A rare set of three Pagoda form Zisha teapots by Gu Jingzhou (1915-1996) that hammered for $100,000 were the highlight of Gianguan Auctions' sale of Chinese fine arts in New York on Sunday (September 15).
The teapots, which were produced using the porous Zisha clay found only in the Chinese city of Yixing, are stacked one on top of the other and feature winter motif appliques in coloured clay.
 When stacked the teapots stand at just under seven inches |
Gu Jingzhou was one of China's greatest artisans and was widely acclaimed for his skill in the field of ceramics. He began his career as a potter in 1915 at the age of 18, and by the time he was 20 he had been recognised with the title of "Master of Chinese Industrial Art". His work is in high demand, and individual pieces often sell for up to $1m.
The auction also featured painting and calligraphy by various artists including Zhang Daqian and Dong Qichang. Splashed lotus by Daqian realised $65,000 while Dong Qichang's Ming dynasty Mounted Hamlet hammered for $80,000.
Roaring Lion by Xu Beihong sold for $60,000.
Zhang Daqian was known as one of the most talented forgers of the 20th century, and both his copies and original work hang in some of the most of the world's most prestigious museums. In May of this year a set of four hanging scrolls by the artist sold for $10.4m.
A blue and white vase dating to the Ming dynasty was also a highlight - featuring dragon mask loop handles and stylized phoenix roundels, it made $50,000.
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