Asia Week New York March 2026 Auction Results
Freeman’s successfully concluded our second official March Asia Week New York sale on Friday, March 27. The results demonstrate the continued advantage of our strategic positioning within the North American Asian art market.
The auction outperformed across all key metrics. With a total lot count of 204, we achieved a total hammer of $1,573,400, with total sales realizing $2,013,952. Notably, the average lot value (inclusive of buyer’s premium) rose to $11,574, indicating an upward shift in the quality and value of our consignments. The most striking metric was the 85% sell-through rate, a significant high point for recent sales.
Regarding specific categories, Chinese paintings led the auction, producing the top two lots, which were the only six-figure sales. The Chinese Works of Art category generated the highest total hammer and the highest density of five-figure lots. Two niche categories call special attention. First, Chinese Snuff Bottles, a typically challenging market, achieved a rare 100% sell-through rate, generating a total hammer of $99,950. Second, we successfully executed our strategic goal to expand our Korean Art offerings. Moving from just three ceramic lots last September to 16 diverse lots this March, we sold 15 of the 16 items. This near-perfect sell-through rate shows a great opportunity for continued expansion in the Korean art category.
Diving into our top three highlights:
Lot 42: Zhang Daqian (Chinese, 1899-1983), Landscape, ink and color on paper, hanging scroll. Hammer: $220,000.00
This is a fantastic example of Zhang Daqian’s late ‘splashed ink’ period. Bright colors define the piece, using blue for the water and clouds, and layering greens and blacks for the mountains. This style stands out from traditional classical Chinese painting, which is exactly why collectors actively seek his late works. The history of the piece is just as compelling. It comes from the collection of Hui Yihan, the former Director of Taiwan International Radio and an amateur Peking opera performer. He met Zhang Daqian by organizing theatrical events. After Hui Yihan passed away, his family brought the collection to the United States.
Lot 32: Zhu Chang (Chinese, 17th Century), Rafting in the Snow, ink on paper, framed and glazed. Hammer: $110,000.00
Zhu Chang was a 17th-century Xin’an School master and student of Hongren. He is known for his simple, linear landscapes of the Huangshan region. His minimalist style remains very popular with collectors of classical Chinese art. This work comes from the private collection of Dr. Bonnie Brown of Spring Lake, Michigan.
Lot 27: A Chinese Pearl, Jadeite, and Hardstone Ornamented Court Headdress (Dianzi), 19th century. Hammer: $85,000.00
The dianzi is an important 19th century Qing dynasty headdress worn by Manchu noblewomen for semi-formal events. Built on a black silk frame, it features intricate kingfisher feather inlay, gold wire, and precious stones. Because strict laws dictated the exact materials a woman could wear based on her rank, these headdresses are historically important and visually stunning. Exceptional examples like this one always draw serious attention from collectors.
RECENT ASIA WEEK NEW YORK MARCH 2026 AUCTION
Asian Works of Art
Sale 6479
Auction: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10am EDT
Previews: March 20–26, 10am-5pm (Closed Sunday, Mar 22)
We are proud to announce our upcoming Asian Works of Art auction this March, featuring a curated selection of over 200 lots. Spanning from Chinese archaic jades of the Hongshan culture to 20th century masterworks, the sale presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors. Notable highlights include Chinese paintings and rare books from the Estate of General Han-Chien Chueh, Chinese silver jewelry from the RenLu Collection, and fine Chinese snuff bottles from the Estate of Dr. Thomas A. Klein, M.D., sold to benefit Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Further enriching the auction are Himalayan gilt-bronze figures from a private Colorado collection, early Korean ceramics and bronzes from a distinguished private collection in New York, and finely painted Indian miniatures from the Private Collection of Dr. Augusta Rubin. We invite you to explore the catalog and connect with our specialists to learn more!
Contact:
Annie Wu, VP, Head of Department, Asian Works of Art
312) 447 3260
[email protected]
