New York – On September 15, Bonhams kicked off its annual Asia Week New York with its Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, directly followed by The Francine and Bernard Wald Collection of Fine Snuff Bottles Part II, achieving a combined total of US$7.3 million.

"We are delighted to open Bonhams Asia Week New York this September with such a strong and successful start," commented Dessa Goddard, Senior VP and US Head of Asian Art. "The results of these opening sales clearly underscore the robust demand for rare and historically significant Chinese ceramics and snuff bottles, especially those distinguished by exceptional quality and provenance. We look forward to building on this momentum with our forthcoming live New York sales throughout the week."

Bonhams' inaugural sale of Asia Week New York, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art achieved US$6.55 million with 82% of lots sold. Leading the live New York sale of 78 fine and exceptional, museum-quality works, was the Magnificent and Important Blue and White 'Boys' Jar and Cover, Jiajing six-character mark and of the period, which achieved US$1,754,500.

Other standout lots in the sale included a Superb Pair of Unique Famille Rose 'Chrysanthemum' Dishes, Yongzheng six-character marks and of the period which sold for US$1,512,500; as well as An Important and Massive Blue and White 'Scrolling Flowers' Vase, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period, which sold for US$914,900, more than double its estimate.

Additional highlights of the sale included:

• A Magnificent and Large Olive-green-glazed 'Lotus' Vase and Cover, Northern Qi Dynasty, sold for US$406,900.

• A Fine and Rare Lime-ground Famille-Rose 'Lotus' Small Bottle Vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period, sold for US$279,900, more than triple its estimate.

• Two Impressive Blue and White 'Lotus and Shou-Medallion' Hu-shaped Handled Vases, Qianlong six-character seal marks and of the period, sold for US$254,500.

The Chinese Art department also offered The Francine and Bernard Wald Collection of Fine Snuff Bottles, the second instalment of the couple's distinguished collection, which also realised exceptional results with 99% of lots sold, achieving US$770,000.

Michael Hughes, VP and US Head of Department, Chinese Works of Art commented: "The strong international interest in Chinese works of art across many categories, including single-owner snuff bottle collections, was clearly evident in this second instalment of the Francine and Bernard Wald Collection, which featured some of the finest examples in the category."

Asaph Hyman, Global Head Chinese Art, added: "It has been a privilege to offer such iconic pieces of Chinese art in New York this season. We look forward to the remaining sales rounding out this marquee sale week, as well as our upcoming Chinese art auctions in Hong Kong and London this October and November."

Bonhams' Asia Week New York sales will continue on September 16, with Classical and Modern Chinese Paintings and on September 17 with Fine Japanese and Korean Art.