New Orleans Auction Galleries, Inc. is pleased to announce its three-day Asian Art and Antiques Sale, taking place Tuesday, December 6 through Thursday, December 8, 2011, starting at 11 a.m. each day, to be followed by a one-day Major Estates Auction on Sunday, December 11 starting at 11 a.m. The featured lots from both sales will be on display at the Galleries from November 25 through December 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding Sundays. On Thursday, December 1, guests are welcome to enjoy a late evening exhibition from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Bids will be taken in person, over the phone and online at Live Auctioneers http://www.liveauctioneers.com/.

This sale represents the first all-Asian auction hosted by New Orleans Auction Galleries and features nearly 2,000 exquisite lots, including pottery, jade carvings, painted enamel teapots and Chinese and Japanese porcelain. In October, the gallery hosted a three-day major estates auction that included one day of nearly 400 Asian pieces. The popularity of Asian art, furniture and artifacts has continued to grow over the past few years, as has the number of buyers from Asian markets.

Lots available for sale in the Asian Auction came from private Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, United Kingdom, Florida and West Coast collections. Notable pieces featured in the auction include:

·      Collection of major Chinese early 20th century scrolls by modern masters including Qi Baishi, Wu Guanzhong, Liu Haisu and Li Kersan

·      Large collection of early Chinese pottery vessels and burial figures from the Neolithic Period through the Tang Dynasty

·      Group of Chinese scholar’s studio articles including bronzes, porcelain, zitan pieces, Ling Bi rocks, and inksticks

·      Wide range of jade carvings assembled in Hong Kong and China in the 1970s, over 250 pieces, plus carvings in coral, malachite, lapis azuli, rock crystal, amethyst and other hard stones

·      Rare set 36 inside-painted Chinese snuff bottles featuring portraits of American Presidents

The Major Estates Sale features an eclectic assortment of lots from historical Southern properties including the Plimsoll Club, the New Orleans World Trade Center, Le Petit Theatre, the Historic Grey Oaks Plantation and numerous other Southern estates and private collections. Some of the most anticipated pieces up for bid include 17th Century Ship Wreck Gold, recovered from sunken Spanish fleets that originally set sail in 1622.

Other notable items include:

·      Four high-karat gold bars totaling over five troy pounds from the Spanish ship wreck

·      Rare six strand 21 karat gold money chain from the Spainish ship wreck

·      Dramatic emerald, sapphire, ruby and diamond bib necklace, inspired by contemporary designer Fred Leighton’s piece that was worn by Beyonce and Amy Adams

·      Camille Bellanger’s “Resting on the Fence,” oil on canvas presented in a Louis XV-style gilt and gesso frame

·      Maurice de Vlaminck’s “Le Port,” oil on canvas presented in a contemporary molded giltwood frame with a linen liner.

To find out more information about the Asian Arts and Antiques Sale or the Major Estates Auction, please visit www.neworleansauction.com or call 504-566-1849.

 Photos and history of pieces are available online at www.neworleansauction.com.