Christie’s Asia Week brings to market a number of illustrious collections, including the late dealer Doris Weiner’s trove of Indian and Asian Art. One of the week’s big highlights, however, comes from the last event in the March 22-24 series, a two-part sale devoted to Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. The star item is a massive Ming Dynasty gilt-bronze Vairocana, or Celestial Buddha, from the 16th century. Formerly in the collection of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, it’s expected to sell for $2m-$3m.Another item of unusual interest is a Nao, or large bronze ritual bell from the late Shang/Early Western Zhou Dynasty, in the 11th-10th century BC. Cast with decorative panels and featuring a milky green patina, it carries an estimate of $800,000-$1,200,000. Expected to be almost as valuable is a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Jade Tree Trunk-Form Pot, which Christie’s estimates will realize $700,000-$900,000.
