Part II of the Famed Burton-Ching Collection Realizes Strong Prices at Bonhams & Butterfields in July

Chinese Rosewood Table

LOS ANGELES, CA.- In the entire world, there are but a handful of companies that attempt the level of furniture making for which West Coast-based Burton-Ching has developed its sterling reputation. On July 13, 2009, international fine arts auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields offered part II of the famed Burton-Ching Collection to a highly enthusiastic crowd.

The summer auction featured an incredible compilation of highly sought after English and Continental reproduction furnishings true to the designs of 18th century cabinetmakers. Each piece in the sale captured the artistry and the craftsmanship, which made European of the period furniture beautiful, graceful and endearing.

"Bonhams & Butterfields was delighted to present Part II of the Burton-Ching Collection to the public. The July auction provided a rare opportunity for collectors, connoisseurs and the interior design community to acquire highly sought after works from the famed Burton-Ching Company," said Jeffrey T. Smith, Vice President and Head of the Furniture and Decorative Arts Department at Bonhams & Butterfields.

The marquee lot from the sale was a stunning 19th Century antique Chinese carved rosewood center table, which sold for $30,500, far surpassing the initial estimate of $12,000-18,000. The circular table was boldly carved and boasted a reticulated apron and inswept legs.

"Although the interest in the high quality and historically accurate Burton-Ching creations was strong, the 19th Century antique Chinese carved rosewood center table was the top lot of the July auction. After several rounds of competitive bidding, both on the phone and in the saleroom, the piece sold for over double its pre-sale estimate," said Smith.

Additional highlights from the auction included a George I style red and gold lacquered bureau bookcase (sold for: $18,300); a George I style black and gold lacquered bureau bookcase (sold for: $15,250); a George I style parcel gilt lacquered secretary bookcase (sold for: $10,370); a George III style fruitwood and chinoiserie vitrine cabinet (sold for: $9,150) and a set of twelve Queen Anne style walnut dining chairs (sold for: $7,320).

A George I style red and gold lacquered bureau bookcase. Beneath a double dome, the interior fitted with document dividers and traditional candle slides. height 7ft 3in; width 40 1/2in; depth 23in. Sold for $18,300

A George I style black and gold lacquered bureau bookcase. Overall chinoiserie decorated with figures in exotic gardens and pavilions.
height 8ft 2 1/2in; width 40in; depth 22in. Sold for $15,250

A George III style fruitwood and chinoiserie vitrine cabinet. Surmounted by a central gilt pagoda over two glazed doors divided by swag mullions. height 7ft 7in; width 4ft 6in; depth 23 1/4in. Sold for $9,150

A set of twelve Queen Anne style walnut dining chairs. Comprising two armchairs and ten side chairs. height of arm chairs 41in; width 25in; depth 24in; height of side chairs 42in; width 23in; depth 24in. Sold for $7,320

The Burton-Ching Company
Sen Ching, the firm's Chief Executive Officer, was apprentice to master craftsmen who taught him to build furniture by hand to the exacting standards of demanding designers across Europe and Asia. In 1976, Ching came to the West Coast and refined his focus from making furniture to restoring and repairing fine period antiques. He became skilled with the meticulous finishing processes that distinguishes Burton-Ching pieces and was soon making custom reproductions for a growing clientele of professional designers. Demand for his exquisite reproductions soared, and in 1995, Ching and his team had founded Burton-Ching Ltd., a company dedicated to providing reproductions of such beauty and quality that they are highly sought after by the public.