CHICAGO, IL.- On September 23 to 25, Hindman Auctions will present three days of Asian Art sales offering more than 900 lots ranging from early Asian lacquer and pottery wares to late 19th through early 20th century precious stone carvings and paintings. The series will launch with Asian Works of Art on September 23, followed by Japanese Works of Art on September 24 and will conclude with an online sale on September 25.

Asian Works of Art | September 23

The September 23rd Asian Works of Art auction will present more than 350 lots of fine Chinese works of art and Chinese paintings with a selection of important Japanese and Himalayan art. Prominent collections include property from the collection of Al and Hazel Sullivan (Prospect, Kentucky), the collection of James and Ana Melikian, (Phoenix, Arizona) and the estate of Donna Wasserstrom, (Cleveland, Ohio). Other important collections include the collection of Leung Kum Wah, Ontario, Canada, and property from Palm Springs Art Museum, California, sold to support the care of collections and acquisition funds.

Highlighting the September 23rd Asian Works of Art auction will be Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra (The Great Wisdom Sutra), Daihannyaharamitta-kyō, Volume 334, which is an extremely rare handwritten manuscript copy of scriptures translated and delivered by Xuanzang, written in Japan during the Nara period (lot 90; estimate: $100,000-150,000). Other notable items include a rare set of inscribed silver panels (lot 91; estimate: $80,000-120,000) from the Tang Dynasty, inscribed with an excerpt from the Guliang commentary to Chunqiu Zhuan. A Canton enamel on copper ‘Quails’ spittoon (lot 107; estimate: $30,000-50,000) and a pair of finely carved celadon jade cylindrical parfumiers (lot 142; estimate: $30,000 - $50,000) are also outstanding lots.

Lot 90. Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra (The Great Wisdom Sutra), Daihannyaharamitta-kyō, Volume 334 (Japanese, Nara period, Mid-8th Century), ink on paper, with notes and comments in red, sixteen sheets mounted as a handscroll (height 9 7/8 inches., 25.1 cm), enclosed in a wooden storage box. Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000. © Hindman LLC. 

handwritten manuscript copy of scriptures translated and delivered by Xuanzang, written in Japan during the Nara period. Annotations and comments in red ink providing pronunciation guides and reading aides of the Chinese text were added nearly 500 years later by the keeper of the sutra repository at Kōfuku-ji temple, who began work in 1233 compiling the Nara period manuscripts, and assigned each of them an individual number of 600. The present lot, volume 334, represents one of less than forty surviving works, the majority of which are treasured as important cultural artifacts in Japan.

Private American Collection

Ex. Collection of Colin Franklin, acquired in Japan Acquired by the present owner from a Canadian private collector, to whom the sutra was gifted by the private South African collection that purchased the work from Franklin. Colin Franklin (English, 1923-2020) was an English antiquarian bibliographer active in fields relating to rare Japanese prints and manuscripts, and a major donor to the Bodleian Library at Oxford.

Lot 91. A Rare Set of Inscribed Silver Panels, Tang dynsty, 9th century, inscribed with an excerpt from the Guliang commentary to Chunqiu Zhuan. Each panel 8 1/4 x 5/8 in., 21 x 1.5 cm.. Estimate: $80,000-120,000. © Hindman LLC.

Property from the Collection of James and Ana Melikian, Phoenix, Arizona. Fine Asian Art, Bonhams New York, 11 June 2011, lot 8176 Sam Fogg, London Fine Chinese Ceramics Including Export Art, Sotheby's London, 13 November 2002, lot 48 Exhibited: Phoenix Art Museum, December 2007 - January 2010

Published: Fendall & Kwiatkowski, Manuscripts of the Silk Road. London: Sam Fogg, 2004.

Lot 107. A Canton Enamel on Copper 'Quails' Spittoon. Height 2 7/8 in., 7.4 cm.. Estimate: $30,000-50,000. © Hindman LLC. 

having a compressed globular body rising from a spreading foot and flaring to a wide everted mouth. The exterior enameled with two circular roundels enclosing landscapes evenly spaced with scenes of paired quails amongst chrysanthemum issuing from rockwork, reserved against the yellow ground with stylized cartouches, all above a blue keyfret band, and plantain leaves about the mouth. The interior and slightly recessed foot white and painted with floral sprays.

Lot 142. A Pair of Carved Celadon Jade Cylindrical Parfumiers, Qianlong period(1736-1795); Height with stands 8 3/4 in., 22.2 cm.Height with stands 8 3/4 in., 22.2 cm.. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000. © Hindman LLC. 

each finely carved to show scholars and their attendants in rocky mountainous scenes, raised on enameled bronze stand, together with a fitted hardwood box.

Property from a Private Chicago Collector
Acquired in Chicago, Illinois between 1968-77 in the sale of an unclaimed Federal Storage locker, thence by descent.

The sale will also feature striking sculptures such as a rare Khmer sandstone figure of Ganesha, which measures a little over a foot in height (lot 354; estimate: $60,000-80,000) and a Sino-Tibetan parcel-gilt bronze figure of Manjushri (lot 343; estimate: $25,000-35,000). Other exceptional pottery figures include a Sancai glazed pottery figure of a standing horse (lot 78; estimate: $20,000- $25,000), a painted pottery figure of a camel (lot 81; estimate: $10,000-20,000) and a pair of Sancai glazed pottery figures of Lokapalas (lot 87; $15,000-20,000). 

Lot 354. A Rare Khmer Sandstone Figure of Ganesha,  Pré-Angkor, circa 8th century. Height 14 in., 35.5 cm.. Estimate: $60,000-80,000. © Hindman LLC. 

depicted standing, well-carved in relief wearing a short dhoti with secured with tied sash beneath the curve of a round belly, the face with a cheerful grimace between wide flapping ears, and the trunk arching to grasp for sweets held in the left hand.

Property from a New York Collection
Indian and Southeast Asian Art, Christie's New York, 21 March 2007, sale 1812 lot 269 Property of a Private Manhattan Collection Indian and Southeast Asian Art, Christie's New York, 20 March 2001, sale 2001 lot 174.

© seated above a beaded double lotus plinth indhyanasanaand wearing adhoti,the bare chest with an elaborated necklace framed with open flowing robes, the right arm raised with a blade, the left hand held close invitarka mudra. 

Lot 78. A Sancai Glazed Pottery Figure of a Standing Horse, Tang dynasty (618-907). Height 16 in., 40.5 cm.  Estimate: $20,000- $25,000.  © Hindman LLC. 

depicting standing foursquare above a rectangular base, with the neck and head coursed left, ears pricked forward and eyes set at attention; the body with a glaze of caramelized honey pooling at the chest and haunches, borne under a molded saddle and harness glazed green and decorated with yellow medallions, all set within a later hardwood stand.

Property from a Private Collection, Highland Park, Illinois.

The result of Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence test no. C120e12 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

Lot 81. A Painted Pottery Figure of a Camel, Tang dynasty (618-907). Height 21 in., 53.3 cm. Estimate: $10,000-20,000. © Hindman LLC. 

powerfully modelled with a swaying neck and plump body supported by legs standing four-square with a soft bend at the knee; the head reared upwards with bulging eyes and an inquisitive expression, bearing bags of provisions decorated with animal-head masks between two humps across the back.

Property from the Collection of Tina and Simon Beriro, Aspen, Colorado

The result of Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence test no. C121j49 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

Lot 87. A Pair of Sancai Glazed Pottery Figures of Lokapalas, Tang dynasty (618-907). Height of tallest 32 in., 81 cm.. Estimate: $15,000-20,000. © Hindman LLC. 

each mustachioed figure shown clad in military dress with armored breastplates, faulds, and shin guards, with one hand bent on the hip, the other raised at the ready. Each standing with one leg supported on a recumbent bull over a rocky base, each glazed in vivid splashes of green, amber, and straw tones. The unglazed heads modeled with details to furrowed brows and fierce expressions.

Property from the Collection of Al and Hazel Sullivan, Prospect, Louisville.

The result of Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence test nos. C121g79 and C121g80 are consistent with the dating of this lot.

Other noteworthy lots that will be offered are an 18th century white marble ‘Buddhist’ seal (lot 933; estimate: $6,000 - $8,000), a Qianlong period blue and a white porcelain ‘birthday’ bowl (lot 36; estimate: $5,000-7,000) and a fine green jadeite covered incense burner (lot 154; estimate: $10,000-20,000).

Lot 190. A White Marble Seal, 18th century. Height 2 1/4 x width 3 1/8 in., 5.8 x 7.8 cm. Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000. © Hindman LLC. 

the mottled white stone carved to thick square section, the underside with inscription in three languages, the top handled carved and incised as a tapered finial.

Acquired from Taylor's Auctions, UK, May 4, 2019. Collection of a Scottish gentleman, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970s.

Lot 36. A Blue and White Porcelain 'Birthday' Bowl, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Diameter 7 1/8 in., 18.1 cm. Estimate: $5,000-7,000. © Hindman LLC. 

having rounded wall rising to an slightly flaring mouth rim, all supported on a straight foot over a recessed base. The exterior painted with evenly spaced roundels reserved byruyi borders enclosing stylized characters readingwanshou wujiang(boundless long life), all against a ground of lotus sprays and auspicious symbols between wispy scroll and petal lappet bands, the interior with a roundel of auspicious symbols encircling ashoumedallion; incised to the base with a six-character seal mark.

Property from the Collection of Ms. Edna Martin, Libertyville, Illinois
Acquired in China between 1946-47 by the present owner's parents, Colonel Maurice E. Kaiser and Ethel Henney Kaiser..

Lot 154. A Fine Semi-Translucent Green Jadeite Censer and Cover, 20th century. Height 5 1/2 in., 14 cm. Estimate: $10,000-20,000. © Hindman LLC. 

the squat body supported on three low animal mask-form legs, and flanked with further masks carved in relief and suspending large rings as handles. The body lightly incised intaotiefretted designs, and conforming cover meeting at keyfret friezes and worked en suite, terminating in a final of chilongs wrapped around further rings.

The Japanese Works of Art sale is comprised of more than 150 lots of fine antiques. Prominent collections featured in the sale include property from the estate of Professor Ethan D. Alyea, Jr., Bloomington, Indiana and property from the estate of William Sargent, Duluth, Minnesota.

An impressive group of samurai swords will be offered in this auction as well. The most notable piece from this group is a katana by Norishige (Gakumei), Kyoto (lot 651; estimate: $10,000-15,000).

Lot 651. A Katana signed Norishige (Gakumei), Kyoto. Length of blade 25 1/8 in., 63.81 cm. Estimate: $10,000-20,000. © Hindman LLC. 

Antique Arms and Armour including items from the E.A. Christensen Collection, Bonhams London, Knightbridge, 28 November 2012, lot 12. Acquired from the Parisian dealer Aoyama in July 1954

Literature: Hoffmeyer, cat. no. 313, pp. 279 and 290, fig. 65

Eye-catching vases will also be among the highlights. These include a fine blue ground cloisonné 'chrysanthemum' vase by Namikawa Yasuyuki of Kyoto (lot 617; estimate: $6,000-8,000), a fine Satsuma vase by Yabu Meizan (lot 604; estimate: $4,000-6,000) from the estate of Professor Ethan D. Alyea, Jr., Bloomington, Indiana and a pair of midnight blue ground cloisonné vases (lot 619; estimate: $3,000-5,000) from the estate of William Sargent, Duluth, Minnesota.

Lot 617. A Fine Blue Ground Cloisonné 'Chrysanthemum' Vase, by Namikawa Yasuyuki of Kyoto. Height 4 1/8 in., 10.5 cm. Estimate: $6,000-8,000. © Hindman LLC. 

of slender form, worked in silver wire and colored enamels with chrysanthemums against a purplish blue ground, the rims silver, the underside signed on a silver tablet Kyoto Namikawa.

Property from the Estate of William Sargent, Duluth, Minnesota.

Lot 604. A Fine Satsuma Vase, by Yabu Meizan (1853-1934). Height 6 1/4 in., 15.8 cm. Estimate: $4,000-6,000. © Hindman LLC. 

of ovoid form, surmounted by a short lipped mouth, painted in polychrome enamel with gilt depicting maple leaves, the underside signed in gilt with a three-character mark, Yabu Meizan, raised on a Chinese hardwood stand.

each of baluster form, painted with shaped openings, one enclosing a pheasant perched on rockery underneath flowering prunus trees, the other showing birds landing onto bamboo, above blooming chrysanthemums; divided by cicada blade-form panels filled with flying phoenix birds,bearing a mark in the shape of a vessel, incised Ota, 太田.

Lot 641. A Patinated-Bronze Okimono of a Cockerel, by Masatsune, Meiji period, late 19th century. Height of figure 18 1/2 in., 47 cm. Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000 © Hindman LLC. 

naturalistically cast to show the cockerel walking on a hardwood base, forward facing, its body having detailed feathers with its crest painted red, the underside bearing a three-character maker's mark in a rectangular panel, Masatsune iru, 政常鑄.

Property from the Estate of Elizabeth Rockefeller Bowler as Arranged by DeChant Art Consulting.

Lot 637. A Fine Mixed-Metal Incense Burner and Cover, Koro, Meiji period (1868-1912). Height overall 6 1/8 in,. 16 cm. Estimate: $5,000 - $6,000. © Hindman LLC. 

of rectangular section raised on four elephant-head feet, the main body decorated with two rectangular panels, each inlaid with mixed-metal decoration showing birds, butterflies and floral blossoms, against a reticulated ground filled with flower heads, flanked by a pair of dragon-form handles, the neck incised with a T border, together with a silvered metal interior, the rectangular cover with similar openworked floral design, surmounted by a kirin-form finial, the underside bearing a two-character maker's mark.

The sale will also offer a selection of stunning Japanese woodblock prints by various private collections.

Asian Works of Art Online | September 25

Hindman will also present an online-only Asian Works of Art sale which will feature a range of impressive ceramics, sculpture and furniture. Highlights include a set of Chinese huali dining table and chairs (lot 1121; estimate: $6,000-8,000), Landscape (lot 1101; estimate: $4,000-6,000), a hanging scroll attributed to Cao Zhibai; and a pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain double walled reticulated bowls (lot 822; estimate: $3,000-5,000).

Lot 1121. A Set of Chinese Huali Dining Table and Chairs, the set comprising eight chairs and one table with two extension leaves. Height of table 31 1/4 x length (without extensions) 60 x width 21 1/2 in., 79.8 x 152.4 x 54.6 cm. Estimate: $6,000-8,000. © Hindman LLC. 

Lot 1108. Attributed to Cao Zhibai (Chinese, 1272-1355), Landscape, ink on paper, hanging scroll, signed and inscribed with an artist seal, Yunxi. A title slip by Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)0 Image: height 40 x 18 1/2 in., 101.6 x 47 cm. Estimate: $4,000-6,000. © Hindman LLC. 

Lot 822. A Pair of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Double Walled Reticulated Bowls, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Diameter of each 6 in., 12.54 cm. Estimate: $3,000-5,000. © Hindman LLC. 

each interior is decorated with flower spray, each exterior is reticulated with wan symbols alternating with a honeycomb pattern.

Property from the Estate of Carolyn Woodbury.