Art News

Fine Chinese furniture tops two-day auction in $12.8-million auction at Bonhams in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- A group of fine Chinese furniture, formerly in the Collection of Eleanor Majors Carlisle – a pillar of San Francisco society at the turn of the 19th century, took the spotlight at Bonhams more than $12.8-million auction of Fine Asian Works of Art held December 20-21. The two-day sale offered up 900 lots, obtained from private collectors, estates and institutions throughout the United States. A rare pair of zitan and hongmu recessed leg altar tables, 18th/19th century, from the Carlisle estate soared to $2,714,500 (est. $120,000-200,000) against fierce bidding on the telephones and a packed room of international buyers. An elaborately carved zitan and hongmu throne chair, 19th century, brought $1,022,500 (est. $200,000-300,000), preceded by an unusual huanghuali clothes rack, Qing