TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – To celebrate the grand opening of its new Asian headquarters, Bonhams Hong Kong will host a series of auctions from November to December.
A three-day preview exhibition showcasing key lots from various categories, including contemporary art, Southeast Asian art, and Chinese paintings and calligraphy, as well as jewelry and watches, concluded on Sunday (Nov. 17) at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A9. The upcoming "Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy" auction will feature over 180 masterpieces from modern and ancient Chinese artists, with more than 30 selected pieces on display in Taipei.
Key lots include Zhang Daqian’s 1930s masterpiece “Heavenly Maiden,” and works by Wu Guanzhong, Lin Fengmian, and Pu Xinyu. The auction will take place on Nov. 29 at Bonhams Hong Kong, with a preview from Nov. 23 to 28, per the press release.
Zhang Daqian’s 1930s masterpiece “Heavenly Maiden” depicts a fairy holding flowers and adorned with exquisite jewels. Though inspired by Tang dynasty murals, Zhang’s unique aesthetic shines through, reflecting Ming influences while showcasing a distinct beauty.
“Heavenly Maiden” is estimated at NT$22 million (US$ 676,060) to NT$27 million.
Additionally, Zhang created a few qipao in his lifetime, and all were gifted to close acquaintances. In 1949, he painted two qipao with lotus themes in Hong Kong: one for his daughter, featuring a budding lotus, and one for his wife Xu Wenbo (徐雯波), showcasing a blooming lotus.
Zhang explained that the budding flower represented his daughter, while the blooming flower symbolized his wife's maturity and elegance, per Bonhams.
Another key lot is Huang Yongyu’s four-meter-wide painting (黃永玉) “Wild Tea” from 1998, which depicts tea drinkers in different poses, reflecting Huang Yongyu’s free spirit and playful nature.
Huang was famous novelist Jin Yong’s (金庸) colleague and passed away in 2023 at the age of 99. He was known for his free spirit and was affectionately called the "Old Naughty Boy."
“Wild Tea’s” highest estimated bid price is NT$25 million.
