18th Century Korean Jar Sells for $344,400 at ACES Gallery Auction
News related to:ACES Gallery · 2 min read
At the recent Fall Estates Auction hosted by ACES Gallery, a rare 18th-century blue and white Korean ovoid Crane and Tortoise jar from the Joseon Dynasty made a significant splash, fetching $344,400. The jar, standing 13 ½ inches tall and in diameter, was initially expected to go for just $10,000 but far exceeded expectations.
The jar, decorated in underglaze blue, features divine tortoises and cranes arranged in alternating circular medallions, each with a cloud or auspicious vapor. The iconography of the crane and tortoise identifies the vessel as part of the ‘Shipjangsaeng’ tradition, representing Ten Symbols of Longevity in late Joseon Dynasty art.
In addition to the Korean jar, the auction included a large mixed media and collage on canvas by Kazuya Sakai (Japanese/Argentine, 1927-2001), titled New York II (1964), an abstract composition with gestural paint applications alongside collage elements, including newspaper clippings and typographic fragments. The piece, measuring 59 inches by 49 inches, sold for $86,100, more than doubling its $10,000 high estimate.
The auction also featured a mixed media collage with washi paper on canvas by the Northwest School artist Paul Horiuchi (Japanese/American, 1906-1999), titled Remnants of Order, which sold for $67,650. The piece was nicely housed in a 66-½ inch by 79-inch frame, signed and dated ‘66’ lower left.
Other highlights of the auction included an oil on panel painting by James Bama (1926-2022), titled The Rookie Bronc Rider, Stampede Grounds, Cody Wyoming, signed ‘Bama’ and dated ‘74’ lower right corner, which went for $30,750, double the $15,000 high estimate. Bama was an American artist admired for his realistic Western renderings.
A tapestry produced in a collaboration between artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976) and the Guatemalan company Bon Art, titled Floating Circles, 102 inches by 72 inches, dated and numbered (“58/100 CA 74”), hit $26,880, more than doubling the $12,000 high estimate. Bon Art began in the early 1970’s to benefit relief efforts following an earthquake in Nicaragua.
The auction, packed with distinguished items carefully curated from nearly 50 prominent local estates, included a wide range of categories such as contemporary and fine art, Western art, decorative arts, Asian art, silver, watches and timepieces, jewelry, collectibles, and books. Bidding was virtual-only, via telephone, absentee, LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, and Drouot.com.