Freeman’s | Hindman Debuts at Asia Week New York to Rave Reviews with $1.7M Auction
Freeman’s | Hindman made quite the impression in its first appearance as an official auction house partner in Asia Week New York as its March 21 Asian Works of Art auction sailing past its high estimate on the way to a $1.7 million total. The auction featured a remarkable array of Chinese ceramics, gold jewelry, jade, and textiles, alongside Japanese bronzes, Korean paintings, and Indian and Himalayan Buddhist figures, showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian art.
“It was truly an honor for us to be in such esteemed company as an official auction house partner of Asia Week New York,” said Annie Wu, Vice President and Head of the Asian Art department. “We were thrilled not only by the overall auction result, but by the overwhelmingly positive response to our events and previews, not to mention the attendance of the auction itself. It was so good to see a crowded saleroom filled with enthusiastic bidders.”
LEFT TO RIGHT
A Rare Yixing 'Eggplant' Coupe with Impressed Seal 'Yuan' and Wood Stand | Sold for $254,500
A Rare Yixing Zisha Pottery Octagonal Cup with Impressed Seal 'Chen Mingyuan' | Sold for $241,800
A Rare Yixing Peach-Form 'Figure' Puzzle Cup with Impressed Seals 'Chen', 'Mingyuan' and Wood Stand |
Sold for $140,200
The Work of a Master
Without doubt, the highlight of the auction was a trio of extraordinary Yixing Zisha pottery pieces attributed to the renowned 17th-century master Chen Mingyuan offered in a row just 30 lots into the auction. As Lot 31, the first of the trio to be offered, was introduced, the phone bank came to life as bidders from around the world in both English and Mandarin began enthusiastically bidding on the pieces against several interested parties in the room. The buzz in the room was palpable for the better part of 15 minutes as the three lots in quick succession created a flurry of activity. When the hammer fell on the last of Chen Mingyuan pieces, the auction house had achieved $636,500.
The top lot of the group was an exquisitely modeled Yixing ‘Eggplant’ Coupe (Lot 33), which sold for $254,500, more than quadruple its presale estimate moments after a Yixing Zisha Octagonal Cup (Lot 32) also quadrupled its presale estimate when it sold for $241,800. a rare Yixing Peach-Form 'Figure' Puzzle Cup (Lot 31) had started the frenzy by more than doubling its estimate, selling for $140,200.
These exceptional works, once part of the renowned collection of Shanghai collector Pang Yuanji (1864-1947), exemplified Chen’s masterful trompe l’oeil craftsmanship and intricate detailing that have captivated collectors for centuries. Pang, a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century appreciation of Yixing wares, documented his collection in a rare two-volume compendium, in which rubbings and descriptions of these pieces are included. Most recently held in the distinguished collection of Mr. Jay Butterman—acquired from legendary dealers Edith and Joel Frankel—these pieces hold a fascinating provenance and a direct link to an important era of collecting.
Blue and White Surprises
Among the many pleasant surprises on the day was a pair of blue and white porcelain vases from the Transitional Period that shattered their estimates and set the early tone of the auction. A 17th-century Chinese blue and white porcelain cylindrical vase (Lot 16) immediately eclipsed its presale estimate of $3,000 – 4,000 before ultimately selling for $70,350. The enthusiasm carried over to the next lot, sending another 17th-century Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, this one a “Figure” Gu vase (Lot 17), to nearly 10 times its estimate before selling for $38,400.
Other Highlights
The auction saw lots from across the entire spectrum of the category exceed their estimates and sell for impressive prices. Among the many highlights were:
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Lot 93
A Pair of Chinese Gemstone and Pearl-Inlaid Gold ‘Butterfly and Chrysanthemum’ Earrings, Erhuan, Ming Dynasty
Sold for $70,350 -
Lot 18
A Pair of Chinese Yellow Glazed Incised Porcelain 'Dragon' Dishes, Qianlong Marks and of the Period
Sold for $64,000 -
Lot 125
Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun (Korean, 1808-after 1883)
Books and Scholars’ Accoutrements (Chaekgeori)
Ink and color on paper, four-panel floor screen, ebonized wood frame
Sold for $51,200 -
Lot 50
A Chinese Carved Pale Celadon Jade Tripod Vessel, Jia, Late Qing - Early Republic Period
Sold for $35,200