Sotheby's announced the addition of an evening sale this Asia Week New York dedicated to The Chew Family Collection of Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy. The offerings include rare works from one of China’s foremost modern painters, Zhang Daqian, who had formed a close friendship with two generations of the Chew family.
Zhang Daqian and Thomas Chew
Left to right: Lang Jingshan (prominent photographer), Joan Chew, Xu Wenbo (Zhang's wife), Frances Chew, Zhang Daqian and Thomas Chew
Zhang Daqian demonstrating how to paint landscape at the Dolores Lodge
The Chew Family managed a number of businesses in import, export and Chinese antiquities, including the China Art Center in Carmel. Zhang Daqian emigrated to the United States in 1967, living first in Carmel and later in Monterey. There, he befriended the Chew Family, staying at the Dolores Lodge whenever he travelled to Carmel.
Zhang Daqian. Water and Sky Gazing After Rain in Splashed Color
Zhang Daqian. Landscape after Shitao
Zhang Daqian.Five Fortunes
Many of the paintings that offered at the sale are gifted by Zhang Daqian to the Chews during his visits, including Water and Sky Gazing after Rain in Splashed Color and Five Fortunes, which Zhang inscribed with wishes for the Chews’ 60th birthday.
Yun Shouping. Landscapes after Song and Yuan Masters
Zhang also inscribed paintings by other artists, including Yun Shouping’s Landscapes After Song and Yuan Masters, Tao Cheng’s Wild Rabbit Amongst Bamboo and Chrysanthemum, and Lin Liang’s Two Geese in an Autumn Lotus Pond and Two Pheasants Under a Wintry Willow Tree.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit two trusts established by Frances Chew prior to her passing to continue her mission and to benefit those in need.
Zhang Daqian's Recluse Figures
Highlights of the sale will be exhibited in San Francisco and Los Angeles before they go under the hammer in New York. Don't miss the viewing opportunity.
Selected highlights
Zhang Daqian. Water and Sky Gazing After Rain in Splashed Colour
Lot no.: 1135
Size: 100.5 x 192.3cm
Two seals of the artist, da qian wei yin da nian, da qian shi jie
Three collectors' seals of the Chew family, qiu yong he yin, wu zhong ying yin, qiu fu lun yin
Estimate: US$1,200,000 - 1,800,000
Yun Shouping. Landscapes after Song and Yuan Masters
Lot no.: 1121
Size: album of eight leaves, each 27.2 x 33.3cm
Two collectors' seals of the Chew family: qiu yong he jian shang zhang (8), qiu fu lun cang hua (4)
Estimate: US$240,000 - 280,000
Zhang Daqian. Landscape after Shitao
Lot no.: 1133
Size: 98.8 x 45.6cm
Three seals of the artist: da qian wei yin da nian, ding wei, da feng tang
Three collectors' seals of the Chew family: qiu yong he, yun meng wu zhong ying cang, qiu fu lun cang hua
Estimate: US$200,000 - 250,000
Zhang Daqian. Recluse Figures
Lot no.: 1138
Size: album of five leaves, each 27.5 x 35.4cm
Two seals: ding shan tang, ding shan
Three collectors' seals of the Chew family, qiu yong he yin (5), wu zhong ying yin (5), qiu fu lun cang hua (5)
Estimate: US$200,000 - 250,000
Zhang Daqian. Five Fortunes
Lot no.: 1136
Size: 60 x 45cm
Two seals of the artist: zhang yuan zhi yin, da qian ju shi
Three collectors' seals of the Chew family: qiu yong he yin, wu zhong ying yin, qiu fu lun cang hua
Estimate: US$50,000 - 70,000
Auction details
Auction house: Sotheby's New York
Sale: The Chew Family Collection of Chinese Paintings &
Calligraphy
Lots offered: 76
Viewing:
2018/3/15-16｜10am - 5pm
2018/3/17-18｜10am - 6pm
2018/3/19-22｜10am - 5pm
Auction: 2018/3/22｜5pm
San Francisco Exhibition
Time: 2018/2/28｜10am - 5pm
Venue: NanHai Art｜510 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030
Los Angeles Exhibition
Time: 2018/3/3-5｜10am - 5pm
Venue: Sotheby's Los Angeles｜2029 Century Park East, Suite 2950, Los Angeles, CA 90067