$100,000 Chinese silk painting smashes expectations at Christie's antique sale

$100,000 Chinese silk painting smashes expectations at Christie's antique sale
As we've already reported, Christie's sale of art and antiques on Sunday July 31, known simply as the Sunday Sale, included a number of items from a house used in the film Withnail and I. The auction included items from the Collection of Professor Bernard Nevill.

However these were not the most valuable items sold, all three of which were Chinese collectibles which trounced their estimates, in keeping with the theme of the past several years. Interestingly however, none of them went to overtly Chinese buyers

The third to top lot was a large Chinese blue and white baluster vase from the 18th/19th century, whicheasily surpassed the £2,500-4,000 listing to bring £16,250 ($26,504), falling to a European private bidder.

The second highest lot was a pair of large powder blue gilt baluster vases from the 18th century, bought by a UK collector.

Decorated around the body with a mountainous river landscape, with a band of flowers around the shoulder, the beautiful set likewise quadrupled its £3,000-5,000 estimate to achieve £20,000 ($32,620).

Chines powder blue gilt baluster vases 18th century

The top lot had been the lowest ranked of the three. A large Chinese silk painting of the 18th/19th century, depicting a crane in flight beside rockwork under bamboo branches, it had been given a dismissive listing of £1,000-1,500.

However, in the event it sparked a bidding war resulting in a £61,250 ($100,000) price, selling to a UK trader.

Kate McKenzie, Christie's Associate Specialist commented:

"We are delighted with the result achieved for The Collection of Professor Bernard Nevill, West House which more than doubled the pre-sale estimate to total £471,400 - a testament to his timeless style.

"The convenient weekend viewing and auction of Christie's Sunday Sale format continues to welcome new and regular buyers, offering a wide range of decorative and specialized pieces at affordable prices.

"Many buyers chose to attend the sale in person, and 21% of lots were also bought or directly underbid online.

"The next collection sale at Christie's South Kensington will take place on 26th October."

 

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