The Asian Arts department of French auction house Aguttes will devote two of its sales to Japan and China arts, taking place in Paris on March 27.
The selection by Aguttes' specialist has focused on quality works that will catch the eye of passionate collectors of Asian art objects.
Japanese art, between finesse and refinement
Showcasing objects, weapons, armour and graphic arts, nearly 200 objects will be offered for this first sale. Among the key lots of this sale is an exceptional screen from the school Kanō, illustrating the traditional pine and bamboo landscapes.
Its gold background highlights these natural settings, which are similar to those of Kanō Tan'yū, in the courtroom of the Castle of Nijō, located in Kyoto.
A six-panel screen decorated with pine and bamboo on a gold background
Japan, School of Kanō (17th century)
Dimensions: 168 x 376.5 cm
Estimate: €12,000 - 15,000
The centrepiece of the Japan sale, this rare imperial bowl in cloisonné enamels on copper intended for the emperor, finely decorated with bamboo stems and leaves also completes this collection.
Hattori Tadasaburō (-1939), one of the greatest masters of cloisonné enamels of his time, illustrates here his know-how, which is rooted in the technique of "moriage" and subtly models bamboo leaves here, creating a three-dimensional effect, between the finesse and nuance of the enamels.
An imperial cloisonné enamel "bamboo" bowl
Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 24.5 cm (height), 38 cm (diameter)
Estimate: €30,000 – 40,000
Found treasures from the Middle Kingdom
With more than 300 lots, the continuation of the session, entirely devoted to China, is one of the most complete and will cover all the fields of bronze, porcelain, painting, textiles, jades and showcase objects.
Among the treasures found is a Zhangqian album dating from 1749 which deals with the 18 luohan, Buddhist icons that reached Nirvana representing the ideal of the Buddhist quest and an exceptional pair of bronze "Hu" vases from the Jiaqing period (1796-1820).
The polychrome decoration on a blue background, as well as the gilded copper handles in the form of stylised dragons, testify to a meticulous and flawless technique.
Exceptional pair of "Hu" vases in bronze and cloisonné enamels
China, Ming dynasty, Jiaqing (1796-1820)
Height: 4.3 cm
Estimate: €50,000 – 60,000
Album of Zhangqian on the 18 luohan dated the year jisi of Qianlong 1749
China, 18th century
Estimate: €8,000 - 10,000
Finally, a magnificent bronze Buddha dating from the Ming period (late 16th - early 17th century). Sitting in the Varada Mudra position, it is meant to be a symbol of serenity, justifying the slight smile he sketches.
A polychromed-bronze figure of Buddha
China, Ming dynasty (late 16th-early 17th century), circa 1600
Height: 52 cm
Estimate: €25,000 - 30,000
A selection of objects from the Bing collection, acquired by the current owner, some of which participated in the 7th exhibition "Animals in Chinese Art" at the Cernuschi Museum in May to June 1922, will complete this session.
Among these exceptional and avant-garde objects, an exceptional gold lacquered bronze statuette dating from the Tang dynasty (7th to 9th century), representing Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus, in abhaya-varada mudra, gestures of fearlessness and gift.
Dating from the same period, this magnificent mirror with a floral bronze rim with green oxidation, sublimated by a dragon in slight relief in the middle of clouds and a sacred pearl on the central button, will delight the heart of collectors.
For any request for information, condition reports, photos, videos, please contact Johanna Blancard de Léry: delery@aguttes.com.
Japanese Arts
Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 10:30am (Paris time)
Chinese Arts
Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 2:30pm (Paris time)
Exhibitions: (By appointment only):
March 22 - 26, 2021 | Monday to Friday:
10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm
(Except Friday afternoons)
Venue: Aguttes Neuilly, 164 bis avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, Paris, France
Head of department
Johanna Blancard de Léry - +33 (0)1 47 45 00 90 - delery@aguttes.com