A large white jade landscape boulder, estimated to be worth $25,000, is expected to lead Bonhams' forthcoming auction of Asian decorative arts in San Francisco.
 Will the decorative jade boulder bring $25,000 to Bonhams San Francisco? |
June 25 will see over 700 spectacular items cross the block, the jade boulder, into which an idyllic, rural scene has been carved, among them.
Alongside the boulder, Chinese ceramics, and artworks from Japan, Korea and the Himalayas are also to star.
An attractive blue and white bottle vase, estimated to be worth $8,000-10,000, represents just one of the many highlights.
Believed to hail from the late Qing/Republic period (1644-1912), the highly painted vase boasts a long, slightly flared neck and a slightly compressed gourd-like body.
There is great demand for unusual decorative items among collectors and investors alike. In April 2013, a rare Sri Lankan temple step sold at Bonhams London with a 1,744% increase on its £30,000 high estimate, bringing £533,250 ($844,540) - testament to the buoyancy of the market.
Bonhams' highly successful auction of fine Chinese art on May 16 saw any concerns about the health of the Chinese art market assuaged.
Following the £11.5m ($17.5m) grossing sale, Bonhams' Colin Sheaf commented: "Last year we were concerned that the political transition in China would impact upon the art market.
"This sale comprehensively demonstrates that the Chinese market is back to form with record prices."
For more information on investing in decorative art, take a look at Paul Fraser Collectibles' free guide to investing in art and photography.
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