Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Five sales, including China’s First Sale of Long Couplets, Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy by Top Members of Xiling Yinshe, Entertaining Seals by Masters, Eternal Glamour · Important Bronze Wares and Western Master Paintings, witnessed a 100% closing ratio at Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction.
On the night of December 18, we accomplished 977 million RMB of gross turnover and a total deal rate as high as 87.88%, way ahead of the peers again.
The sunny days of winter shine the art market in south China. During the two-day viewing, fine articles in 35 sales captured the eyes of collectors. From December 16 to 18, bidders participated in so many historical moments, like five white glove sales, a series of records being broken and deal rates above 90% in most of the sales. The success also mirrors our efforts in continuing exploration and deepening academic research in feature sales, constantly bringing in new categories, building up Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy by Top Members of Xiling Yinshe, interpreting Shanghai Painting School differently, introducing and expanding western fine arts, persevering on the art of seal cuttings, intensively studying fine ancient books and rubbings, and developing refined articles in the study.
Wu Hufan’s Five Buffalos after Han Huang, the star of the whole sale, resulted at 26.45 million RMB, which doesn’t only give us a retrospective view to the classics, but also a symbol of energy preservation as a buffalo is always a sign for keeping low profile in Chinese culture.
In the post-G20 period, the great results of the sale reflect collectors’ highly understanding and enthusiasm for fine arts from both the West and the East. Based on solid cultural exploration and a long-term developing vision, we will adhere to truth and take a firm step forward in the upcoming year.
The Pioneering Spirit as a Buffalo
Focusing on depth and width of art, we have launched 16 ground-breaking sales in the past twelve years, among which seven achieved white glove sales and three quarters of them were realized with over 90% closing ratio, showing high market recognition.
Our efforts in innovation keep charging forward like newborn calves and our persistence in deepening these sales unveils the pioneering spirit as a buffalo. All the sales are grounded in our initiative and persistence and presented after thorough academic research, from which the support from all walks of life is indispensable.
In the sale of China’s First Sale of Long Couplets we specially presented, sixty lots were all hammered down with a total turnover of 11.03 million RMB, including many sold several times higher than the estimates. For example, Lot 478, Ma Yifu’s eleven-character couplet dedicated to Yang Qiaogu started at 0.4 million RMB and closed at 1.6675 million RMB; Lot 436, Yuan Kewen’s calligraphy began at 0.4 million RMB and realized at 1.0465 million RMB. Also, Lot 477, a long couplet by Zheng Xiaoxu was clinched at 0.69 million RMB, nearly six times its starting price.
50 million RMB is a marvelous figure for the two sales: Important Chinese and International Manuscripts and Autograph letters and Manuscripts for Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s Birth. Lot 349, autograph signed letters and manuscripts dedicated to/collected by Sun Yat-sen, Huang Xing, Tang Shouqian, Chen Jintao, Song Xuexun, Tang Puzhu, Song Yimei, etc. in 1911 and 1912 was finally sold at 19.55 million RMB.
The Western Master Paintings’ horizon is also expanded this time. Besides Impressionism masterpieces, a batch of Dutch and British landscape paintings during the 16th-17th Century are also introduced. Among the 16 sold lots, Lot 3823, the original edition of The Naked Woman on the Grass Field by Pierre-Auguste Renoir took the first place with the price of 6.9 million RMB. In another sale of Western Antique Clocks and Works of Art, Lot 3512, Floral Fairies created by French renowned master Auguste Louis Mathurin Moreau’s was clinched at a record price of 218, 500 RMB.
Meanwhile, Jade Carvings by Contemporary Chinese Masters, another ground-breaking category developed by Xiling Auction, is a great success, too. Lot 5512, a white jade ‘Buddha’ ornament carved by Cui Lei was clinched at 111.55 million RMB.
Whisky, Brandy and Vintage Wine is a completely new sale, but still makes a tremendous contribution to the auction with a sale rate as high as 99.28%. We presented family casks produced between 1954 and 2000 this time, symbolizing the uncompromising art of traditional distilling. It broke the record of its kind in mainland China. With further diversification in its type, material and style, the sale of Chinese Statues closed both at a high turnover and a high sale rate, saying, 36.16 million RMB and 84% closing ratio.
In light of the category of refined articles in the study, we introduced unprecedentedly eight sales, seven of which achieved an average sale rate over 90% and the bronze wares closed a deal by 100%. Lot 3183, a blue-and-white copper-red mallet vase with floral pattern, was closed at 10.58 million RMB in the sale of Chinese Ceramics. It is evident that we not only improve our category framework, but also further the structure diversification to state our idea of ‘a(chǎn)rts in life’.
The Persistence as a Buffalo
All 71 lots in the Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy by Top Members of Xiling Yinshe were sold in the auction with a turnover of 147 million RMB. This sale, together with other sales like seal cuttings, bronze wares, ancient books and rubbings, is a unique sale launched by Xiling Auction centering on traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy, expressing the philosophy of Xiling Society of Seal Arts, which proved to be well-received in the market.
Wu Hufan’s Five Buffalos after Han Huang, a star lot in this auction, was up for bid together with dozens of top art works related to the artist. Ten years ago, we were the first auction house to present Chinese paintings & calligraphy by Shanghai Painting School in China. This year, we retrospect the history of Shanghai Painting School in the hope of reviving its art. And the debut of eight seals engraved by Wu Changshuo in the sale is also proved to be not an expansion to the category but a reflection of cultural inheritance of Xiling Yinshe. The statistics showed that the move is highly recognized by collectors, evidenced by fierce bidding in the auction. As a result, eight seals all find their owners at particularly high prices.
Eternal Glamour·Important Bronze Wares has just completed its third quest for the theme of bronze wares and was welcomed by the market. Lot 3076, a bronze food ritual vessel reached a final deal at 4.255 million RMB, nearly as three times its base price.
Seals and inkstones also performed remarkably. Lot 900, a Tianhuang stone 'beast' seal engraved by Yang Qianli for Yu Youren's private use was sold at 109.25 million RMB. Lot 914, a Qingtian stone seal engraved by Cheng Sui for Zheng Fu’s private use and Lot 4646, a ‘Gui’-style Duan inkstone inscribed by Ruan Yuan closed at 109.25 million RMB and 201.25 million RMB respectively, both setting records.
Sales of Fine Ink Rubbings and Rare and Fine Ancient Books reached a total turnover over 26 million RMB. Starting at 0.8 million RMB, Lot 4834, Hua Du Si Bei was realized at 2.76 million RMB. Lot 4940, Jintu Temple of Dunhuang Sutra was clinched at 2.07 million RMB.
Chinese Zisha Wares, Tea Sets and Fine Tea closed with a gross turnover of 27.626 million RMB as the best result ever and sale rate beyond 90%. Lot 2208, a purple clay teapot made by Yang Pengnian and engraved by Chen Mansheng with ‘A Man Tuo Shi’ mark, starting from 3.8 million RMB and closing at 6.0375 million RMB, hitting another record as the highest price of its kind.
The Most Unremitting Endeavor as a Buffalo
The gene of the top academic society in China has determined the mission of Xiling Auction as leading the market with its unwavering efforts to academic research and absorbing new knowledge unremittingly with a humble attitude. As a poetry goes, ‘Even the old buffalo cherishes time and starts to plough instead of waiting for the herdsman’s order’, we held a series of high-level academic activities successfully during the sale.
In the afternoon of November 26, a symposium on Lu Xun’s manuscripts and Ancient Stories Salvaged was held at Lu Xun Memorial, Shaoxing. A number of experts like Sun Yu, President of College of Humanities Renmin University of China, Huang Qiaosheng, Executive Deputy Curator of Lu Xun Museum (Beijing), Wang Xirong, the former Curator of Shanghai Lu Xun Museum, etc. gathered to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Lu Xun’s birth and 80th anniversary of his passing-away by digging deep into Lu Xun’s life.
On December 14, ‘Ancient Rubbings—Exhibition of rubbings and Inscriptions Collected by Chen Jieqi launched by Xiling Yinshe Auction kicked off in line with the viewing. Over 30 experts and scholars, including Tong Yanfang, Vice President of Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society, Chi Changqing, Vice President of Art College with Zhejiang University, Luo Kecheng, Deputy Curator of Zhejiang University Museum of Art and Archaeology, Wu Ying, Curator of China Sigillography Museum, Chen Dazhong, Director of Xiling Society of Seal Arts and Professor of China Academy of Art, Wang Yihua, Director of Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society and Tang Cuncai engaged in the discussion about ancient inscriptions and seals, apart from collectors and connoisseurs from all over the country. Tong Yanfang, Vice President of Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society gave a brief introduction to Chen Jieqi and his rubbing and inscription collections, and Tang Cuncai, Director of Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society brought some of his collections, such as ceramics with inscriptions, rubbings and ancient books on ancient ceramic pieces inscribed by Wu Changshuo. Some of the inscribed ceramics are so new to the world to the extent that even Chen Jieqi had not seen. After the exhibition, the scholars and guests appreciated and authenticated some seals engraved by famous modern and contemporary masters and selected from Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction. Several precious Tianhuang stone seals engraved by Cheng Sui, Wu Changshuo, Zhao Zhiqian, Qi Baishi, etc. were also included.
Back to this October, Xiling Auction’s exclusive online auction ‘Yes Auction’ created a history in China with a remarkably high gross turnover, closing ratio and premium rate, making a hit with collectors. During the viewing, we set up a special experience zone where the autumn sale was firstly put online. Categorically speaking, the sale configuration and lot structure are diversified and perfectly complementary to the offline one. Yes Auction is a revolutionary extension to our feature sales as well as a trial undertaking which brings art to life. The next online sale will begin on January 15.
▲Lot3028
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Wu Hufan Five Buffalos after Han Huang
Sales Price: 26,450,000 RMB
▲Lot3035
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Fu Baoshi Enjoying the Ruan Performance
Sales Price: 13,800,000 RMB
▲Lot349
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
[Sun Yat-sen] Huang Xing, Tang Shouqian, Chen Jintao, Liu Xuexun, Tang Puzhu, Song Yimei, etc. Autograph Signed Letters and Manuscripts
Sales Prices: 1,955,000 RMB
Important Chinese and International Manuscripts and Autograph Letters and Manuscripts for Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s Birth concluded with a turnover of nearly 50 million RMB.
▲Lot3076
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Mid-Western Zhou Dynasty A Bronze Food Ritual Vessel, Gui
Sales Price: 4,255,000 RMB
▲Lot2208
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Jiaqing Period, Qing Dynasty A Purple Clay Teapot Made by Yang Pengnian and Engraved by Chen Mansheng with ‘Amantuoshi’ Mark
Sales Price: 6,037,500 RMB
Chinese Zisha Wares, Tea Sets and Fine Tea created another historical record, achieving a turnover of 27,626,000 RMB in total and closing ratio of more than 90%.
▲Lot478
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Ma Yifu Eleven-Character Couplet in Running Script
Sales Price: 1,667,500 RMB
The debut of China’s First Sale of Long Couplets concluded with 100% closing ratio as the 16th special sale of ‘China’s First Sales’ series launched by Xiling Yinshe Auction.
▲Lot4834
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
[Sun Duoyan] Hua Du Si Bei
Sales Price: 2,760,000 RMB
▲Lot914
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Qing Dynasty A Qiantian Stone Seal Engraved by Cheng Sui for Zheng Fu’s Private Use
Sales Price: 1,092,500 RMB
▲Lot4646
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Qing Dynasty A‘Gui’-style Duan Inkstone Inscribed by Ruan Yuan
Sales Price: 2,012,500 RMB
▲Lot3183
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Kangxi Period, Qing Dynasty A Blue-and-White Copper-Red Mallet Vase with Floral Pattern
Sales Price: 10,580,000 RMB
▲Lot3177
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Song Dynasty A Celadon-Glazed ‘Lion’ Incense Holder
Sales Price: 3,220,000 RMB
▲Lot3823
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) The Naked Woman on the Grass Field, Original Edition
Sales Price: 6,900,000 RMB
▲Lot5512
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
A White Jade ‘Buddha’ Ornament
Sales Price: 1,115,500 RMB
▲Lot4289
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Glenfarclas, Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1954-2000, Family Cask
As the first trial in the Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction, the sale of Whisky, Brandy and Vintage Wine ended with a closing ratio of 99.28%.
▲Lot4189
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction
Original Celluloid of the Cartoon Smart Ikkuyu San
Sales Price: 241,500 RMB
It is the first time we presented the celluloids of classic animations in the sale of Comics, Illuminations & Cartoons by Chinese Masters.
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction Ancient Rubbings—Exhibition of Rubbings and Inscriptions Collected by Chen Jieqi
Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction A Group Photo of the Symposium on Lu Xun’s Manuscripts and Ancient Stories Salvaged
Xiling Online Auction·Yes Auction
Having harvested success in the first auction and favor from collectors, it set up a special experience zone at the viewing of Xiling Yinshe 2016 Autumn Auction and undertook the responsibility for the live video webcast for the auction.
Xiling Yinshe Online Auction·Yes Auction A Set of Tableware Designed by Ji Xigui for the G20 Summit Welcome Dinner in Hangzhou
