Cowan’s Asian sale tops $1.2M; 49.8% sells via LiveAuctioneers

CINCINNATI – Cowan’s Jan. 27 Asian Art auction realized a remarkable $1.2 million in sales on 403 lots. With nearly 800 bidders on the telephone, online and in the gallery, competition was intense for jade, porcelain and ivory from quality collections.

The auction’s centerpiece was the collection of jade assembled by the late Richard C. Friedman of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Friedman’s collection attracted bids from numerous Asian dealers and collectors from across the globe.

The highest-selling lot in the sale, an archaistic jadeite lidded wine vessel from Friedman’s collection, hammered down $132,000. All prices quoted are inclusive of 17.5% buyer's premium.

Another piece from the Friedman collection, a white jade hu-form lidded vase, realized $119, 850, selling to a bidder who traveled from outside of the U.S. specifically to vie for this piece.

Additional noteworthy lots in the auction included a Chinese rosewood chair, which sold for $36,000; and a group of Chinese mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture from a private collection and previously owned by famed Scottish playwright and literary figure James Morrison. The combined lots from the Morrison collection realized nearly $87,000.

Unquestionably, Internet bidders using LiveAuctioneers.com played a major role in the sale’s success, claiming 49.8% of the lots. By dollar value, the 782 participating LiveAuctioneers bidders were responsible for 45.36% of the gross.

Additional postsale statistics showed that 928 absentee bids had been placed through LiveAuctioneers.com prior to the sale. During the actual auction event, online bidders kept the momentum going as they lodged an impressive 3,062 live bids.

"We are exceptionally pleased with the results,” said Wes Cowan, president and principal auctioneer. "After our inaugural sale in August 2011, we were very cognizant of focusing on quality offerings. This sale was a validation of that focus; prices were strong across the board."

The next Asian Art auction is scheduled for July 2012. Exceptional consignments are currently being sought for this sale. For additional information on consigning, contact Graydon Sikes by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 513-871-1670.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Cowan’s Jan. 27, 2012 auction, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.