Roseberys is delighted to announce the remarkable success of its recent Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian, and Antiquities, Islamic and Indian Arts sales. The two auctions achieved a total sales figure of £2,006,180, reflecting the continued growth and recognition of Roseberys as a prominent player in the industry.
Under the leadership of Bill Forrest, Head of the Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian Department, and Alice Bailey, Head of the Antiquities, Islamic, and Indian Department, the auctions showcased a diverse range of exquisite artworks and artifacts. The outstanding results can be attributed to a combination of key factors, as highlighted by the department heads.
Lot 222: A Mamluk astronomical treatise, apparently based on The Book of Fixed Stars
Alice Bailey acknowledged the strong international market and the increasing demand for manuscripts, which are becoming rarer in the age of digitalization. The appreciation for the arts of the book has grown significantly, bolstering the success of the auction. Lot 222 a medieval astronomical manuscript offered in the Islamic arts section of the sale achieved an astonishing price of £182,000*. Additionally, Indian contemporary artworks performed exceptionally well. Alice Bailey highlighted an exceptional contemporary Indian painting from the Bindu series by S.H. Raza (1922-2016) which sold for an impressive £312,000*, serving as a high point in the sale. A private English collection of Indian miniatures also captivated bidders' attention and fueled excitement during the auctions. Furthermore, the inclusion of a group of works with no reserve further intensified the competitive bidding and enthusiasm among buyers.
Lot: 196: Syed Haider Raza (1922-2016), Bindu, 1995 Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 120 cm
Bill Forrest emphasized the lifting of travel restrictions in China, which resulted in more buyers traveling to the UK for the Spring series of Asian Art sales. Roseberys has established a strong reputation and is gaining prominence in mainland China through various social media platforms, further bolstering the success of the auctions. Bill also noted the excellent reception of Chinese ceramics, particularly porcelain, and the extensive range of items on offer, including two large and diverse private collections, which attracted widespread attention.
Throughout the auctions, standout items generated significant interest and drove up bidding.
Lot 85: An associated pair of Chinese doucai 'lotus and chrysanthemum' jars Qing dynasty
To attract potential buyers and ensure active participation in the auctions, the departments implemented various strategies. Leveraging Chinese social media platforms, Roseberys effectively engaged with the target audience. Additionally, a promotion event featuring a tea ceremony and a central London viewing of selected highlights provided a unique and immersive experience. The auctions garnered substantial coverage in the press, further boosting their visibility.
Lot 56: An impressive pair of Chinese zitan 'elephant' lantern stands, Qing dynasty
Both Alice and Bill recounted noteworthy moments during the auctions, where bidding exceeded expectations or resulted in competitive bidding wars. The aforementioned astronomical manuscript offered in the Antiquities, Islamic and Indian Arts sale rose from an estimate of £600-800 to achieve an astonishing price of £182,000*. Another memorable instance was the intense competition surrounding a magnificent pair of Chinese carved zitan elephant-form lantern stands offered in the Asian sale, lot 56 selling to a Roseberys Live bidder for £71,500 after an intense period of bidding.
Roseberys Auctioneers differentiates itself from other auction houses in the Asian art, Islamic, and Indian art markets through its exceptional track record as a multiple award-winning establishment. The combination of Antiquities with Indian and Islamic art sets Roseberys apart from its competitors, demonstrating its innovative approach and industry leadership.
Looking toward the future, the recent success of these auctions positions Roseberys Auctioneers for continued growth and potential. The departments anticipate higher-quality materials, better collections, and increasing the number of sales to institutions.
"The success of these sales reflects the ongoing success of Roseberys in developing specialist sales in the last decade, which are appealing to an international market," stated Bill Forrest, highlighting the confidence the market places in Roseberys as a trusted platform to acquire high-quality artworks.