DuMouchelles


409 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48226
313-963-6255

About Auction House

DuMouchelle Art Galleries, Inc. is a fine art auction house, founded in 1927 and located in downtown Detroit, across from the landmark Renaissance Center. DuMouchelles attracts notable consignments and commands top prices in the international auction marketplace. Drawing on our nearly 100 years in business, our experts provide personalized service to individuals, families and estate settlement professionals to buy and sell fine objects from around the country.

Auction Previews & News

11 Results
  • Auction Preview
    DuMouchelles to Feature Romare Bearden Collage in Upcoming Two-Day Sale

    Born in North Carolina and raised in New York City, the American artist Romare Bearden grew up amid the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Notable artists and intellectuals such as W. E. B. DuBois, Duke Ellington, and Countee Cullen frequently visited the Bearden home during this time. These early influences exposed a young Romare Bearden to jazz, the blues, and art, interests that would later propel a successful career in fine art and collage. A 1971 collage and mixed media work by Bearden will soon be available at auction with DuMouchelles. This work is signed in the lower left and depicts the outline of a woman stretched out on a rug or bedspread. It comes to auction in its original frame.  Bidders can also consider an oil on canvas panel painting by Guy Carleton Wiggins in this upcoming sale. The son of a famous American landscape painter, Guy Carleton Wiggins followed the family tradition and spent a lifetime painting New York City street scenes. The offered work by Wiggins offers a view down Fifth Avenue in the wintertime. Snow covers the busy street, which is filled with pedestrians, cars, and horse-drawn carts. Beyond paintings, the catalog includes an early 19th-century French imperial guard saber, a set of lithographs and accompanying carrying case by John Lennon, and a selection of furniture. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full The December 2023 Auctions: Day Two catalog and find other online auctions. 

  • Auction Preview
    Green Patinated Bronze Sculpture by Marshall Fredericks & Francisco Zúñiga Lead Day 2 of DuMouchelles’ The June 2023 Auctions

    Leading Day 2 of DuMouchelles' June 2023 Auctions is Marshall Fredericks’ bronze sculpture titled Leaping Gazelle. It is a large green patinated bronze sculpture standing 31 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Marshall Fredericks (1908 - 1998) was an American of Scandinavian heritage. Fredericks was best known for his outdoor sculptures and public monuments like Man and the Expanding Universe Fountain in Washington D.C. and Fountain of Eternal Life in Cleveland, Ohio. Also by Fredericks is Seated Baboon, a series of five patinated bronze sculptures of baboons. Another noticeable bronze sculpture in the catalog is Mujer e Nin by Francisco Zúñiga. It is a green/brown patina bronze sculpture completed and signed on February 12, 1962. It comes with an original invoice signed by Zúñiga. José Jesús Francisco Zúñiga Chavarría (1912 - 1998) was a Costa-Rican-born Mexican artist listed as one of the 100 most notable Mexicans of the 20th century by journalist Fernando González Gortázar. He is also considered to be the best sculptor of the Mexican political modern style, known for his painting and his sculptures, most of which depict unapologetically, unassumingly posing women. This second day of the auction also offers fine art, furniture, jewelry, watches, pop culture, and more. View the complete catalog of The June 2023 Auctions: Day 2 and other online auctions and register to bid at Bidsquare.

  • Auction Preview
    Persian Isphahan Rug Designed by Abbas the Great Is Offered in DuMouchelles’ June 2023 Auctions

    Shah Abbas I, commonly known as Abbas the Great, moved the Safavid government to Isfahan, the new capital of Iran, in 1597-98. He did so to revive the national economy. Abbas courted foreign traders and made commercial agreements with several European countries by increasing carpet and textile production in state workshops. Chinese potters and their families settled in Iran to capitalize on the vogue for Chinese ceramics. The Shah then relocated Armenians who controlled much of the Persian end of a bustling international silk trade. Abbas I also halted the encroachments of the Mughals and Ottomans by creating a new standing army to restabilize Iran's territories. Day 1 of DuMouchelles’ June 2023 Auctions kicks off with an allover Shah Abbas design Persian Isfahan rug. This hand-woven wool and silk rug has an allover floral design, ivory background, and a nude peach border— the signature style of Isfahan carpets. Some of the world's most expensive rugs have hailed from Isfahan. They are incorrectly known as Polish rugs because of the trade route between Persia and Poland. Jewelry such as a 3.40-carat diamond ring is another notable lot in the sale. It is an 18-karat gold, size four ring studded with diamonds. The central diamond is pear-shaped with VS2 clarity and J color. It is accented with eight marquis, brilliant-cut diamonds, and 20 princess-cut diamonds, appraised by Rottermond Jewelers. View the complete catalog of The June 2023 Auctions: Day 1 event and find more online auctions on Bidsquare.

  • Artists, Auction Industry
    Artist to Know: Huang Binhong

    DuMouchelles Offers Ink Painting by Chinese Literati Painter Who Advanced Modernism Huang Binhong spent the early days of his career lost in histories of the past. Huang was an early 20th-century Chinese painter, connoisseur, and art historian who unexpectedly found himself at the threshold of radical change later in life. He chose to balance the preservation of the past with the development of a new future. Huang’s brush-and-ink paintings occupy an unusual space in the Chinese art canon, one that hints at the Modernism that came to dominate the 20th century.  On the second day of DuMouchelles’ upcoming September Collection sale, a watercolor and ink painting by Huang Binhong will be available. The auction begins at 11:00 AM EDT on September 10th, 2021. Before placing a bid, learn more about Huang Binhong’s life and legacy. Statue of Huang Binhong in Hangzhou, China, [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons. Art was a constant presence in Huang Binhong’s early life. The grandson of famed painter Huang Fengliu, the younger Huang received art training from Chen Chunfan as a young man in Zhejiang province. Huang also started collecting art at a young age. This hobby fascinated him and inspired a deeper interest in art history. Though Huang studied the artistic output of previous dynasties, his political views were staunchly against the Manchu dynasty in the early 1900s. His revolutionary activities eventually brought trouble. Huang was forced to flee his home and take refuge in Shanghai. He spent the next several decades publishing art books and editing for various journals, newspapers, and other publications.  Huang painted some original works during this period but remained focused on his publishing efforts until 1937. That year, the National Government of the Republic of China hired Huang to appraise and verify the authenticity of various paintings at the Palace Museum in Beijing. At the time, appraisals did not yet benefit from scientific and chemical advancements. It depended entirely on a culture of connoisseurship that drew from firsthand experience, art education, and the appraiser’s knowledge of painting principles. Connoisseurs such as Huang also had to mind the long history of…

  • Auction Preview
    DuMouchelles Friday, May 15th Auction

    From the 1750s to date, the Chippendale style has been popular in furniture design. It is characterized by simple and elegant designs, a departure from the French Rococo style. Its popularity helped Thomas Chippendale become one of the leading cabinetmakers of the 18th century. The upcoming DuMouchelles auction features a Chippendale-style mahogany dining set from the 1920s. The complete set includes a table with claw feet, two armchairs, four side chairs, a sideboard, and a china rack cabinet with four glass doors. Over 350 lots will be presented in this sale, including jewelry, decorative art, weavings, and furniture pieces. A pair of 14-karat white gold and diamond earrings is especially highlighted. Each diamond is set in a halo motif. Flatware and tea services will also be available, as well as a Persian Tabriz wool rug woven with a Biblical scene. It shows Lot's wife being turned to stone as Lot and his daughters proceed away from Sodom. View the complete catalog and register to bid on DuMouchelles.  

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Paintings, Sculpture & Decorative Arts

    The upcoming Fine Paintings, Sculpture & Decorative Arts auction, presented by DuMouchelles, will include fine art, furniture, jewelry, sculpture, rugs, and more. Occupying the top lot of the sale is an oil painting created by Neoclassical painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau. The piece, titled Petites Maraudeuses, depicts two sisters escaping with a basket of stolen apples. The older sister can be seen gently helping the younger one off a wall.  Another highlight of the sale is a bronze fountain raised on a two-tiered base with a shell motif along the top edge. It depicts the “Three Graces,” who have putto at their feet and a floral garland cascading between them. The figures together hold a large scalloped shell above their heads. Also among the notable lots is a 19th century English ebonized curio Wedgwood, a 0.55 carat solitaire diamond ring, and a Persian pure silk carpet with a floral motif. A vintage three-piece drum set by Leedy and Ludwig and a blue porcelain duck figurine by Herend will be presented as well. The duck figurine has a fish scale pattern accented by a gold beak. To view the complete collection and register to bid online, visit Invaluable.

  • Auction Preview
    DuMouchelles Saturday, January 18th Auction

    Danish silversmith Georg Jensen first established his Copenhagen brand in 1904. He was greatly influenced by Art Nouveau silhouettes as well as then-burgeoning Modernism; both would ultimately contribute to his signature aesthetic. Two items by Georg Jensen are highlighted in the upcoming auction offered by DuMouchelles: a cosmos pattern seven-piece sterling tea service set and a cactus pattern 98-piece flatware set. Other notable lots in this sale include a yellow gold diamond ring with a single teardrop-shaped diamond in the center; a Pewabic Pottery magnum vase in lavender, cobalt, and copper tones; and a Walter Durfee grandfather clock with nine hollow tube chimes. The latter clock cabinet is made of mahogany with a slightly arched pediment at the top, brass banding at the sides, and a glass door at the front of the body. Rounding out the collection is a color lithograph by Costa Rican artist Francisco Zuniga. To view the complete auction catalog and register for bidding, visit Invaluable. 

  • Auction Preview
    DuMouchelles Friday, January 17th Auction

    DuMouchelles’ upcoming auction will feature a variety of coins, firearms, rugs, jewelry, and collectibles. Rising to the top of the auction is a Shield-Nickel coin from the 1880s. This version was one of the last Shield Nickel editions ever produced. The coin featured in the auction is among the only known survivors of the 3,100 minted coins. A capped bust sterling silver coin is another numismatic highlight of the sale.  Among the notable lots is a 19th-century Belgian rifle with a gold inlay Liege mark, as well as an 11-piece Meyer Gunther martini dining set. An available Indo-Persian rug bears alternating floral designs on a dark red background. The central medallion is multicolored and surrounded by squares. Additional lots include a hand-painted six-panel screen, a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and a pair of Chinese Republic Famille Rose vases. The latter pieces depict two male figures: one is seated, holding an incense burner, while the other stands and holds a flower. To browse the entire collection and register to bid online, visit Invaluable.

  • Auction Preview
    Fine & Decorative Arts, Furniture & Jewelry

    Fine & Decorative Arts, Furniture and Jewelry auction, offered by Dumouchelles, is the synonym of variety & distinctiveness. The collection includes Pewabic and Chinese pottery, 19th century to contemporary European and American fine art and over 45 listings of jewelry, and vintage furniture. Featuring 433 lots of items, William Buck Stratton Pewabic Pottery Pitcher is among the interesting items. It showcases a luster glaze boasting cobalt, brass and lavender tones with the playful designs incised to the bodice. Alongside a 19th century, two Civil War Gutta Percha Daguerreotype depicting elaborately decorated gilt frame declaring "Union Now and Forever" sits 5.75 carat natural violet-blue sapphire with the highest estimated value of $52,000. For more infinitely valuable lots visit Dumouchelles website.

  • Auction Preview
    Fine & Decorative Arts, Furniture & Jewelry

    DuMouchelles presents its finest finds in the Fine & Decorative Arts, Furniture & Jewelry auction. The auction will have a well-curated display of arts, ancient artifacts, paintings, furniture, jewelry, and more. The most accentuating collectible of the auction is the bright blue Corundum Sapphire white gold ring. The Baker, a Georgian breakfront styled China cabinet in mahogany wood, the elegant and colorful Settee displaying intricate floral designs made by Kindel Furniture and the interesting and unique Maitland-Smith, regency style, game table and others form a part of the furniture collection.  Imparting the true vibe of modern history is the electric 'Warhol' chandelier made of a brass frame and glass accents. Silver ware of different kinds by Wallace Sterling in the "Grand Baroque" pattern and rugs of different makes and patterns belonging to different provenance are a few other highlights of the auction. The “Knabe” grand piano also takes place among the most sought-after collectibles of the auction. Other items like porcelain figures, bronze statues, pocket watches, glassware and many more will also be a part of the auction. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on DuMouchelles.

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Arts, Furniture & Collectibles

    A much-awaited collection, consisting of the finest finds by DuMouchelles are to be presented at the Fine Arts, Furniture & Collectibles auction. A variety of fine art paintings will be hosted, among which the “Orientalist” by Fortuny claims the highest bid. Jewelry of different kinds dominate the auction with some attractive fine works, like the stunning ruby and diamond studded white gold ring and the bold and beautiful pink sapphire gold ring. Rare collections on display include coins and rugs belonging to different provenance and furniture like the wood & glass cabinet by Union National Chinoiserie and the Mahogany dining room set by Limberts. The auction will host many antiques like silverware, vases, vintage telephone sets, glass and porcelain ware, bronze sculptures, terracotta items and more. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on DuMouchelles.

  • Press Release
    Joseph DuMouchelle Achieves More Than $100,000 Per Carat For An Emerald At May 24 Jewels & Timepieces Auction

    Important colored gemstones ruled the sale, which included six natural Colombian emeralds and fetched a total of $1.78 million NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 26, 2017) - Estate jewelry auction house Joseph DuMouchelle achieved more than $100,000 per carat for an emerald at its May 24th sale, which included a total of six natural Colombian emeralds as well as unheated Burma, Kashmir and Ceylon sapphires and unheated Burma rubies and spinels. A 3.30ct natural Colombian emerald achieved $104,166 per carat, setting a near-record price per carat for an unmounted Colombian emerald and definitively setting a record price per carat for a Colombian emerald of its size. "What is interesting is that these emeralds are relatively small when compared to some of the emeralds that have broken records for price per carat in past auctions," says president and founder Joseph DuMouchelle. "Other important emerald sales have all dealt with stones of 8 carats or higher and more commonly of 15 carats or higher -- but the highest price per carat of an emerald in yesterday's sale was only 3.30ct. I think the results prove that quality is just as important as quantity when it comes to rare and important colored stones." The record for price per carat for an emerald is held by Elizabeth Taylor's 23.46ct Colombian emerald in a Bulgari pendant, which fetched $280,000 per carat in 2011. Joseph DuMouchelle is now accepting items for its upcoming June 2017 auction. Lot 81: A 3.58ct natural Colombian emerald, estimate $20,000/$40,000, lot sold for USD 118,750 ($33,170/ct) Lot 83: A 2.90ct natural Colombian emerald, estimated $10,000/$20,000, lot sold for USD 66,250 ($22,844/ct) Lot 85: A 3.30ct natural Colombian emerald, estimated $15,000/$20,000, lot sold for USD 343,750 ($104,166/ct) Lot 87: A 2.74ct natural Colombian emerald, estimated $15,000/$20,000, lot sold for USD 175,000 ($63,868/ct) Lot 96: An 11.42ct natural Colombian emerald, estimated $50,000/$80,000, lot sold for USD 387,500 ($33,931/ct) Lot 97: A 3.68ct natural Colombian emerald, estimated $15,000/$25,000, lot sold for USD 131,250 ($35,665/ct) Lot 84: A 5.21ct natural unheated blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, estimated $15,000/$25,000, lot sold for USD 23,740 ($4,558/ct) Lot 88: A…

  • Auction Industry
    Important and Rare Colored Diamonds and Colored Stones to Top Joseph DuMouchelle’s November Auction

    The November 17 sale includes a 6.64-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond, a 1.06-carat fancy pink diamond ring and a 24.55-carat unheated Burmese ruby NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 14, 2016) - When estate jewelry auctioneer Joseph DuMouchelle holds its last auction of the year on November 17, it will include a dazzling array of hues in colored diamonds and other colored gems. Among the top lots in the holiday sale are a 6.64-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond in an oval cut, a 1.06-carat fancy pink diamond ring accented with pink diamonds, a 24.55-carat unheated Burmese ruby ring and a 3.42-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire Art Deco ring. "The colored diamonds and stones in this sale are stunning not only for their fancy hues, they are also natural," says president and auctioneer Joseph DuMouchelle. "We are committed to selling high-quality, non-heated, natural gems, which have proven time and again to retain their values." Joseph DuMouchelle will be previewing the sale Tuesday, November 15th and Wednesday, November 16th in New York from 11 am to 5 pm at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. About Joseph DuMouchelle Joseph DuMouchelle is an estate jewelry and art auction house that specializes in the sales of important gemstones and signed jewelry, either through auction or private sale. With more than 20 years of experience and a 90-year-old family legacy of expertise in art, antiques and auction, Joseph DuMouchelle has become a preeminent force in the estate jewelry industry. The company's locations in New York City; Birmingham, Michigan; and Palm Beach, FL, as well as frequent travel to clients around the world has helped the auction house to uncover and find rare and important goods. Joseph DuMouchelle, G.G., President,�?? has been in the auction industry for more than 30 years and is a third generation auctioneer. He is a Graduate Gemologist, G.I.A., and has A.S.A. and I.S.A. training and education. Mr. DuMouchelle is an industry expert in the evaluation and appraisal of jewelry, gems, fine art, antiques and personal property and as an auctioneer, Mr. DuMouchelle has been personally involved in the sale of hundreds of millions…

  • Auction Industry
    Joseph DuMouchelle Achieves $1.8 Million in Its August Fine Jewels Auction

    ​Estate jewelry auction house Joseph​ DuMouchelle​ showed no sign of a summer slowdown at its August 11th ​"Le Petite" Diamonds and Fine Jewels​ auction. The sale, which contained only 19 lots, grossed $1,819,812.50 and achieved a 90 percent sale rate. Eleven of the items surpassed their pre-sale estimates, including Lot 8, an Art Deco platinum, yellow gold and emerald lady's ring with a 13.88-­carat fancy vivid yellow diamond. Estimated at $400,000-600,000, the ring brought $1,062,500. Lot 7: Platinum and 10.79-carat emerald cut diamond lady's ring, fetched $118,750 at Joseph DuMouchelle August 11th auction. Photo courtesy Joseph DuMouchelle Lot 8: Art Deco platinum, 18k yellow gold and 13.88-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond and emerald lady's ring, fetched $1,062,500 at Joseph DuMouchelle's August 11th sale. Photo courtesy Joseph DuMouchelle "August is normally a time when everyone -- especially European buyers -- are on vacation, but it didn't seem to be the case for this sale," says president and auctioneer Joseph DuMouchelle, who, with co-­founder Lindy Adducci, previewed the auction at New York's Lotte Palace Hotel August 9th and 10th. "Buyers don't want to miss out on exceptional gems and jewelry, and they were willing to come back from holiday travel to preview and bid on these diamonds, colored stones and signed jewelry items. The fancy vivid yellow diamond was an especially rare stone and not one that collectors and connoisseurs of colored diamonds wanted to miss out on having the chance to own." Lot 9: Platinum and 15.76-carat emerald-cut diamond lady's ring, fetched $275,000 at Joseph DuMouchelle's August 11th auction. Photo courtesy Joseph DuMouchelle Lot 10: Art Deco, platinum, sapphire and diamond lady's ring, with GIA report of sapphire as Kashmir origin and AGL report of "Undeterminable with a high degree of certainty." Fetched $175,000 at Joseph DuMouchelle's August 11th auction. Photo courtesy Joseph DuMouchelle

  • Auction Industry
    DuMouchelles Art Galleries: Rare Olympics Collection Goes to Auction Block

    Over the many years of Olympic competitions, "going for the gold" has always been about athleticism, national pride and striving for excellence. But no matter where the games have been celebrated, each event has had its own special significance in both sports annals, as well as in world history. From left: Rare 'National Olympic Committee' Badge, 1936 Berlin Olympics Relay Bearer's Torch, 1932 Los Angeles Olympics Program Now pieces of that history are set to go to auction at DuMouchelles Art Galleries on Friday, August 19th in Detroit when they will auction off a vintage collection of Olympic memorabilia. Included are items from the games of the last century, extending as far back as 1908. "Of particular interest to bidders is a 1936 relay bearer's torch," advised Jerry Anderson, an appraiser for DuMouchelles. "The 1936 games were historic as the first in modern times to conduct a torch relay from Olympia in Greece to the site of the games." Those games were also renowned for the tremendous success of four-time American track and field gold medalist Jesse Owens, as well as the first time that the games were televised. "A lot of those pieces disappeared in the turmoil of World War II," Anderson said. "There weren't that many of them left." Other highlights include programs and brochures from the 1932 Los Angeles games, a vintage postcard collection, hand-made books and autographed photos of American diver Marjorie Gestring -- who, in 1936, at age 13 years, 9 months became the youngest female gold medalist in the history of the summer games. Her record still stands today. Also noteworthy are the collections of over 1,900 pins -- including a unique set of pins designed by countries that unsuccessfully vied for the 2004 games. Limited amounts of these pins were made because there was no need to mass-produce them after their initial presentations. "You don't see these often," Anderson said. "They're very hard to get." Pins were given to dignitaries and committee members in the early years and later were traded amongst athletes as a gesture of goodwill. Rounding out the collection are…