3 replies to this topic

[William O'Chee]

IN spite of the recent furore about the bronze zodiac heads, the market for Chinese works of art does not seem that overheated. In fact a recent sale in the UK saw some remarkably low prices fetched for some works. For example, a Ming bronze statue of a buddha



was sold for only £950, notwithstanding its provenance as part of the collection of John "China" Reeves, the East India Company's Chief Tea Inspector on the China Coast.

This vermilion pouch and leather notebook, together, fetched only £100.



There were, however, some high prices achieved at the same auction. This set


described as:

"A MAGNIFICENT, CHINESE "WHITE" JADE SCHOLARS OR ALTAR SET, Qianlong/Jiaqing, comprising: A "censer" and cover, (Fangding) in the form of an archaic ritual vessel, the lid with a coiled dragon finial, the stone of an even translucent pale celadon white tone, with simulated russet "inclusions" apparently applied in paint at the time of manufacture to disguise minor flaws in the stone, 5.75" high (147mm) A vase of flattened baluster form carved with stiff leaves, the stone of an even translucent pale celadon- white tone with snowy white inclusions, 5 1/8" high (132mm) A cushion-shaped box with a panel of archaistic carving to the lid, the stone of an even translucent pale celadon-white tone with minor snowy-white inclusions, 2.5" wide (64mm) Apparently retaining the original carved hardwood stands with "silver"-wire inlay, 10.75" high overall (273mm) Provenance: Apparently acquired by John Reeves after his arrival in Canton in 1812 and thence by descent."

was sold for £130,000.

The Auction was held by Duke's Auctions of Dorchester, and the results can be found at:

Reeves collection auction page 1
Reeves collection auction page 2

Edited by William O'Chee, 10 April 2009 - 05:00 PM.

[大泽升龙]

These are quite small in size.

[changsham]

I haven't followed many auctions recently but the results of these items don't seem too unusual IMO. Ming Buddhas of that quality are quite common. The price seems OK for the lower range of these items but could have sold for more 6 months ago. 30-40 years ago it may have been worth far more.

For the other items, utilitarian craft items of an ephemeral nature are never worth much unless of outstanding quality or having once belonged to a notable person such as an emperor or gifted by them. But these are a nice bargain.

Quality antique jade is always extremely expensive but there can be wild fluctuations in price. So hard to tell if the price is high or low without knowing more on the pieces and past results of comparable items.

Edited by changsham, 10 April 2009 - 10:26 PM.

[William O'Chee]

I haven't followed many auctions recently but the results of these items don't seem too unusual IMO. Ming Buddhas of that quality are quite common. The price seems OK for the lower range of these items but could have sold for more 6 months ago. 30-40 years ago it may have been worth far more.

For the other items, utilitarian craft items of an ephemeral nature are never worth much unless of outstanding quality or having once belonged to a notable person such as an emperor or gifted by them. But these are a nice bargain.

Quality antique jade is always extremely expensive but there can be wild fluctuations in price. So hard to tell if the price is high or low without knowing more on the pieces and past results of comparable items.

I am impressed that you are so well acquainted with the market for these things! You clearly have some knowledge we need to tap for the HLJ.