Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Jade Bear Disappoints at $8m in Florida Auction

December 21, 2011 by Marion Maneker

Florida firm Elite Decorative Arts sold a Chinese work of art for $8m but that number was a disappointment,  according to Auction Central News. Perhaps expectations about the Chinese appetite for lost works of art have gotten ahead of the market:

A rare Han Dynasty nephrite jade bear sold for a little more than $8 million at an auction conducted Dec. 10 by Elite Decorative Arts.

The Chinese bear, made between 475 B.C.- A.D. 220, exhibited extensive calcification due to centuries of extended burial. The nephrite (greenstone) bear was by far the top lot of the nearly 300 items that changed hands. But the bear was also a bargain for the buyer who wished not to be identified—it carried a presale estimate of $10 million-$20 million.

A combination of factors contributed to the bear’s desirability. It was the largest jade sculpture known of its time. It was made for a significant figure or ruler, with whom it had been buried. The cup-shaped opening at the top of the head meant it was made for a stand or base for a significant object. And it came with impeccable credentials from a Beijing authenticating firm.

Chinese Nephrite Jade Bear Tops $8m at Elite Auction (Auction Central News)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie’s Announces 1000-year-old $50m Su Shi ScrollChristie’s Announces 1000-year-old $50m Su Shi Scroll
  • Sotheby’s Brings Pair to Re-Discovered Vase to Hong KongSotheby’s Brings Pair to Re-Discovered Vase to Hong Kong
  • French Regional Auction Sells Chinese Moonflask for $5.7mFrench Regional Auction Sells Chinese Moonflask for $5.7m
  • Chinese Chairs Spike 35x High Estimate at BonhamsChinese Chairs Spike 35x High Estimate at Bonhams
  • Sotheby’s Sets New $37.7m Record for Chinese Ceramic BowlSotheby’s Sets New $37.7m Record for Chinese Ceramic Bowl
  • Christie’s Astounding Fujita Sale Had Buyers Taking Home Multiple LotsChristie’s Astounding Fujita Sale Had Buyers Taking Home Multiple Lots

Filed Under: Auction Results Tagged With: Chinese Works of Art

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...