Asian and Far Eastern Art

Two to three cataloged auctions each year

Featuring objects from China, Japan, and throughout Asia—from the East to the Southeast—the Far Eastern Art auctions invite you on a journey through cultures and eras. From Tang-dynasty terracotta to Kangxi porcelain, Ming-dynasty bronzes, Meiji-period netsuke, and Noh theater masks, the objects on offer are remarkably diverse, both in terms of materials (porcelain, jade, lacquer) as in their decorative styles (blue-and-white, famille rose, famille verte). These specialized auctions attract an international clientele seeking exceptional objects. Buyers will pay particular attention to the history and provenance of the lots up for auction. Identifying an imperial memento, Emperor Qianlong’s mark, or a relic from the Song or Qing dynasties is sure to pique the interest of collectors.

Expert Insights

“The market’s enthusiasm for Asian art dates back to the 19th century, a time when collectors—mostly French—became fascinated by these exotic works. These discerning connoisseurs constantly researched the objects by consulting specialized works and whatever information was available at the time. We are committed to conveying the spirit and curiosity of these scholars through the auctions we organize, via the descriptions and information we provide. The pieces we hope to have the opportunity to appraise one day would have particularly appealed to these 19th-century collectors. In the field of Chinese art, these are snuff boxes. Produced beginning in the 18th century, these small snuff boxes are crafted from every conceivable material (glass, ivory, coral, mother-of-pearl, etc.) and range from everyday to imperial pieces.”