Asian Art
Department
At Freeman’s, the Asian Art department brings the finest Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian works of art, including paintings, prints, calligraphy, porcelain, classical furniture, scholar’s objects, jade, bronze, armor and swords, textiles, lacquer, and more from the Neolithic Period through the early 20th century.
The department conducts regularly scheduled marquee auctions in March and September each year, coinciding with Asia Week New York, as well as off-season online sales. Asian works of art are also often included in the firm’s British and European Furniture and Decorative Arts sales, due to the fine examples of objects created in Asia for the European export market.
Freeman’s is the trusted auction partner of private, trade, and institutional clients across the globe. The Asian Art department organizes auctions with care and connoisseurship. We perform thorough research and understand the nuances of presenting property from the Neolithic period through the early 20th century. As a result, prior to offering a single lot or an entire collection at auction, we conduct proper due diligence to ensure all property is authentic and as described, and that there are no legal obstacles to sale.
With the great market demand for provenanced heirlooms, many recent successes have been with fresh-to-market pieces and collections handed down generationally. These include a rare Blue and White Porcelain Hexafoil Bowl from the Collection of Stanley Field, Chicago, Illinois; Property from the Estate of Hisazo Nagatani; Property from The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, New York; and the jade collection of Dr. Frederic and Mrs. Madeleine Zeman.
The Asian Art department conducts regularly scheduled auctions in March and September each year, coinciding with Asia Week New York.
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Department Categories
Chinese Works of Art
As the one of the largest houses in the region to offer sales of Chinese Works of Art comprising porcelain, classical furniture, scholar’s objects, jade, bronze, textiles, Freeman's has developed relationships with private collections, museums, and estates to bring works representing the breadth of thousands of years of fine craftmanship to auction and private sales.
Department highlights
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A Chinese carved and underglaze red "Dragons and Waves" vase, Meiping Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period
Sold for $2,316,000
Team
Masterclass In Art | Asian Works of Art
From Imperial Treasures to Modern Masters: Freeman’s Presents Asian Works of Art in New York
Freeman’s will present the Asian Works of Art auction on Friday, March 27 at 10AM ET in its New York saleroom, as part of Asia Week New York.
Specialist Spotlight: Annie Wu
Join us as we spotlight Annie Wu, Vice President, Head of Department, Asian Works of Art, ahead of our Asian Works of Art auction, to be held live in New York on March 27.
Freeman’s Asian Works of Art Sale Surpasses $2M, More Than Doubling Expectations
Freeman’s Asian Works of Art auction on March 27 delivered exceptional results, achieving a total of $2,013,952 (including buyer’s premium)—more than double the pre-sale low estimate.
A Golden Guardian
In Chinese religious settings—particularly in monasteries and prayer halls—the figure of Weituo, protector of the Dharma or Buddhist teachings, is often found. Frequently depicted in one of two poses: standing with hands held together in anjali mudra, with a sword laid horizontally behind the hands and resting on the forearms in a posture of devotion; or, as seen here, standing with a stylized vajra (thunderbolt weapon) held upright in the right hand, while the left hand is raised elegantly in front of his armored chest. Both versions are usually portrayed in the elaborate armor of a Chinese general, complete with flowing scarves and fluttering draperies. TO BE OFFERED SEPTEMBER 19, NEW YORK A Chinese Gilt Bronze Figure of Weituo Pusa, Ming Dynasty | $25,000-35,000 Weituo is often regarded as a Sinicized version of Skanda, tasked by the Buddha with a protective role, or as a manifestation of Vajrapani—an early attendant and symbol of the Buddha’s power. This example, dating to the Ming dynasty, is notable for retaining its stylized vajra (often lost), the powerful quality of its casting and chasing, and the exceptional preservation of its gilding. This gilded bronze is further distinguished by its provenance, having formerly been in the collection of noted fashion designer Mary McFadden. It once graced the gilt-stenciled living room of her extraordinary Manhattan apartment and was featured in an article published in the October 1, 2001, issue of Elle Décor. Undoubtedly, the sculpture appealed to the designer not only for the golden glow of its surface—harmonizing with her gilded walls and ceilings—but also for the tactile patterning of the guardian’s armor: an exotic figure of strength and power. INQUIRIES: bfarina@freemansauction.com VIEWING: September 12-13, 15-18 32 East 67th St, New York, NY
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