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Heritage Auctions' Asian Art Department is delighted to present this carefully curated Spring Signature Auction featuring over 250 lots of fine and decorative Asian artworks. Highlights include Ming and Qing dynasty jade carvings, an exquisite selection of ceramics, porcelains, and
textiles, featuring notable pieces from the esteemed collection of
Yen Sheng-Po, one of the founding members of Kau Chi Society of Chinese Art (Qiu Zhi Ya Ji) of Hong Kong, a collector, connoisseur, and a close friend with Zhang Daqian.
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Charlene's Picks
Charlene Wang | Acting Director, Asian Art | Business Development
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Just as people say in real estate, "location, location, location," when it comes to monochrome Chinese artifacts, I say, "shapes, shapes, shapes." This translucent celadon jade vase takes inspiration from the archaic bronze Gu, a ritual wine goblet used during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The vase is masterfully carved—the rounded midsection serves as a strong visual anchor, balancing the elongated, flared top and the subtly tapered base, creating a harmonious and elegant silhouette.
This piece comes from the esteemed collection of Mr. Yen Sheng-Po, as previously mentioned. In this auction, you'll also find a remarkable selection of jades, porcelains, and paintings—I invite you to explore them and discover something that touches your heart!
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This bowl is truly a gem of the auction. Modest in size, it fits perfectly in the palm of your hands, bringing people a peaceful and delicate presence. The moment I saw it, I immediately fell in love with its unique design—an exquisitely molded bird, gracefully elevated on a stem, as if captured mid-flight.
Crafted during the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties (around 4th-5th century), a period marked by war and political upheaval, this piece stands as a striking contrast to its era. The bird, rising from the depths like a phoenix, symbolizes resilience, hope, and free spirit. More than just a vessel, it is a testament to the enduring human desire for beauty and peace.
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The ruby red color in Korean underglaze ceramics comes from copper oxide, which only turns red when fired at temperatures exceeding 2,300°F. Achieving this color was technically challenging, and it wasn't until the 18th century that artisans mastered the process, producing this kind of beautiful red that you see on this jar.
This Joseon dynasty hexagonally faceted underglaze red jar is a charming example of Korean ceramic artistry. Rather than elaborate designs, 18th-century Korean kings embraced Confucian ideals of austerity, favoring simplicity and elegance in their objects—think of the iconic moon jar! This piece follows that tradition, featuring a refined form with minimal decoration, an almost abstract design of a willow branch or floral vine. Each of these designs was typically one of a kind, making them even more special.
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Megan's Picks
Megan Ma | Associate Specialist & Department Coordinator, Fine & Decorative Arts
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Grey and white jade has always been one of my favorite types of jade because its colors offer endless possibilities for intricate carvings. It's fascinating to see how artisans incorporate the natural hues of the stone to enhance the artistic expression of their work. This particular carving of Liu Hai, sculpted from grey and white jade, beautifully demonstrates the skillful use of color to define his hair and accentuate the coins on his back. Liu Hai, a Daoist immortal, is often depicted alongside the Money Toad (金蟾) atop swirling waves, symbolizing the embodiment of the God of Wealth.
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This Qingbai-glazed turtle-form box always brings a smile to my face when I browse the catalog. Intricately and vividly molded, the turtle is covered in a light, evenly applied celadon-white glaze, giving it an almost jade-like finish that reflects the refined aesthetic of Song ceramics. The turtle has long been a symbol of longevity and career prosperity, making it a popular motif among scholars for their desktop objects as early as the Sui and Tang dynasties. Similar turtle-form earthenware inkstones can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with additional examples housed in other major institutions.
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Japanese metalwork never fails to amaze me with its artisans' relentless pursuit of perfection and beauty. This piece exemplifies the shakudo technique, where gold, silver, and copper are masterfully inlaid into the darkened copper ground. The body is adorned with large chrysanthemum blooms in high relief, skillfully blending the colors of the various metals to mimic the color of golden and white hues of the flower. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum holds profound significance as a symbol of longevity, autumn harvest, and the imperial family. Its unique elegance makes this tabletop incense burner a perfect object of admiration.
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Rebecca's Pick
Rebecca Campbell | Associate Specialist and Lead Cataloguer, Fine & Decorative Arts
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I am drawn to this exquisite Chinese mottled white jade figure of a duck from the late Ming dynasty for several reasons. The piece beautifully exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of the era, showcasing the intricate detailing and smooth texture characteristic of high-quality jade carvings. The serene expression and graceful posture of the duck capture its natural beauty, evoking a sense of tranquility. Additionally, the historical significance of the piece adds to its allure, connecting me to a rich cultural heritage. This sculpture not only serves as a stunning decorative item but also as a conversation starter, inviting appreciation for both its aesthetic qualities and the story it represents.
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Charlene Wang
Acting Director, Asian Art,
Business Development
CharleneW@HA.com
(212) 486-3731
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Megan Ma
Associate Specialist &
Department Coordinator,
Fine & Decorative Arts
MeganM@HA.com
(214) 409-1196
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Rebecca Campbell
Associate Specialist &
Lead Cataloguer,
Fine & Decorative Arts
RCampbell@HA.com
(214) 409-1948
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