New Benchmark Set for Asian Art Auctions in New Zealand
Prestigious provenance of two, private collections drives Asian Art Auction to unprecedented results, including the new record for an Asian Art single owner collection in the country.
A recent sale by Webb's Asian Art Department set a new benchmark, including a record for Asian Art single owner collection sold at auction in New Zealand (for the Tui Collection).
The auction, A Journey Through Asia: The Tui Collection & The Dunlop Legacy 亞洲藝蹤: Tui家族珍藏與Dunlop夫婦遺珍, brought to market two prestigious, private collections—resulting in a $836,000 sale(incl. BP).
The Tui Collection was assembled over the course of 30 years and reflects a family’s deep appreciation for Asian aesthetics, with highlights including furniture crafted from rare huanghuali—a type of rosewood often used in classical Chinese designs and known for its beautiful grain, amber tones, and natural fragrance— acquired during their time in the continent.
Meanwhile, the Dunlop Collection, amassed by a New Zealand diplomat during postings across the region in the 1970s, showcased refined Korean and East Asian works of art, offering a glimpse into a life immersed in cultural discovery.
Celebrated for its exceptional selection of rare and valuable Asian artworks, the Tui Collection exceeded expectations with remarkable bidding activity. Highlights of the collection included exquisite ceramics, intricate jade carvings, and masterfully crafted paintings that reflect the profound artistry and historical significance of
Top-Selling Lots
Lot 139, A Chinese Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Luohan Bed
Lot 139 Chinese Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Luohan Bed—Achieving an extraordinary final sale price of nzd $151,800, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of NZD $22,000—$40,000. The Luohan bed, crafted from Huanghuali wood, captivated bidders for its elegance and craftsmanship. Huanghuali, a rare species of rosewood known for its rich, translucent grain and distinctive aroma, is highly prized in Chinese antique furniture. Its scarcity and unmatched durability have made it a symbol of status and refined taste since the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Lot 137, A Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Ming-style Long Table
Lot 137 Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Ming-style Long Table – Achieved NZD $107,550 against a pre-auction estimate of NZD $18,000—$38,000. The stunning craftsmanship and choice of Huanghuali wood made it a standout piece, drawing fierce competition from collectors.
Lot 131, A Chinese Huanghuali Double-sided Writing Desk
Lot 131 Chinese Huanghuali Double-sided Writing Desk—Achieved NZD $35,850 against a pre-auction estimate of nzd $15,000—$30,000. This finely crafted desk showcases the exquisite qualities of Huanghuali wood, with its rich grain and historical significance in Chinese furniture design.
Lot 130, A Pair of Chinese Early-Mid Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Four-Post Official Hat Chairs
Lot 130 Pair of Chinese Early-Mid Qing Dynasty Huanghuali Four-Post Official Hat Chairs— Estimated at NZD $8,000—$12,000, this elegant pair sold for NZD $41,825, reflecting the high demand for Huanghuali-crafted furniture.
Lot 83, A Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Canton Famille-rose 'Figurals' Big Bowl
Lot 83 Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Canton Famille-rose 'Figurals' Big Bowl—This beautifully decorated bowl, estimated at just NZD $1,600—$2,500, achieved an impressive final sale price of NZD $48,995, highlighting its artistic and historical value.
Lot 155, A Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Ware Large Vase
Lot 142, A Chinese Early to Mid Qing Dynasty Old Huanghuali Large Brush Pot
Lot 155 A Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Ware Large Vase with Blue Ground, Gilded Cartouches, and Painted Figures, Birds, and Flowers (Dai Nippon Kin-kō-zan Zō Produce) — Price Realised incl. bp: nzd $19,350 from an estimate of NZD $20,000—$30,000.
Lot 142 A Chinese 18th to 19th Century Early to Mid Qing Dynasty Old Huanghuali Large Brush Pot. Price Realised incl. bp: NZD $13,145 from an estimate of NZD $6,000—$10,000
There was competitive bidding both in-person and online, with collectors vying for the unique pieces that characterise the Tui Collection.
All major pieces from this auction received multiple bidders and significant engagement. The event not only underscored the growing appreciation for Asian art in the global market but also affirmed Webb's reputation as a leader in high-value auctions across Australasia.
'We are thrilled with the outcome of today's auction. The Tui Collection represents an extraordinary journey through Asian art, and we are proud to have facilitated its successful transition to new collectors who value its cultural significance,' said Tom Pan, Head of Asian Art at Webb's Auction House.
The success of the Tui Collection auction is a testament to Webb's commitment to curating and presenting exceptional art collections, further solidifying its position as New Zealand's premier auction house for fine art and collectibles. The market is looking for quality Asian art pieces and, as this auction showed, is prepared to pay the price for them.
A Journey Through Asia: The Tui Collection & The Dunlop Legacy 亞洲藝蹤：Tui家族珍藏與Dunlop夫婦遺珍
Live Auction | Sunday 18 May, 2pm
+64 21 045 0118
asianart@webbs.co.nz
Tom Pan
Head of Asian Art
Webb’s Asian Art department specialises in bringing exquisite Asian art and artefacts to market and we are currently seeking entries for our upcoming September Live auction.
We are particularly interested in high-quality Asian carvings, ceramics, jade pieces, bronzes, textiles, scrolls, art, lacquerware, furniture, homewares and other items and we have the expertise and resources to market single, important objects as well as entire collections.
Our team has ushered exceptional results for our clients and the New Zealand market continues to see growing interest in this field, making this an auspicious time to consign your valuable pieces.
Please feel free to contact our team of specialists to discuss your auction needs or to obtain a complimentary appraisal.
