AT AUCTION

Showcase for the exotic

Asian artifacts are one specialty at Beverly Hills' Chait Gallery.
Leslie Trilling
September 9, 2004
I.M. Chait Gallery, in the heart of Beverly Hills, is owned and operated by Isadore Chait, an Asian arts expert. Although the gallery is best known for its monthly sales featuring Asian material, there is much more. Jewelry, fine art and antiques along with local estate property are part of the regular sale schedule. Chait operates a gallery open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., that features items to be sold in upcoming sales. Customers are encouraged to leave bids and are later notified if successful.

An upcoming auction will offer Asian antiques and antiquities, American and Continental furniture, decorative arts and vintage jewelry. Highlights include an extensive collection of Chinese snuff bottles, Tang Dynasty pottery, ivory carvings and Japanese netsuke. Estimates of items' sale prices range from $300 to $30,000.

 
Leslie Trilling

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I.M. Chait Gallery



Location: 9339 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 285-0182, http://www.chait.com

Previews: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sept. 18.

Auction: Sept. 19, 1 p.m.

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Status symbol

Lot 231: Antique hair crystal snuff bottle, circa 1860

Estimated sale price: $800 to $1,000

A large crystal snuff bottle formed from a quartz body with needles of tourmaline "hair" growing inside. The skin (exterior) of the crystal is white and carved in relief. The deer and pine motif is popular in Chinese mythology, representing longevity. Snuff was the Cuban cigar of the day, according to Chait. A beautiful snuff bottle was a status symbol, much like the Cartier cigarette case of the 20th century.

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Gold of the Buddha

Lot 179: Gilt bronze phoenix. Chinese Tang/Song Dynasty, about 1,000 years old.

Estimated sale price: $1,000 to $1,250







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