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Lark Mason Associates concluded their auction of Chinese Bronzes and Ceramics from the estate of prominent collector Daniel Wolf (1955-2021) on March 27, 2023, in New Braunfels, Texas. The sale featured 684 lots and achieved a total of $163,455, with the majority of bidders hailing from the United States. Lark E. Mason, Jr., noted that international participation was limited due to shipping costs, fragility, and regulations, but the domestic response was strong.
The top lot of the sale was an Indian Moghal dagger from the Seventeenth or Eighteenth Century, which soared past its $2,500-$4,000 estimate to fetch $20,025. The dagger featured a polished Damascus blade and a white jade handle intricately inlaid with gold and rubies, measuring 15-7/8 inches in total length. Its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance drove intense bidding, with 45 bids placed.
The second-highest price was achieved by a Chinese bronze ding (cauldron) from the Western Zhou dynasty (circa 1046-256 BCE). This tripedal vessel, with its highly patinated surface and patterned band beneath the rim, sold for $12,188. Despite showing signs of repair, its antiquity and cultural importance resonated with collectors.
Another bronze ding, this one from the Han dynasty (circa 206 BCE-220 CE), took the third spot at $7,813. This vessel included a lid with three animal-form finials, one of which was broken but included with the lot. The ding’s repeating patterns and historical provenance made it a desirable piece.
Group lots also performed well. A set of five brown and black glazed bowls from the Henan province (Tenth to Twelfth Century) surpassed their $400 high estimate to sell for $6,563. Another group of six items, including bowls, a censer, and jars, fetched $3,750. These pieces, dating from the Tenth Century onward, showed signs of burial, adding to their allure.
A bronze partitioned lidded vessel and an iron pan from the Han dynasty and later sold together for $3,564. The bronze vessel featured a hinged lid that formed a second-level basin when opened, while the iron pan had foliate decorations and an intact hollow handle.
Two celadon covered boxes from the Twelfth to Fourteenth Century exceeded their $200-$400 estimate, selling for $2,853. The smaller box had a flat cover with a carved flower, while the larger one featured an allover floral pattern and a bud handle. Kiln grit on the underside of the larger box added to its charm.
A green-glazed bowl with an elaborate floral pattern inside and vertical ridges outside brought $2,750. Despite a small chip to its foot, the bowl’s intricate design and historical value attracted bidders. Another white-glazed bowl from the Tenth to Twelfth Century, finely incised with a flowering vine, sold for $2,125.
A green-glazed ovoid jar from the Third to Fifth Century, adorned with four small handles and molded emblems (possibly dragon heads), achieved $2,485. Its unique design and historical significance made it a standout piece.
A small white-glazed ceramic cup from the Sui to Tang dynasty (circa 581-907 CE) sold for $2,148. Despite a cracked rim and a missing chip, its delicate craftsmanship and age appealed to collectors.
A porcelain pillow in pale green glaze, undated but featuring depictions of children and child’s-head crests, sold for $1,793. Its unique design, along with burial residue and firing faults, added to its historical intrigue.
Overall, the auction highlighted the enduring appeal of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, and other historical artifacts. The strong results reflected the quality of the collection and the expertise of Lark Mason Associates in presenting these pieces to a discerning audience. For more information, visit www.larkmasonassociates.com or call 212-289-5524.
