Akiba Antiques Presents Decorative Art From Around the World This March

Even as much of America experiences record-low temperatures, Akiba Antiques plans for warmer days with its Marching Into Spring sale. The auction house regularly offers lots from a diverse group of categories. The Marching Into Spring auction is no exception, headlined by a particularly wide range of decorative art pieces.

One of the featured lots is a pair of 19th-century French planters in doré or “gold-colored” bronze (estimate: USD 2,000 – $6,000). A floral pattern wraps around both of them, while other details of the elaborately-decorated planters reference Greco-Roman art.

An available 20th-century Lalique Bacchantes vase (estimate: $1,000 – $3,000) also alludes to the Romans. Bacchantes, female worshippers of the wine-making god Bacchus, dance around the vase. In their time, the Bacchantes’ rituals were elaborate, involving fawn skins and helmets. But in artworks such as this vase, their traditions are simplified to an intoxicated dance.  

The Bacchantes vase was produced by French glassmaking company Lalique. The company rose to prominence in the early 20th century under founder René Lalique. After René’s passing, his son, Marc Lalique, shifted the company’s focus toward lead glass and crystal. The vase available in this auction is likely an example of the company’s work under Marc Lalique’s leadership.

Antique dinnerware is also available, including a plate depicting Queen Louise of Prussia (estimate: $200 – $2,000). Despite ruling alongside her husband during the turbulent Napoleonic Wars, Louise was well-revered among her people. Even after Prussia’s defeat, Louise’s in-person meeting with Napoleon to negotiate terms of defeat increased her popularity. This hand-decorated plate shows Queen Louise with a crown and white dress, surrounded by floral decorations. 

Other noteworthy tableware items include a sterling silver water pitcher (estimate: $200 – $2,000) and a set of 12 ice cream forks (estimate: $100 – $1,000). Both were produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, based in Providence, Rhode Island.

Rounding out the featured decorative art lots are several vibrantly-colored pieces from Hungary’s Herend Porcelain Manufactory. In 1858, the company experimented with a fishnet pattern for its figurines. Its gamble paid off, and eventually, Herend became synonymous with the style. A few contemporary examples are on offer in the Marching Into Spring sale, including a set of two dog figurines, as well as a polar bear capturing a fish (estimate for each: $20 – $200).

In total, Akiba Antiques will present 662 lots in this March sale, including fine art, furniture, and many more decorative art pieces. Auction Daily recently sat down with the co-owner of Akiba Antiques, Alexander Anapolsky, to discuss the diverse nature of their sales. “We like to have something for everybody,” Anapolsky told Auction Daily, “I think our auctions reflect that.”

Akiba Antiques’ Marching Into Spring auction begins on March 2nd, 2021, at 12:00 PM EST. Those interested can register to bid on LiveAuctioneers or read Auction Daily’s extended coverage, which highlights the sale’s wide array of Asian antiques.