On The Square

Pre-Thanksgiving Asian Art Delights!

By Anthony Wu, Asian Art Specialist and Consultant

Nov 11,2016 | 12:00 EST

Before everyone heads off to their American Thanksgiving break, remember that there are still some very exciting Asian Art auctions on Bidsquare!

On November 15, Concierge Estate Sale Services will feature their auction of South East Asian Paintings and Art Glass. This sale features stunning artworks by renowned South East Asian modernist painters Antonio Blanco (1911-1999), Vu Cao Dam (1908-2000) and Le Pho (1907-2001).

Of particular note are two Le Pho paintings, lots 39 and 40. Both display one of the Vietnamese artist’s trademark scenes of young women depicted in a verdant garden.

Le Pho, Le Femme en Jaune, 1992 in Concierge Estate Sale Services November 15 Auction

Born and trained as a painter in Hanoi, Le Pho later won a scholarship to further his studies in Paris. Here, he was able to combine traditional Eastern aesthetics into a sensual synthesis with Western modernist techniques. The auction estimates for Le Pho’s paintings are $10,000-15,000 and $15,000-20,000.

Le Pho, Composition, 1973 in Concierge Estate Sale Services November 15 Auction

On the Asian antique side of things, Brunk Auctions in Asheville will be holding a two-day sale on November 18th and 19th. The first day showcases Asian Art from China, Japan, Korea and India, with the star piece being lot 20, A Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha. This impressive figure of Shadakshari, an esoteric four-armed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, features a graceful posture, hands in prayer, and downcast eyes. It is inscribed daming Yongle nianshi, which translates to made in the year of the Ming Yongle reign (1403-1424).

Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha in Brunk Auctions Asian Arts, Sterling Silver & Jewelry Auction on November 18

This figure is typical of early Ming Dynasty Buddhist bronzes, which some scholars say was the pinnacle period for Chinese Buddhist sculptures. The castings are renowned for their lyrical postures and serene faces, all of which endow a greater sense of compassion and meditation to the viewer. Despite losses to the arms, this Buddhist figure should still exceed its estimate of $20,000-30,000.

Check back in coming weeks to view December auctions! You can browse all upcoming Asian works of art on Bidsquare here, and also search prices realized.