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A rare and exquisitely decorated tianqiuping vase from the Qianlong period (1736–1795) achieved an extraordinary $3.7 million at Bonhams’ Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, marking a sensational start to Asia Week New York. Initially estimated at $400,000–800,000, the masterpiece incited a fierce bidding war among ten eager collectors, ultimately selling for more than six times its estimate.
The magnificent porcelain, featuring dragons coiling through ethereal clouds, exemplifies the Qing dynasty’s reverence for Ming imperial artistry and the antiquarian influences of the early Qing court. Inspired by Song dynasty ink paintings housed in the Qing Court Collection, the tianqiuping stands as a testament to both artistic mastery and technological innovation. The only known comparable example resides in the esteemed Beijing Palace Museum, further underscoring its rarity and significance.
Bonhams’ Global Head of Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Asaph Hyman, expressed his enthusiasm for the sale’s remarkable results. “Bonhams New York has been going from strength to strength, offering the finest and rarest of Chinese art. The superb prices achieved for the Qianlong and Yongzheng vases, along with many other important works, affirm the enduring strength of the market.”
Another imperial treasure, a Yongzheng period (1723–1735) vase adorned with chi-dragons, also far exceeded expectations. Estimated at $400,000–600,000, the piece soared to an impressive $1.75 million, reflecting the Qing court’s fascination with archaic motifs and meticulous craftsmanship.
Dessa Goddard, Bonhams Head of Asian Art, North America, lauded the market’s robust appetite for Chinese imperial works. “It was a delight to present such rare and exceptional ceramics and works of art, reinforcing the depth of interest in Chinese artistry across North America.”
Overall, the auction, which also featured Part I of the Bernard and Francine Wald Collection of Snuff Bottles, realized a total of $9 million with an impressive 82% sell-through rate. With demand for museum-quality Chinese antiques reaching new heights, Bonhams New York continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.
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The post Rare Qianlong ‘Dragon’ Vase Stuns at Auction, Sells for $3.7 Million—Over Six Times Its Estimate appeared first on World Art News.
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