Christie's Announces the Sale of Fine Chinese Paintings in Fall Asian Art Week
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PRESS RELEASE | N E W Y O R K | 2 6 AUGUST 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHRISTIE’S ANNOUNCES THE SALE OF FINE CHINESE PAINTINGS IN FALL ASIAN ART WEEK CLASSICAL AND MODERN MASTERPIECES TO BE OFFERED ON 18 SEPTEMBER New York - On 18 September, Christie’s will present the sale of Fine Chinese Paintings, which will encompass over 160 works, with traditional paintings and calligraphy ranging from the Ming dynasty to the modern period and representing a wide variety of themes and styles. Highlights include paintings and calligraphy by such classical masters as Shen Zhou, Dong Qichang, and Chen Chun, as well as modern works by such popular figures as Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, and Xu Beihong. Painters of the Wu School in Suzhou during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) created some of the most erudite, yet expressive works in Chinese paintings history. Several important paintings in the sale embody the sophistication and elegance of the Wu School. Important paintings in this selection include Mountains in Autumn, a landscape painting by Shen Zhou (1427-1509) (lot 904, estimate: $230,000-330,000). This painting comes from The Family of C.C. Wang, where it has remained in his family for several decades. C.C. Wang (1907-2003) was an active artist, art teacher, and collector. He learned traditional Chinese painting techniques as a youth in China, but explored new ideas and styles when he arrived in New York. Maintaining, yet modernizing the tradition, are works by such modern masters as Qi Baishi (1863-1957) and Xu Beihong (1895-1953). Both artists used traditional materials to depict well-known themes for their paintings such as Qi Baishi’s Chrysanthemum and Bees (pictured left, lot 1030, estimate: $90,000-120,000) Qi Baishi captures the vibrancy of the chrysanthemum blossoms with his rapid and sure brushstokes, and his finely detailed strokes of the buzzing bees reveal his exceptional skill. Xu Beihong’s Zhong Kui (lot 1008, estimate: $180,000-250,000) illustrates a powerful-looking image of Zhong Kui, the demon-queller, in contrast with the stooped and skinny blue demon who is comically reduced to carrying Zhong Kui’s snack on his head. From the Ping Y. Tai Foundation is Lotus Picking, attributed to Qiu Ying (1495-1552) (pictured above, lot 905, estimate: $300,000-500,000). This handscroll features a scholar at leisure, however, the true theme of this painting is the activity of the women. Ping Y. Tai (1915-1998) was the wife of the legendary connoisseur, collector, and dealer Jun Tsei Tai (1911-1992), fondly known in international art circles as J.T. Tai. These Chinese paintings were acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Tai were kept at home for their personal enjoyment. ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FINE CHINESE PAINTINGS Lot 904 Lot 1008 Property of The Family Of Xu Beihong (1895-1953) C.C. Wang Zhong Kui Shen Zhou (1427-1509) Scroll, mounted for framing, Mountains in Autumn ink and color Scroll, mounted and framed, on paper ink and color on paper 5 51 ½ x 27 in. (130.8 x 68.8 58 x 22 /8 in. (147.5 x 57 cm.) cm.) Estimate: $180,000-250,000 Estimate: $230,000-330,000 PRESS CONTACT: Sung-Hee Park | +1 212 636 2680 | [email protected] Jaime Bernice | +1 212 636 2680 | [email protected] Please click here for the complete eCatalogue. About Christie’s Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2013 that totaled £2.4 billion/ $3.68 billion. In 2012, Christie’s had global auction and private sales that totaled £3.92 billion/$6.27 billion making it the highest annual total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £465.2 million ($711.8 million) in the first half of 2013, an increase of 13% on the previous year, and for the third successive year represents the highest total for the period in both company and art market history. Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits. # # # Images available on request Lot 1000 Chen Baochen (1848-1935), Zheng Xiaoxu (1860-1938), Wu Daorong (1852-1936) FOLLOW CHRISTIE’S ON: And Others Calligraphy Set of six hanging scrolls, ink on red paper Estimate: $8,000-12,000 .