moss Ltd. collection and published in 1984, this inkstone started at 2.2 million RMB and achieved a final price of 4.025 million RMB.
This spring auction saw impressive results in the ceramics sector with three major sessions: "A Scholarly Journey in Jiangnan: Scholar's Ceramics," "Elegance and Grandeur: Imperial Dragon Patterned Ceramics," and "Chinese Ceramics," collectively achieving a total transaction amount exceeding 126 million RMB. Both the monochrome glaze and imperial dragon-patterned ceramics sessions achieved 100% sell-through rates, reigniting excitement and anticipation within the ceramics collecting community.
"A Scholarly Journey in Jiangnan: Scholar's Ceramics" session showcased the purity of monochrome glaze ceramics and the elegance of scholar's ceramics, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Jiangnan. A standout piece was the "Ru" celadon brush washer from Zhanggongxiang, which became a highlight of the auction. It led the antique section of the spring auction, sparking intense bidding. After several rounds of fierce competition, it was finally sold for 12.2 million RMB, reaching a final price of 14.03 million RMB including commission. This sale set a world record for Zhanggongxiang ‘Ru’ kiln ceramics, establishing a new benchmark for the recognition and valuation of 'Ru' wares.
A ‘RU’ PALE CELADON BRUSH WASHER
Sale Price: RMB 1,403,000
World record for the 'Ru' wares from Zhanggongxiang
The unique extant ‘Longquan’ pale celadon lobed brush washer was sold for 3.335 million RMB, breaking the world record of the genre. The high-price deal of the ‘Longquan’ pale celadon lobed brush washer with ‘Jinzhai’ mark is a recognition of the ‘Longquan’ ware market, embodying not only the importance of the inscription in the value of cultural relics but also the consistency of Xiling Yinshe Auction in revealing the cultural value behind the wares through the marks on them.
A ‘Longquan’ Pale Celadon lobed Brush Washer with ‘Jinzhai’ Mark
Sale Price: RMB 3,335,000
The world record for the similar lobed brush washers from Longquan kiln
Besides, a group of monochrome-glazed wares from various kilns were sold for 12.15 million RMB in total with a premium as high as stunning 170%, marking a tremendous momentum in the current requirement for high-valued collectable monochrome-glazed scholar’s wares and incentive inspired by the exciting outcome of “A Scholarly Journey in liangnan: Scholar's Ceramics”.
A Group of Monochrome-glazed Wares from Various Kilns
Sale Price: RMB 12,150,000
To echo the year of dragon, we specially presented the sale of the court porcelain wares with dragon pattern for this spring auction, which has been highly praised by collectors for its high quality. A blue-and-white copper-red dish with dragon and ripple patterns from Yongzheng period of the Qing dynasty won a great favor from collectors for its impeccable provenance, extraordinarily large size and delicate nine-dragon pattern on it. The lot was sold for 4.37 million RMB, a truly impressive existence amid Emperor Yongzheng’s collections.
Yongzheng Period, Qing Dynasty A Blue-and-white Copper-red Dish with Dragon and Ripple Patterns and ‘Yongzheng’ Mark
Sale Price: RMB 4,370,000
Boasting of its marvelous craftsmanship and peculiar historical values, the ‘Longquan’ vessel with dragon pattern in this session was finally sold for 5.175 million RMB from its estimate of RMB 2.5 million, which is the best proof towards the court porcelain wares.
A ‘Longquan’ Vessel with Dragon Pattern
Sale Price: RMB 5,175,000
In “Chinese Ceramics” session, the unique extant blue-and-white candlestick made by Tang Ying was sold for 5.06 million RMB. Four famous domestic experts, collectors together with many enthusiasts gathered at the seminar which was held on the first day of the spring auction, and saw warm talks over the lot, immersing the auction in a strong academic atmosphere.
Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty A Blue-and-White Candlestick Made by Tang Ying
Sale Price: RMB 5,060,000
The scholar’s articles, which consists of four sessions, reached 124 million RMB totally, indicating the permanent enthusiasm and veneration toward the traditional Chinese art. The sessions, “Everlasting Glory·Refined Articles in the Study” and “Collection of Wen Xin Ge: Precious Articles in Study”, accomplished sales exceeding 90%. Two others, “Lustrous Radiance: Ancient Chinese Jades” and “Study Series·Refined Articles in the Study”, also astonished the participators during the preview and the auction. The star lots were all sold for high prices, showing how the outstanding provenance influence the art market.
High popularity at the site of Refined Articles in the Study
As the cover lot of “Everlasting Glory·Refined Articles in the Study”, the large cloisonné enamel bronze jar with cloud and dragon patterns from the Ming dynasty soon seized the eyeballs of bidders. Its special presentation with abundant introductions attracted great attentions. The jar, extremely similar to the one auctioned by Christie’s New York in 2015, was supposed to be another to form a pair, which is why it caused great attention and anticipation from both collectors and media. The lot was sold for as high as 11.5 million RMB in the end.
Ming Dynasty A Cloisonné Enamel Bronze Jar and Cover with Dragon and Cloud Patterns
Sale Price: RMB 11,500,000
In “Lustrous Radiance: Ancient Chinese Jades”, a jade ornament collected by Duan Fang, et al. shocked everybody on site for its auction price 13.57 million RMB. The ornament (Cong) which was made thousands of years ago is so priceless that it is not just seen as a jade work but a human wisdom and aesthetics carried bond connecting the culture in the different phases of the history.
A Jade Ornament Collected by Duan Fang, et al.
Sale Price: RMB 13,570,000
A bronze ‘phoenix’ libation cup with dragon pattern from the Xuande period of the Ming dynasty in the session of “Wen Xin Ge Collection: Precious Articles in the Study” was auctioned for 3.703 million RMB. The masterpiece is made of a special kind of bronze in the Xuande period of the Ming dynasty, sculptured into phoenix-like beast with a dragon head that always appears in the Classic of Mountains and Rivers. The “Xuande” mark on the bottom of the vessel revealed its noble status in both the royal collection and the Ming court art.
Xuande Period, Ming Dynasty A Fine Bronze ‘Phoenix’ Libation Cup with Dragon Pattern Collected by Qiu Yanzhi
Sale Price: RMB 3,703,000
“Study Series·Refined Articles in the Stud” session witnessed a bronze vessel of early Western Zhou dynasty collected by Liu Tizhi, Rong Geng, et al. hammered for RMB 7.82 million RMB, an undisputed champion in this session. The bronze vessel (Gui) was collected by famous collector Liu Tizhi, and then possessed by the archaeologist Rong Geng and the family of Blaker, a famous British financier successively. It was introduced for the first time in Luo Zhenyu’s book The Continuation of Ancient Essays Collected by Zhen Song Tang in 1930, and then appeared again in Rong Geng’s book Catalogue of the Bronzes from Song Zhai in 1936. Now, the bronze has been mentioned in dozens of important bronze ware books, erecting its significant position in this field for the research on the ancient society and culture.
Western Zhou Dynasty A Bronze Vessel Collected by Liu Tizhi, Rong Geng, et al.
Sale Price: RMB 7,820,000
“Fine Ancient Books and Ink Rubbings” was arranged on the morning of the last auction day. 286 lots were sold for more than 6 hours of drastic competition. The auction resulted in a total revenue of 29.9 million RMB and 88% sell-through rate.
The rubbing of Ji Wang Shu Sheng Jiao Xu which was made in the Northern Song dynasty and bound by the imperial storehouse in the Ming dynasty led the “Fine Ancient Books and Ink Rubbings” session. The lot started its bidding at 5.8 million RMB and finally arrived at 10.81 million RMB after breathtaking biddings. The rubbing was collected by Wang Yong, Zha Kai, Li Guosong, Qian Yajie, et al., and inscribed by Wang Duo, Wang Shu, Zhang Yun, Wu Hufan and Huang Ruoji. Wu Hufan also painted Weizhen Shuwu picture on the paper which is supposed to come from the Ming imperial storehouse. There are only three Song rubbings of Tang stele inscriptions made on the paper from the Ming imperial storehouse auctioned ever, and this is one of them.
Ji Wang Shu Sheng Jiao Xu
Starting Price: RMB 5,800,000
Sale Price: RMB 10,810,000
The most eye-catching lot of “Fine Ancient Books and Ink Rubbings” session is the book Di Xue from the collection of Tianlu Linlang. The bidding of the book started at 1.5 million RMB and soared to RMB 3.588 million RMB after a short competition among several bidders. This Xiling Yinshe edition is one of ten complete Tianlu Linlang collected works ever shown up in the market in the past three decades, and is much rarer and more precious for its original Qing court package with it.
[Tianlu Linlang] Di Xue (8 vols)
Starting Price: RMB 1,500,000
Sale Price: RMB 3,588,000
Other parts of the session also harvested with uplifting 100 percent of the deal, especially in the field of scholar’s handwritings. Comprising of around one hundred lots, the competition around the collectables from Prof. Yin Menglun, a famous modern linguist, was extremely intense. Among them was a group of inkstones and inkstick cases previously used by the professor, which found their new master at the stunning price of 552,000 RMB after intense biddings.
Zisha sale of this spring auction was also concluded with a total turnover of 45.7 million RMB and 88% sell-through rate. Although not as major as other counterparts, Zisha auction has long been acclaimed and respected by collectors and clients for our persistence in promoting the literati Zisha wares and indicating the context of the development in the history. Such persistence is just to requite the buyers’ continued support and trust.
Upper left: Ming Dynasty A Purple Clay Teapot
Sale Price: RMB 2,760,000
Upper right: A Purple Clay teapot Made by Gu Jingzhou
Sale Price: RMB 2,645,000
Lower: A White Clay Teapot Made by Yang Pengnian, Inscribed by Tingxiang and Collected by Jiansong Ge
Starting Price: RMB 2,700,000
Sale Price: RMB 4,485,000
a new record for the highest price achieved by works related to Jiang Tingxiang
The session particularly presented a white clay teapot made by Yang Pengnian, inscribed by Jiang Tingxiang and collected by Jiansong Ge, and hammered it for 4.485 million RMB. The teapot unveils a probably existing unusual phenomenon that the person who writes the inscription does not leave his name after the inscription but to let others do so instead. Such behavior revealed the friendship between the literati like Chen Mansheng and Jiang Tingxiang. A ridged purple clay teapot which has long been renowned in the Zisha collecting circle was sold for 2.76 million RMB. Another proof to the steadiness of the Zisha market is a purple clay teapot with ‘Taohu Waishi’ mark made by Gu Jingzhou. It was eventually hammered for 2.645 million RMB, compared to its lower estimate of RMB 1.8 million.
The auction of “Comics, Illustrations & Cartoons by Chinese Masters” kicked off at Hall A on the morning of July 15. The session presented 173 masterpieces, and after intense biddings throughout the whole morning, it contributed 22.6 million RMB with 92.5% sell-through rate. Star lots such as the creations by masters like Huang Yongyu, Feng Zikai, Cheng Shifa, Lin Fengmian, Liu Wenxi, Zeng Mi, Liu Baochun, Zhang Dengtang, Liu Danzhai, Chih-Chung Tsai and so on, all found their new masters.
Upper left: Huang Yongyu The Sea of Cherry Trees
Starting Price: RMB 600,000
Upper right: Feng Zikai Crane
Sale Price: RMB 1,092,500
Lower: Cheng Shifa Original Works for the Comic Strip Cai Wenji
Sale Price: RMB 1,552,500
The Xiling Yinshe 20th anniversary auction also provided a chance to celebrate Wu Desheng’s obtaining the title of Chinese Jade Carving Master. As an outstanding figure of Shanghai School, Wu created a set of eighteen white jade figures of arhat which undoutedly ignited the atmosphere of this spring auction. After fervent biddings among the buyers for almost ten minutes, the price arrived at 20.355 million RMB at last, a great contrast to its starting price 1.2 million RMB.
These eighteen white jade “arhat” carvings are the pet and darling work of Master Wu and the client acquired them directly from him. Applying incredible craftsmanship, Wu made it with 15kg Hetian seed jade stones by combining the western sculpture skills with traditional Chinese carving techniques for ten years, making the treasures much more precious and rarer.
Wu Desheng Eighteen White Jade Figures of Arhat
Starting Price: RMB 12,000,000
Sale Price: RMB 20,355,000
“Elegant and Magnificent Chinese Buddhist Art” presented more than 200 statues and religion-relevant artworks, resulting in 28.44 million RMB clinched. Among them, the leading lot, a gilt-bronze Buddhist plate from Ming dynasty achieved 22.425 million RMB, compared to its initial estimate of 1.2 million RMB. This plate, the largest one ever known from the early Chinese Buddhism spreading period, boasts for its art, academic value and true uniqueness.
Another huge bronze figure of four-armed Avalokitesvara made in the 13th century was sold for 977,500 RMB, and a gilt-bronze figure of Buddha made in the Yuan dynasty was sold for 943,000 RMB, all witnessing the hot demand for court statues.
Ming Dynasty A Gilt-Bronze Buddhist Plate with Sakyamuni Pattern
Sale Price: RMB 2,242,500
“Chinese Coins and Paper Money” session prepared over 540 lots, including entertaining coins, gold and silver ingots and collectables from sophisticated collections, resulting in overall 32.62 million RMB. A five-tael silver sycee from the Jin dynasty which is a unique one, was sold for around 2.127 million RMB. Besides, a pair of coins with ‘Tianqi’ mark from the Ming dynasty started its bidding at 120,000 RMB and was concluded at 222,400 RMB. The successful auction unveils a fact that more and more attention is being paid to non-mainstream but distinctive coins and charms which caused fierce competitions and achieved high premiums.
Jin Dynasty A Five-Tael Silver Sycee
Sale Price: RMB 2,127,500
“Oriental Beauty: Magnificent Jewels” auctioned an extraordinarily radiant necklace made of 77.7-carat sapphire with no heat treatment for 11.5 million RMB.
A Sapphire Necklace
Sale Price: RMB 11,500,000
“The Art in Life: Famous Chinese Wine, Tonics and Western Antique Works of Art” features its diversification of art, comprising of famous Chinese and foreign wine, tonics, western works of art and jewels, advocating a widely recognized concept of imbuing our lives with art.
The sale reached 20 million RMB in turnover. The tonics remained its momentum and became even more popular among the collectors then before. An original carton of Niuhuang Qingxin Pills made by Tongrentang for export in 1989 was sold for 747,500 RMB after several rounds of bidding. In the section of western works of art, Trinchera’s Shepherd was sold for 644,000 RMB.
Tonics section triggers the sensations of “The Art in Life: Famous Chinese Wine, Tonics and Western Antique Works of Art”.
