Soaring nearly ten times the estimate (HK$800,000-1,200,000)
Key results of Bonhams Fine Chinese Paintings Sale
• Sale total: HK$46,285,225, over 2.5 times the presale total estimate
• Over half the sale sells above high estimate
• The 114-lot sale: 89% sold by lot and value
• Stellar 100% "white-glove" single owner collections
Rediscovery of an early Qing gem
Wang Shilu (1626-1673), Sutra in Regular Script
Sells for HK$5,127,500
More than doubling the estimate (HK$2,000,000-3,000,000)
Stellar white-glove single owner collections
Collection of Mrs. Irene Tseng (1955-2015) 100% Sold
Collection of Lu Chen (1935-2004) and Zhou Sicong (1939-1996) 100% Sold
Collection of Saionji Kinkazu (1906-1993) 100% Sold
Collection of Gu Tinglong (1904-1998) 100% Sold
Collection of Wang Wendian (1882-1950) 100% Sold
Collection of Lv Xian (1889-1960) 100% Sold
Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script – the largest-ever couplet by modern master painter Zhang Daqian – sold at Bonhams Hong Kong Fine Chinese Paintings sale on 1 June for HK$7,812,500, nearly ten times its pre-sale estimate (HK$800,000-1,200,000). The monumental and exceedingly rare work, measuring three and a half metres tall, is an exemplar of the creative pinnacle of Zhang's career, and has made its market debut after nearly 80 years since its creation.
Between 1941 and 1943, Zhang Daqian travelled to Dunhuang in Northwest China, once a frontier garrison on the Silk Road, to study Buddhist mural paintings. Mesmerised, he began exploring painting on a colossal scale. A similarly-sized calligraphic work by Zhang is now in the collection of Taipei Palace Museum, whereas this one on offer – no less a museum-quality piece – is evidently a superior example for its pristine condition, the richer content, and the more expressive style. The masterpiece, which comes from a very important Dutch collection, carried an estimate of HK$800,000-1,200,000.
Commenting on the result, Iris Miao, Bonhams Consulting Head of Chinese Paintings said: "We are delighted by the hugely encouraging results across all price levels of the sale. The top two lots – Zhang Daqian's Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script and Wang Shilu's Sutra in Regular Script – are both significant finds in the market with unique historical and artistic value. We are pleased, but not surprised, to see them sell for their deserving market prices. Once again, as long as the properties are fresh with a good condition and a strong provenance, collectors will respond positively."