A superb collection of Asian art, lovingly assembled over a decade by a single enthusiast while living and working in the Far East and South East Asia, is for sale at Bonhams Edinburgh on 7 July.
Among the most fascinating pieces is a painting by the internationally celebrated Chinese artist Jiang Guo Fang who became a personal friend of the collector when he was living in Shanghai in the early 1990s. The painting, ‘Reclining Court Beauty’ shows a beautiful model posing pensively in the costume of the 19th century Chinese court. It is from the artist’s well known ‘Forbidden City’ period and is estimated at £20,000-30,000.
Early 9th Century Burmese Pagan bronzes, stucco heads and votive items epitomise the simplicity and serenity so characteristic of South East Asian art and found elsewhere in the collection in sculptures from Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
From Tibet, furniture and rugs are not only colourful and decorative statement pieces but also practical items for home furnishing. Prices range from the lower hundreds for rugs, paintings and furniture, to £1,000-2,000 for large and impressive bronze Buddhas and £15,000 – 18,000 for a 16th century Khmer wood standing Buddha. This makes many of these stunning objects eminently affordable for private buyers and interior decorators alike.
The Head of Asian Art at Bonhams Scotland, Ian Glennie, said, “This collection shows a true connoisseur’s knowledge and appreciation of Far East and South East Asian art. It’s one of the best I’ve ever come across and passion and enthusiasm shine through every object. The sale is a dream for collectors and interior designers, full of unique and striking pieces of a calibre rarely seen outside the London salerooms.”
For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/edinburgh
