Rare Asian and Continental Live/Online Auction to Be Held January 16, 2016

Important Collection From Chateau L'Hesperit in Montravel, France, to be Auctioned Off January 16 in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota Estate Auction has secured one of the most important collections of Asian, Continental and international art and antiques, formerly housed in the Chateau L'Hesperit in Montravel, France. "A collection this rare and significant hardly ever comes to auction," said Andrew Ford, co-owner of Sarasota Estate Auction with his wife, Elizabeth Lathrop Ford.

More than 300 lots – including paintings, furniture, glass, sculpture and artifacts – will continue to be auctioned off on Saturday, January 16, February 27 and March 26.  

The collection includes a large number of Buddhist antiquities and other items from Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand. There are Chinese pieces from the Chien Lung, Song and Ming dynasties to the 20th century, including sculpture, porcelain and statuary. Collectors will find life-size Guanyin white jade figures, classical Huanghuali Chinese furniture, outdoor sculpture including a remarkable dragon fountain, and replicas of some of the third-century BCE Terracotta Army warriors buried with the first emperor of China.

"We are thrilled to be the exclusive brokers of this amazing private collection," Ford said. "Because it is such a large collection, we have been auctioning it off a bit at a time along with items from other collections, with the main Asian auction to be held in January."

Sarasota Estate Auction is located at 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota, Florida. The auctions will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Complimentary beer, wine and refreshments will be served. Prospective bidders may preview auction items at the showroom Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday before the auctions from 10 a.m. to noon, or they may view the catalog and place online bids at www.SarasotaEstateAuction.com. The buyer's premium is 18% for house bidding, and 21% for online bidding (2% off for cash and local checks).

For reserve seating at the auctions, please call (941) 359-2500. To inquire about consigning high-quality items in future auctions, call (941) 366-8400 or (941) 650-8854. Website: sarasotaestateauction.com. AU #4555, AB #3375.