Bonhams Previews Asia Week 2012

"This is our first highlights preview and reception in our new office," said Martin Gammon, managing director of Bonhams auctioneers and appraisers in Georgetown. Thursday evening brought out trustees from the Sackler Gallery and other invited guests for a sneak peek at rare art that Bonhams will be selling later this month at Asia Week 2012, the annual citywide New York event celebrating art from China, India, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas and Southeast Asia.

It was collector and appraiser, Osborne Mackie's first visit to the M Street office/gallery, "I'm so excited that Bonhams is now here in D.C." With a passion for 18th century American furniture, and French and English ceramics, "it's great to have experts nearby." 

Japanese art expert, Jeffrey Olson explained that sagemono, the containers worn suspended from the obi were carried that way because Japanese don't have pockets in their kimono. 

Jim Bell, founder and managing partner of Beasley Real Estate and associate Eric Tomlinson were on hand to congratulate their friend Gammon and survey the fine paintings and delicate objects.

On March 20th, Bonhams will host a sale of over 150 fine Chinese snuff bottles from three private collections. Chinese fine art specialist, Bruce MacLaren described these"remarkably collectible" and intricately carved  porcelain, agate, stone, jade, enamel over gold and glass bottles that started being made "when tobacco came to China in the 1670's."

Read about  Bonhams Asia Week collection here.

And what's next for Bonhams? Gammon, whose specialty is rare books and manuscripts, was eager to share that "Mapping in America," a collection of rare books about the county's founding, will be arriving this spring.

Bonhams is located on the second floor at 2902 M Street. Tel: 202.333.1696