A Magnificent Sancai-Glazed Ewer, Tang Dynasty. Estimate: $500,000 - 700,000. Sold for: $874,000 (£656,304). Photo: Sotheby's.

NEW YORK, NY.- Asia Week at Sotheby’s New York began with the white-glove sale of ‘Chinese Art Through the Eye of Sakamoto Gorō: Early Chinese Art.’ Totaling $2,501,500, far above the pre-sale estimate of $1.3/1.9 million, bidders in the room, on the telephone, and online chased works of art collected and revered by the celebrated Asian Art dealer and collector, Sakamoto Gorō (1923-2016). 

Mr. Howard-Sneyd continued: “It has been our honour and privilege to work with Sakamoto Gorō to present pieces from his collection at auction over the course of many years. One of the world’s great dealers of Asian art, his charisma, energy and determination were as colourful and idiosyncratic as the business he made his own.”  

This season’s offering of Early Chinese Art was led by A Magnificent Sancai-Glazed Ewer, fetching $874,000 against an estimate of $500/700,000. Chased by four bidders in the room, this work of art beautifully captures the international spirit and opulence of the Chinese courts at that time with its immaculate sancai glaze and crisp applique decorations. Some have described this particular ewer to be representative of the apex of Tang Dynasty pottery.  

The Shang Dynasty was also well-represented in this selection. The Rare Bronze Double-Own-Form Ritual Vessel (You), similar to those in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Shanxi Provincial Museum, the Shanghai Museum and the Freer Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., achieved $730,000 (estimate $400/600,000). Shaped by the conjunction of two addorsed owls on four stout legs, this ritual vessel beautifully combines form and function with a hint of whimsy.

A Rare Bronze Double-Owl-Form Ritual Vessel (You), Shang Dynasty. Estimate: $400,000 - 600,000. Sold for: $730,000 (£548,172). Photo: Sotheby's