Strong interest nationally and internationally for selections of nearly 75 lots of Antiquities and over 700 lots of Wedgwood, most consigned from a New York City estate that had been in storage for more than two decades, contributed to a $1.79M auction that was 94% sold by lot. Competitive and robust internet and telephone bidding drove consistently strong results for the examples of Apulian and Attic red and black figure wares. An Attic black-figure squat amphora sold for $20,000, and an Apulian red-figured volute-krater sold for and $22,500.
c. 500-480 B.C. Sold for $20,000
The same collector focused on Wedgwood’s version of ancient wares with an extensive selection of encaustic decorated black basalt decorated in the red-figure style. A Wedgwood encaustic decorated black basalt volute-krater vase measuring an impressive 25 inches tall sold for $13,750, and another 20-inch vase, realizing $27,500. Other Wedgwood highlights include a handsome pair of gilded and bronzed black basalt wine and water ewers, selling for $36,250, and a black jasper Apotheosis of Homer vase and cover at $26,250.
Pair of Wedgwood Gilded and Bronzed Black Basalt Wine and Water Ewers, England, late 19th century. Sold for $36,250
The variety of Wedgwood wares in both auctions erased any pre-sale concerns about if the market could support the volume offered. Across the board, items exceeded expectations drawing interest in the US, Europe, and the Asian subcontinent exhibiting the Wedgwood collector base’s expanse.
Over 125 lots of American and European silver crossed the auction block, highlighted by a Russian eight-piece silver tea and coffee service, realizing $22,500. Offerings of decorative arts included a 33-inch tall marble sculpture after Pasquale Romanelli of Madonna del Cardellino, after Raphael’s original selling for $20,000. A sixty-eight piece Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica service sold for $21,250. Skinner will offer an extensive collection of over 300 pieces of Flora Danica in the spring 2021 auction. Furniture was also well represented with a Gillow & Co burlwood desk at $3,375, a handsome pair of Louis XVI-style bergeres at $2,500, and a Dutch marquetry chest at $2,700.
Consignments are welcome for the next auction of European Furniture and Decorative Arts in April 2021.
About Skinner
Skinner attracts top consignments and commands record-breaking prices in the international auction marketplace. With renowned expertise and extraordinary service, Skinner is the place for buyers, sellers and the passionately curious. Skinner appraisers are familiar faces on PBS’s 17-time Emmy Award-nominated ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Visit us in Boston, Marlborough, New York, Maine, or Miami, or online at https://www.skinnerinc.com