Surpassing its $800 to $1,200, After Giambologna, Two Patinated Bronze Allegorical Figures of Astronomy and Architecture Fetches $500,000 in the Lark Mason Associates Series of Asian Art Sales

New York: Amidst the dazzling array of Asian art treasures in the Shahmoon Family Collection Asian, European and Other Works of Art, one of the four sales presented by Lark Mason Associates on iGavelAuctions.com, during Asia Week New York, was one standout that attracted a great deal of excitement and competitive bidding. Surpassing all expectations, After Giambologna, Two Patinated Bronze Allegorical Figures of Astronomy and Architecture achieved a remarkable $500,000 far exceeding its estimate of $800-$1,200. 

Lark Mason, founder of Lark Mason Associates, commented on the electrifying outcome of the Shahmoon sale, noting the exceptional performance of these sculptures from a model by Giambologna, renowned for his connection to the Medici family. “Auctions often deliver surprises, and the success of the Shahmoon sale was truly astounding,” Mason remarked.

According to Mason, the combined sales exceeded an impressive $1.5 million, with  a sell-through rate of eighty-two percent, and thirty-one percent of lots entering extended bidding.

Among the remarkable highlights of the Asian Works of Art sale were several pieces that far surpassed their initial estimates. Notable examples include a Chinese Blue and White Baluster Vase, Daoguang Mark and Period, originally estimated at $7,000-10,000, which sold for $24,375.00. Additionally, a Chinese Reticulated Jade Censer and Cover, initially valued at $1,000-1,500, achieved an impressive $19,513.75, while a Huanghuali Low Kang table, circa 1700, estimated at $10,000-15,000, fetched $19,375.00.

The Collection of Bruce and Barbara Sullivan also featured standout pieces, such as a Pair of Hexagonal Jardinieres from the Qing Dynasty, originally estimated at $700-1,000, which ultimately sold for $18,750.00. Another highlight was a Chinese Carved Yellow Jade Recumbent Phoenix, initially valued at $1,500-2,500, which commanded $20,625.00.

The Collection of Brigadier General Charles A. Coolidge garnered significant attention as well, with notable sales including a Chinese White Jade Monkey Group from the Qing Dynasty, which exceeded its estimate of $1,000-1,500 by fetching $7,187.50. A Chinese Gilt Bronze Cloisonne Circular Box, Qianlong Mark and Period, surpassed expectations with a sale price of $18,125.00, well above its estimate of $5,000-8,000. Additionally, a Chinese Colored Soapstone Seal from the Qing Dynasty, initially estimated at $200-300, sold for an impressive $28,750.00. Of historical importance was a ledger General Coolidge kept of his purchases when he was the commander in charge of the American Legion in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion. It and the associated 70 items listed in the diary fetched a total of $137.000.