Ming Makes Practice Pay

By 1976, promising Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming was looking for something to increase his physical and mental discipline. Taking the advice of mentor, Yang, he took up Tai chi, a decision that would have a profound effect on his work in the ensuing years.

As his practice evolved, Ju Ming started thinking about sculpting works with a T’ai chi theme. Later that year he staged a solo exhibition at the National Museum of History, a show that proved such a success he would go on to be named one of the Ten Outstanding Taiwanese Youths of 1976.

On Sunday, September 13, bidders get their chance to see what all the fuss was about when Lot 91 in Clarke Auction’s Important Fine Art, Midcentury, and Jewelry sale goes under the hammer. The powerful bronze figure is from Ju Ming’s 1984 T’ai Chi series, and comes signed and dated. What a brilliant opportunity to invest in a piece by one of the most celebrated artists in Asia!

Great sculpture in this sale doesn’t end at Ju Ming. Lot 93 is a magnificent piece, a 1956 screen sculpture by Italian-born American artist, Harry Bertoia. Originally commissioned for the First National Bank, Miami, Florida, it is designed to sit in an area of flooding sunlight, where it reflects and changes appearance with the suns movement throught the day.

Whichever way you look at it, Lot 48 is the kind of piece sure to draw strong opinions. Produced by German artist Loretta Lux in 2005, it is from an edition of seven and comes signed and dated.

Great furniture offerings are set to bring high prices here. Lot 121 is sure to be one of the stars, an art deco desk and chair by French designer Louis Marjorelle Palisander.