HONG KONG.- Following the success of its 3rd Anniversary Sales last year, Tokyo Chuo Hong Kong will hold its Spring 2017 Sales on 28 & 29 May 2017 at the Four Seasons Hong Kong, presenting nearly 600 lots of Imperial Chinese ceramics and works of art, classical and modern Chinese paintings, scholar’s objects and Japanese tea wares. Of note are important private collections from Europe, America and Japan of exceptional quality and excellent provenance. All the sale items will be on view at the Four Seasons Hong Kong on 26 & 27 May.

Fine Chinese Modern Paintings and Calligraphy | 28 May, 10 am
The star lot in the Modern Chinese Paintings sale is Landscape after Ancient Masters by Wu Hufan (1894-1968), estimated at HK$6,500,000-10,500,000/ US$845,000-1,365,000.
The four archaic landscapes are rendered in the styles of four old masters, namely Juran of the Five Dynasties period, Zhao Dainian of the Northern Song dynasty, Wu Zhen of the Yuan dynasty and Wen Zhengming of the Ming dynasty. The meticulous usage of colours and fine brushwork enhance the depth and distance between the magnificent peaks, conveying a sense of clarity and purity. The novel composition and consummate painting skill make it one of Wu’s most impressive works. What makes these paintings even more special is that they were repainted 25 years after they were first executed.

Lot 32
ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983) Lotus ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll Dated wu xu (1958) Estimate: HK$5,800,000–8,800,000/ US$754,000–1,144,000 Provenance: An important European and American private collection
The lotus was one of Zhang Daqian’s favourite subjects, that featured countless times in his paintings throughout his career. The current lot marks the epitome of his mature lotus works, characterised by a sublime fusion of calligraphy and painting. A variety of different calligraphic techniques and the use of thick ink for the tips of the petals on the otherwise subdued tones of the work as a whole, bring out the spirit, delicacy and vigour of the lotus. The strength and consistency of the brushstrokes are also a manifestation of Zhang Daqian’s unique technique. In this work, Zhang captures the dignified grace of the lotus, making it a tour de force that has found favour with connoisseurs and art lovers alike.

Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy | 28 May, 2 pm
Lot 277 GONG XIAN (1618-1689) Recluse’s Life in Mountains ink on silk, a set of four hanging scrolls each painting measures 316 × 80 cm. Estimate: HK$8,500,000–12,500,000/ US$1,105,000–1,625,000. Provenance: An important European and American private collection
The highlight of the Chinese Classical Paintings sale is Recluse’s Life in Mountains by Gong Xian (Estimate: HK$8,500,000–12,500,000/ US$1,105,000–1,625,000). Painted with Gong’s signature brushwork and use of ink washes, all four hanging scrolls feature magnificent portrayals of landscapes in different seasons, with the same typical three-section composition of traditional Chinese paintings. Recurrent motifs in classical landscapes, such as cottages hidden amongst pines, waterfalls and streams shrouded in mist, rolling hills and deep valleys, are all present to convey the lofty concept of an idyllic life in nature pursued by the literati. The signatures on the paintings, “Banmu”, were used by the artist after he was 50, when he was selling paintings and giving lessons in Nanjing. It was in this seminal period that he experienced drastic changes in life and reached the climax of his artistic creation.

Lot 315
SHEN ZHOU (1427-1509), Visiting Friends along the Stream, ink on paper, hanging scroll, 103 × 31 cm. HK$5,000,000–8,000,000/ US$650,000 – 1,040,000
Provenance: Collections of Mou Yuezao and Pang Yuanji
This spectacular work by Shen Zhou features a typical composition in classical Chinese paintings, “one river, two shores”. In the foreground is a clump of towering trees, painted with different shades of ink and fine brushwork, on a shore lined with rocks. On the other side of the river are lofty hills, partly shrouded in mist, against a blank background. Meanwhile, a person is enjoying this scenery on his little boat in the peaceful river. Although the subject of idyllic country life is common in literati painting, the present lot is particularly charming in its simplicity. Looking at this work, viewers will no doubt experience the tranquil state of mind Shen Zhou was in when he was painting it.

Ichigo Ichie— The Art of Tea Ceremony | 29 May, 10 am
Lot 573
A JIAN “HARE’S FUR” TENMOKU TEA BOWL, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). H: 3.5cm; D: 13.5cm. Estimate: HK$1,800,000-2,400,000/ US$234,000- 312,000
This delicate tea bowl is remarkable for its fine hare’s fur pattern, its firm and strong potted body, as well as the vibrant navy blue infused in the otherwise jet-black glaze. Its qualities of outward-extending mouth, deep belly, and circular foot make the current lot a rare piece within the genre. When used, the amber-coloured tea would reflect the hare’s fur pattern within the tea bowl, creating a captivating fusion of taste and visual experience. Highly-prized, Tenmoku tea bowls not only enjoy an exceptionally high status among utensils used in the Japanese tea ceremony, they are also a manifestation of the prestige and importance of the owner.

Lot 645
A PAIR OF GOLD AND SILVER TEAPOTS WITH DRAGON-SHAPED SPOUTS BY ZOROKU II (WITH TOMOBAKO) 1. H: 16cm; W: 814 g 2. H: 17cm; W: 468 g Estimate: HK$800,000-1,200,000/ US$104,000-156,000
This pair of gold and silver teapots are finely decorated with wave patterns on the exterior. Both their spouts are crafted in the shape of a beast, a signature of the Zorokus, while. the interior of the lids is decorated with an auspicious design symbolising longevity and happiness. In both design and craftsmanship, the teapots are shining examples of the superb technique and refined aesthetics of the famed Zoroku workshop.

Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art| 29 May, 2 pm
Lot 716
A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE “FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES” PLATES, YONGZHENG, SIX-CHARACTER MARK AND PERIOD (1723-1735) H: 4.5cm；D: 20.5cm × 2. Estimate: HK$4,000,000-6,000,000/ US$520,000 -780,000. Provenance: The J.R. Watkins Family Collection, USA, acquired by family members in Shanghai in the early 20th century.
Among the Ming and Qing porcelain pieces in the sale, the highlight is no doubt the pair of famille rose “flowers and butterflies” plates from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735). It has close ties with the family of the eminent American industrialist J. R. Watkins, who was particularly passionate about cultural pursuits. He was also a keen traveller, and was interested in collecting objects of local heritage and art wherever he went. Brought up under Watkins’ influence, his granddaughter Mariel King acquired a firm foundation of taste and knowledge, becoming a collector later in her life. The current pair of plates was bought in the early 20th century by Mariel King and her husband when they were travelling in Shanghai, and has remained in the family collection ever since.

The crescent-shaped composition of these delicately potted plates consists of famille rose hydrangeas in full bloom with flowering branches bearing prunus blossoms; while the blank space in the top right is adorned with butterflies fluttering above the plants. The design continues over the rim to the exterior. Hydrangeas and prunus symbolise perseverance, a favourite motif of the emperors. It is extremely rare to find famille rose porcelain of this design decorated with hydrangeas and the present pair are in excellent condition with impeccable provenance.

Lot 730
AN OCTAGONAL GUAN-TYPE VASE, YONGZHENG MARK AND PERIOD (1723-1735). H: 47.8cm. Estimate: HK$4,500,000-6,500,000/ US$585,000-845,000. Provenance: Koga Family Collection
For the first time ever, Tokyo Chuo is honoured to present the family collection of the Koga family. One of the most esteemed families in Japanese history, the Kogas are famed literati and collectors. The precious items featured in the current sale were bestowed to the Koga family by the Japanese emperor, who received them as gifts from the Qing court.

Within the treasured collection is a large Yongzheng mark and period octagonal Guan-type vase made by the imperial kilns to imitate Guan vases from the Song dynasty. The dignified design not only manifests the taste of the Imperial family, but also its solemnity. The delicate body is coated in a rich light turquoise glaze featuring fine and natural crackles that crisscross all over the vase, resembling the simple elegance of porcelain pieces from the Song dynasty. The technique of recreating Song porcelain illustrates the superb craftsmanship of the Imperial kilns in Yongzheng’s reign.

Lot 734
AN IMPERIAL CARVED POLYCHROME LACQUER CHEST OF DRAWERS, QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795) L: 41.5cm; W: 27cm; H: 37.5cm. Estimate: HK$250,000 -350,000/ US$32,500- 45,500. Provenance: Koga Family Collection
Another highlight from the Koga family collection is an Imperial carved polychrome lacquer chest of drawers from the Qianlong period (1736-1795). The piece is carved throughout, displaying auspicious patterns in red, yellow and green. The sumptuousness of the decoration is accentuated by the gilded handles of chilong pattern and locks in the shou character and ruyi designs. Blossoms and peaches symbolising longevity form the overall theme of the carving, whilst the edges of each of the four sides are adorned by ruyi patterns. The two sides have a carved gourd motif, within which are various plants and flowers; while the top features a cloud motif, with peonies in full bloom and a pair of birds. Following the Ming tradition of chun boxes from Emperor Jiajing’s reign, the back of the chest of drawers bears a large shou character as an allegory for riches and long life. The current lot marks the epitome of Qianlong lacquer carving in its well-executed patterns, thoughtful design, and excellent technique.

Fine Scholar’s Objects | 29 May‧Following the sale of Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
Lot 811
A TIANHUANG STONE SEAL CARVED BY WU CHANGSHUO QING DYNASTY. L: 2cm; W: 2cm; H: 4cm. Weight: 38g. Estimate: HK$400,000-600,000/ US$52,000-78,000
This rectangular plain Tianhuang stone seal, finely carved by the master Wu Changshuo, tapers at the upper section and displays a golden sheen. Wu Changshuo mastered the unique Chinese art of seal carving first through studying the styles and techniques of the Zhejiang School. Afterwards he turned his direction to imitating the skills of the bronze vessel craftsmen and seal carvers of the Zhou, Qin and Han dynasties. He succeeded in combining different styles into his own and was renowned for creating seal characters rich in connotations with antiquity.

Lot 842
AN IMPERIAL SONGHUA “GOURD” INKSTONE, QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795) L: 9.3cm; W: 7.7cm; H: 1.7cm Estimate: HK$280,000-380,000/ US$ 36,400-49,400
This notable inkstone was made from Songhua rock found on the banks of the famed Songhua River in northeast China. The muted shades of pale green on a brownish violet background resemble patterns of radiating ripples, echoing the riverbank origin of the rock. Crafted with first-class artistry, the inkstone is in two parts. The top half of the gourd is carved hollow to hold ink, often known as the ‘ink pond’. The ‘ink pond’ is surrounded by arabesques of vines and decorated with motifs of insects, plants and small gourds. The lower half of the gourd, known as the ‘ink hall’, is only slightly concave. The plain and unadorned back of the inkstone follows the outline of the gourd, with a shallow depression at the bottom. The inkstone comes with its original black lacquer case, an exquisite work of art in itself, embellished with floral designs as well as delicate engravings. The current lot is believed to have been created by the Imperial workshops.