PARIS.- After a very busy, week-long viewing, Bonhams Paris sale of Chinese art from a German Family Collection live and online concluded today (27 October 2023). The star lot of the sale was a rare huanghuali yokeback armchair dated to the late Ming dynasty, originally from the collection of Hans Wilhelm Siegel (1903-1997) who had reputedly acquired it from renowned dealer Charlotte Horstman in Hong Kong. After fierce bidding the chair was sold to an Asian collector for €356,000, nearly 9 times its low estimate of €40,000-60,000. A large imperial cloisonne enamel incense burner cast in the shape of a mythical beast known as Luduan and bearing a six-character Qianlong mark, sold for €216,300, five times its low estimate of €40,000-60,000, also to an Asian collector.

Formed over many decades, this formidable collection covering a wide range of works of art ranging from the early dynastic periods to the 20th century with a strong focus on Buddhist sculpture, cloisonne enamels, scholar’s objects, furniture and modern and classical paintings, realized a respectable total of €3.6 million.

Caroline Schulten, European specialist, Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, and Asaph Hyman, Global Head, Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, said, “We were delighted to sell this collection. Many pieces originally came from German collections formed in the early 20th century, quite a few of them published and exhibited. Once again, Bonhams is honoured to be entrusted with a Chinese art collection which included rare pieces that were recognized by collectors from all over the world.”

Notable results of the 26 October sale include:

• A rare pair of Famille Rose brush handles with Qianlong six-characters seal marks. Sold for €152,800, 5 times its low estimate of €30,000-50,000.

• A rare large pair of mixed hardwood and burlwood compound cabinets, Sijiangui, dated 18th century. Sold for €140,100, 3 times its low estimate of €40,000-60,000.

• A rare large Ming-dynasty gilt-bronze figure of Shancai Tongzi (Sudhana). Sold for €127,400, 4 times its low estimate of €30,000-50,000.

• A heavily cast imperial bronze tripod censer and cover with a Qianlong seal mark. Sold for €89,300, 4 times its low estimate of €20,000-30,000.

A rare Imperial carved cinnabar lacquer box cover, dated 1775 of the Qianlong period. The only other example, the companion piece to this cover, is in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei. Sold for €82,950, twice its low estimate of €40,000-60,000.

A handscroll attributed to Tang Yin (1470-1523) titled ‘Playing the Lute under Pine trees’. Sold for €57,550, exceeding its low estimate of €20,000-30,000.