This special offering of deaccessioned duplicates from the rich collection of Letterform Archive will bring to auction graphics, books, posters and examples of typography that will delight any graphic design enthusiast. Within the trove of inspirational material are type specimens from around the world spanning decades of typographical innovation including work from such prominent type foundries as Klingspoor, Schelter & Giesecke, Berthold, Peignot & Fils, Bauer and many others. Also featured is a plethora of design material and books from such luminaries as Eric Gill, Ladislav Sutnar, Herbert Bayer, László Moholy-Nagy, Piet Zwart, Karel Teige, Jan Tschichold, Paul Rand, Lester Beall and many many others. This auction will be held in tandem with Swann Galleries’ annual offering of Graphic Design.

Please Join Us: Virtual Auction Preview Event with Poster House

May 3, 2021 at 3:00PM ET

Letterform Archive, a library and museum in San Francisco, has one of the world’s best collections of typographic history. With over 60,000 objects, there are hundreds of duplicates to be deaccessioned, and the nonprofit org has reserved the rarest of these gems for its first-ever auction. In anticipation of this special event, join Archive founder and curator Rob Saunders, Swann president and auctioneer Nicholas D. Lowry, and Poster House curator Angelina Lippert for an auction preview. You’ll see iconic books, ephemera, type specimens, and other examples of typography, all of which you can add to your own collection while supporting Letterform Archive’s mission to preserve, share, and educate.

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What You Need to Know on Auction Day

This auction will be held live and conducted remotely.

There will not be bidding in the room, though we accept order bids, and interested buyers will be able to participate live via the Swann Galleries App. The app is available in the App Store and on Google Play, which can also be accessed on a desktop at live.swanngalleries.com.

Please note: phone bidding registrations will close the day before the sale at 4pm. 

At this time, our exhibition and auction location at 104 East 25th Street is closed to the public. Private viewings are available by appointment only, and must be arranged in advance. To make an appointment please contact the specialist.

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Specialist

Nicholas D. Lowry

Director, Vintage Posters

[email protected]

Designed by Jean Royère in the 1950s for the Majdalani Family Home in Beirut, this Group will be Offered at Auction for the First Time in the London Design Auction on 30 June

LONDON – 21 APRIL 2021 – Phillips is pleased to announce an exceptionally rare group of 17 pieces designed between 1955-1958 by Jean Royère to be offered in the London Design sale on 30 June. These previously unseen pieces have remained in the Majdalani family collection ever since they were commissioned directly from Royère, and they will be unveiled at Phillips Berkeley Square this summer. This collection of works presents rare Royère designs including a sofa, two ‘Crapaud’ armchairs, side tables, a ‘Flaque’ coffee table, a cabinet, a wall mounted console, a ‘Bouquet’ eight-armed chandelier, two beds, and a dressing table, among others.

Elie Massaoutis, Head of Design, France and Senior International Specialist, said “We are delighted to present for the first time this remarkable group of works designed by Jean Royère for the family of his friend and business partner Nadim Majdalani. It is extremely rare to find a Royère group such as this and incredible that these works have remained together in the Majdalani family collection since their execution. We look forward to unveiling these truly unique pieces in our London galleries on Berkeley Square in June.”

Throughout Jean Royère’s career he travelled extensively and sought out new markets across the world. After meeting the architect Nadim Majdalani in Paris in the 1940s and following the marked success of the Jean Royère et Aladin gallery established in Cairo in 1946, Royère and Majdalani decided to open an office of design and architecture together in Beirut. Their collaboration, which went on until the late 1960’s, comprised a large number of residential and commercial projects throughout Lebanon. Nadim Majdalani continued to introduce Royère to many prospective clients in Lebanon, including his cousin Dr Oscar Majdalani, who commissioned the present designs for his family home in Beirut between 1955 and 1958.

Auction: 30 June 2021

Auction viewing: 23 – 30 June 2021

Location: 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/UK050121

After setting a historic record for online sales worldwide with the Dubai auction 15 days ago

(US$ +14 million for a 100% online watch auction) and with the makings of one in HK on May 22nd, Christie’s is on its way to a championship season in the watchmaking field.

This is the day. Join us on Saturday, May 22^nd, 2021 for:

• The first historic “Evening Watch Sale” hosted by Christie’s in HK (May 22^nd at 7pm).
• The Auction of the Decade in Asia, with renowned museums and collectors from around the world in attendance. A sale of this importance only happens once every 10 years.
• 18 lots of breathtaking quality with the potential to break the record for any watch sale ever held in Asia. Est. HKD 77,500,000 – 200,600,000 (US$ 9.9 million – 25.8 million).
• Curated around the theme of ‘The Legends of Time’ ,the sale is a once in a lifetime opportunity to glimpse some of the most extraordinary creations in watchmaking history. The event will take place at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre in an elegant atmosphere.

• ‘The Place to Be’ for viewing and bidding for the most exceptional pieces in the decade, not only for the watch community, but for the whole of high society, and reconnect the auction with the spirit of a social event at the highest level. International press will cover the event combining prestige, the magic of an auction of exceptional objects and the pleasure of being there and being seen – naturally in complete compliance with health regulations.
• Scheduled at 2 pm the same day and curated around the theme of ‘An Exceptional Season of Watches’, a “Day Sale” will precede the evening event. This second sale includes 147 lots with a selection of highly desirable vintage & modern watches, including 56 Patek Philippe & 36 Rolex watches bound to attract watch lovers and keen collectors the world over. Est. HKD 80,801,000 – 147,107,000 / US$ 10.4 million – 18.9 million).
• The two sales on the same day are poised to set an all-time record for an Asian auction, by far surpassing the bar of HKD 157,601,000 – 346,107,000/ US$ 19,700,125 – 43,263,375 – (cf. the last record set by Christie’s at US$ 26 million in November 2019).

Alexandre Bigler, Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific comments: “May 22, 2021 will be a date that will go down in the annals of watch auctions around the world. Asia is poised to witness a new record for the watch market in the region. The evening sale, with 18 fabulous lots that are true ‘Legends of Time,’ will be the auction event of the decade, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most remarkable watchmaking creations ever.  Complemented by a Day Sale on the same day and our online sales, Christies’ Asian watch auction season is one for the record books and will go down in history.”

THE EVENING SALE – THE LEGENDS OF TIME

Gala Event on 22 May 2021 at 7:00PM at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre

Asia – The record-setting ‘Auction of the Decade’. Christie’s Watches Department will be holding the first historic watch standalone evening sale. From the 1800s to the modern era: The extraordinary selection of 18 timepieces curated under the theme ‘The Legends of Time’ is bound to astound the watch loving and collecting community – museums and collectors – with its rarity and outstanding quality. Key highlights below:

EXTRAORDINARY PROVENANCE

Alan Banbery’s yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3448J ‘Senza Luna’ perpetual calendar wristwatch can be described, without exaggeration, as one of the most famous wristwatches in the world. This exceptional and historically important 18K gold automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with an English calendar, prototype leap year indication and ‘no moon’ manufactured in 1970, especially modified by request of Henri and Philippe Stern in 1975 as a unique piece for presentation to Alan Banbery, is an icon. Of immense historical and horological significance, the piece is surely one of the most legendary wristwatches associated with Patek Philippe and it is offered here with the same sense of excitement that accompanies the appearance of any world-class work of art at auction (estimate: HKD 24.8 Million – 40 Million / US$ 3.2 Million – 5.162 Million, please click here for details). 

The Unique ‘Gradowski’ Grande Complication – Patek Philippe’s Earliest Grande Complication Watch. At the time it was made in 1890, this extraordinary horological masterpiece was the most complicated watch Patek Philippe had ever produced. It featured a unique minute repeater with two-train Grande et Petite Sonnerie movement, keyless lever, instantaneous perpetual calendar, indications for both the Julian and Gregorian calendars, moon phases and a chronograph with central 60-minute recorder. The other major patron of Patek Philippe was Henry Graves Jr. from the United States. Of museum quality, this timepiece comes before Graves’s famous Grande Complication, making it even more historically important (estimate: HKD 4 Million – 12 Million / US$ 517,000 – 1.549 Million). 

ENAMEL

Collectors will also discover a selection of stunning enamel timepieces, including a rare Patek Philippe ref. 1415 HU in 18K pink gold. This small (31mm) timepiece from the 1950s is only one of two models known to exist, and this one features a rare and unusual polychrome cloisonné enamel dial. Very few enamel dials of this quality exist today, making this timepiece a highly sought-after collector’s piece (estimate: HKD 8 Million – 24 Million / US$ 1.033 Million – 3.097 Million). 

An extremely rare Patek Philippe ref. 2481J, manufactured 1954, with a unique lighthouse enamel design presented in 18K yellow gold. This centre-seconds timepiece depicts a cloisonné enamel scene depicted in exceptional and flamboyant colours. The timepiece was crafted at a time when enamel paints were of the highest quality thanks to the inclusion of mercury, which is forbidden today. It would thus be impossible to recreate the same colourful scene using contemporary enamels. It is important to note that very few enamel dials of this quality are known to exist, as so few have survived cracks or damage (estimate: HKD 2 Million – 6 Million / US$ 259,000 – 775,000).

EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

As part of a pair, a magnificent and particularly rare musical timekeeper with automaton in 18K gold with pearls and enamel is also presented at the Christie’s Hong Kong evening auction. Attributed to Piguet & Capt. and made for the Chinese market, this horological treasure comes in the form of an amphora and is adorned with the most sublime miniature enamel – attributed to Jean-Louis Richter, renderings that take the object far beyond the art of fine watchmaking alone. The other timekeeper which completes the pair is currently displayed in the Patek Philippe Museum (estimate: HKD 8 Million – 40 Million / US$ 1.033 Million – 5 Million).  

Continuing along the same theme of horological objets d’art, on offer is a perfume spray that comes in the form of a Flintlock pistol featuring a clock in the grip made for the Chinese market. Attributed to Moulinié, Bautte & Cie or J.B.Garrand, Geneva, and decorated to the highest level of hand craftsmanship in 18K gold with enamel and pearls, the pistol sprays perfume when pulling the trigger (estimate: HKD 800,000 – 2.4 Million / US$ 104,000 – 310,000).  

ONE-OF-A-KIND RARITIES

A superstar watch returns to auction. A unique and extremely important platinum Patek Philippe World Time wristwatch manufactured in 1946. There is only one platinum reference 1415 HU in the world. It needs almost no introduction, in 2002 it caused a sensation when it became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction, realizing an astonishing 6,603,500 Swiss Francs, a record that remained unbroken for some years after. Unseen in public since that momentous day in 2002, in the intervening almost two decades, it has gained something approaching mythical status (estimate: HKD 8 Million – 24 Million / US$ 1.033 Million – 3.097 Million). 

Lovers of the Patek Philippe World Time will also be excited to discover an extremely rare Patek Philippe two-crown World Time wristwatch ref. 2523-1 from the 1950s. It is much larger than the other World Timers presented in this sale and thinner than the reference 2523 recognizable by its wide lugs. This piece has a unique dial, as the hands and indexes are enhanced with luminescence. This watch comes with a unique, specially made gold bracelet that is detachable. Only 15 pieces of this reference 2523-1 were produced in 18K yellow gold (estimate: HKD 8 Million – 24 Million / US$ 1.033 Million – 3.097 Million). 

The auction will also feature several exciting one-of-a-kind timepieces, including this rare Patek Philippe ref. 1579R chronograph wristwatch in 18K pink gold. The tachymeter and spider lugs, and especially the unique bezel catch the eye. Manufactured in 1950, this elegant wristwatch has the double signature of Patek Philippe and its original retailer, Gobbi Milano (estimate: HKD 3.2 Million – 6.5 Million/ US$ 413,000 – 839,000). 

THE DAY SALE – An Exceptional Season of Watches

Earlier the same day: 22 May 2021 at 2:00PM at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Day Sale offers 147 lots, including 56 Patek Philippe timepieces (vintage, modern and contemporary) as well as a captivating selection of 36 unusual and high-quality Rolexes, and a unique F. P.  Journe Chronomètre Souverain made for none other than Master Watchmaker George Daniels.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE ROLEXES 

Christie’s will present a remarkable selection of vintage and modern Rolexes, many of which have unique dials or cases that make them of particular interest to collectors. One of the most popular watches in the line-up is the new, and yet extremely hard-to-find, Rolex Daytona Rainbow ref. 116595RBOW in pink gold (estimate: HKD 2.6 Million – 3.6 Million / US$ 336,000 – 465,000). There will also be a rare Rolex Daytona ref. 16519 in white gold with salmon dial made in very small numbers and rare at auction (estimate: HKD 1.5 Million – 3 Million / US$ 194,000 – 388,000). Equally rare is the Rolex Daytona ref. 16528 in yellow gold with a blue dial from the 1990s, claimed to be made for the CEO and board of directors of Rolex (estimate: HKD 2 Million – 4 Million / US$ 259,000 – 517,000). 

Also in the sale, a Rolex Daytona ref. 6240 with a floating ‘Small Daytona’ that is separate from the other lines on the dial. This timepiece comes with all its original features, including the initial pushers and Mark I bezel. It is also in superb condition, making it of particular interest to connoisseurs (estimate: HKD 1 Million – 2 Million / US$ 130,000 – 259,000). A lesser-known model on offer is the Rolex Milgauss Mark I ref. 6541 that comes with the beautiful tropical dial that collectors are particularly fond of (estimate: HKD 2 Million – 3 Million / US$ 259,000 – 388,000). 

The Rolex Submariner ref. 5514 ‘Comex’ (estimate: HKD 1.3 Million – 2.3 Million / US$ 168,000 – 297,000) was originally made for professional industrial divers working at Comex in the South of France. These pieces were never commercialized, making them highly collectible today. Prices have increased dramatically over the last few years. Another interesting Submariner on offer is the Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 (estimate: HKD 1 Million – 2 Million / US$ 130,000 – 259,000). This timepiece has a big crown specially conceived to meet the needs of divers, with its dial showing various patinas and beautiful sweeping tropical patches. 

Two rare manual-winding Rolex Daytonas will also be unveiled. The Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 ‘Solo’ from the 60s that only has the inscription ‘Rolex’ on the dial (estimate: HKD 900,000 – 1.8 Million / US$ 117,000 – 233,000). This solo inscription was soon complemented by ‘Cosmograph’ and ‘Daytona,’ making this model quite remarkable. The second piece is a Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 ‘Cherry’ featuring a big red ‘Daytona’ cherry-coloured logo at the six o’clock position (estimate: HKD 650,000 – 1 Million / US$ 84,000 – 130,000). These red logos were produced early on before being stopped and then reintroduced again in the 1970s, which makes them quite sought-after.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INDEPENDENTS

Christie’s Hong Kong has the very special honour and privilege of presenting a special F. P. Journe timepiece, which Journe made especially for George Daniels, who was his friend, muse, and mentor. During a dinner organized by John and William Asprey in London in 2010, Journe offered Daniels a unique Chronomètre Souverain in platinum that he had made for his friend. The balance wheel is inscribed with “FP to George Daniels, My Mentor 2010” (estimate: HKD 2 Million – 6 Million / US$ 259,000 – 775,000). Click here to know more about the collecting guide of F. P. Journe. 

A rare F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain is for sale in platinum (estimate: HKD 1.4 Million – 2.4 Million/ US$ 181,000 – 310,000), also an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition in platinum (estimate: HKD 1.4 Million – 2.4 Million/ US$ 181,000 – 310,000), joined by a rare Harry Winston Minute Repeater Limited Edition with the most beautiful chime (estimate: HKD 550,000 – 850,000 / US$ 71,000 – 110,000), and a Christophe Claret X-TREM Pinball Tourbillon, one of a very small series (estimate: HKD 500,000 – 1 Million / US$ 65,000 – 130,000).

HIGH JEWELLERY PIECES 

On offer are two magnificent Haute Joaillerie pieces: a Piaget Aura with diamonds and rubies with a splendid bracelet made by the Maison’s artisans (estimate: HKD 650,000 – 1.2 Million / US$ 84,000 – 155,000) and a Chanel’s iconic J12 (estimate: HKD 800,000 – 1.6 Million / US$ 104,000 – 207,000) dressed in black ceramic with baguette diamonds and rubies and a full pavé bracelet with baguette diamonds. Only five pieces were made with this design.

Christie’s Day & Evening auctions are part of Christie’s global spring calendar. With this season, which promises to be the season of all seasons, Christie’s confirms a new successful format of auctions ‘open to the world’ that combines 100% online sales with a small number of prestigious live events (only in HK and Geneva), taking the multicentenary auction house on a firm stride into the future.

Christie’s Hong Kong

Saturday, May 22^nd, 2021 at 2pmDay sale ‘An Exceptional Season of Watches’

Saturday, May 22^nd, 2021 at 7pm                              Evening sale ‘The Legends of Time’

19 May – 2 June 2021                                                     Online sale ‘Watches Online’

To preview the lots curated for the ‘Auction of the Decade,’ please click here: https://www.christies.com/en/auction/important-watches-19858-hgk/

PRESS IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE

Evening Sale lots: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/94csvgu3tl2bsma/AAAoA68g0ZlI_-qEYPbUWApha?dl=0

Day Sale lots: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8mat2a0by0khmt3/AACHZMJp0N-AnzcAEoaaoCwxa?dl=0

the Dunrobin Sale at Bonhams Exceeds All Expectations

The Dunrobin Attic Sale20 Apr 2021Edinburgh

The sale of the contents of the attics and cellars at Dunrobin Castle, family seat of the 25th Earl of Sutherland, was held at Bonhams Edinburgh on Tuesday 20 April. It made £732,528, more than twice its pre-sale estimate, with 98% of the lots sold and 99% by value. The 416-lot sale started at 10am and finished just before 9pm, taking a marathon 11 hours to complete, with four auctioneers taking turns on the rostrum.

Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland is one of the most celebrated and largest Scottish ancestral houses. Expanded during the Victorian era – there are 189 rooms – it was used by the Sutherland family for entertaining during the Scottish season. Queen Victoria herself was a visitor. It required armies of staff to keep the house in operation and inevitably many of the objects in the Bonhams sale came from that era. The house, which is open to the public, was unable to display all the pieces and it was decided to declutter the attics and cellars. Among the treasures discovered were paintings, marble sculptures, crested dinner services, silver platters, historic arms and pistols, tartanware, armorial panels, and an array of objects from the castle’s kitchen, such as oyster stands and Victorian pewter ice cream moulds.

Charlie Thomas, Bonhams Director of House Sales, said: “This treasure trove from the atmospheric attics and cellars of Dunrobin Castle is one of the most extraordinary sales I have ever worked on. These wonderfully diverse objects were held in a time-capsule that evoked a bygone age.”

Charles Graham-Campbell, Bonhams Managing Director, Scotland, said, “With such impeccable and romantic provenance, we had many hundreds of people bidding from all over the world, eager to acquire a piece of history from one of Scotland’s grandest and most historic castles. As we hoped, it proved to be the sale of the season and we are delighted with the result. It shows Bonhams at its best.”

Among the many highlights of the 416-lot sale were:

• A set of four carved oak armorial panels, from The Queen Regent’s House, Blythe’s Close, Edinburgh. Three probably 16/17th century, the fourth 18th century. The third panel shows the impaled arms of the King of Scotland, specifically King James V (1512-1542) and Mary Guise, Duchess of Longville. They were married 1538 at Notre Dame. Their daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), would have displayed the same arms. However, as after her death, these arms would have ceased to be used, it points to the panel being in use for the period 1538-1587. Sold for £17,750 (estimate £4,000 – 6,000).

• A Rare Pair of Scottish All-Metal Flintlock Belt Pistols given by William Gordon, 18th Earl of Sutherland to Captain James Sutherland in 1763 and made by Alexander Campbell of Doune. Captain Sutherland was a member of the Sutherland Fencibles, raised in Scotland from the area of Sutherland and Caithness in 1759 and disbanded in 1799. They were raised solely for the defence of Britain from French invasion by William, 18th Earl of Sutherland (1735-1776). Sold for £44,000 (estimate: £8,000 – 10,000).

• Portrait of Henri III of France by Follower of Etienne Dumonstier (1540-1603). Sold for £9,562 (estimate: £3,000 – 5,000).

A Minton Majolica Four-tier Oyster stand. Sold for £4,462 (estimate: £600 – 800).

• A Minton Majolica Four-tier Oyster stand. Sold for £4,462 (estimate: £600 – 800).

• An Edwardian Silver-Gilt Duchess’ Coronet by Garrard, London 1901. Sold for £11,475 (estimate: £1,000 – 1,500).

• A collection of Victorian Pewter ice cream moulds. Sold for £1,020 (estimate: £80-120).

• Portrait of a Gentleman, thought to be Augustus II, Herzog zu Braunschweig-Luneberg by Jan Anthonisz. Van Ravesteyn. Sold for £12,750 (estimate: £8,000- 12,000).

• A group of five Victorian blue gilt porcelain door finger plates. Sold for £2,805 (estimate: £300 – 400).

• Four Copeland water pails. Sold for £1,785 (estimate: £300 – 400).

• A collection of Victorian Telegraph cables. Sold £5,100 (estimate: £800 – 1,200).

• A collection of Tartanware boxes and objects. Sold for £2,422 (estimate: £1,000 – 1,500).

Online Craft Show Is a Curated, Climate-Conscious Makers’ Market

Craft Optimism, a curated contemporary craft show and online marketplace, opens April 24 and runs through May 1, 2021. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC) and Honoring the Future, a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia. Craft Optimism celebrates creative ideas for responding to climate change. The show features a beautiful collection of handcrafted, or small-batch produced, art in America. Proceeds support grants to the Smithsonian for innovative education, outreach and research projects.

Craft Optimism, the first Smithsonian Craft Show to focus on climate change, builds upon the sponsoring organizations’ experience highlighting outstanding, climate-conscious art. Since 1982, SWC has sponsored the annual Smithsonian Craft Show, widely recognized as a premier American craft show. Since 2015, Honoring the Future has helped to educate the public about climate change by presenting a “Sustainability Award” to the most deserving artist at the Smithsonian Craft Show. In 2020, SWC met the challenge of the pandemic with a virtual craft show, expanding its reach to an even larger national audience.

Artworks eligible for Craft Optimism must meet at least one of the following criteria:

● The artwork is created in a manner that helps to address climate change by fostering energy and water conservation, waterway protection, stormwater management, tree preservation and protection, use of solar or wind energy, waste reduction, use of recycled or repurposed material, urban gardening or other appropriate measures.

● The artwork addresses/reflects the impacts of climate change, including population displacement, glacial ice melt, ocean acidification, extreme weather, droughts, floods, wildfires, species loss or human health effects.

Experts in contemporary craft, including museum curators, gallery owners and craft school educators, will nominate artists who met the eligibility criteria. Collectively, the selected artists offer a wide variety of styles, media and price points.

“Craft Optimism celebrates the power and creativity of a diverse group of craft artists who call attention to an Earth in crisis and offer inventive ideas for curtailing human impacts on the SI-53-2021 environment,” said Fran Dubrowski, director of Honoring the Future. “We are proud to partner with the Smithsonian in sponsoring this trailblazing show.”

About the Smithsonian Women’s Committee

The Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC) is dedicated to advancing the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. Founded in 1966, SWC celebrates fine American craft through the Smithsonian Craft Show. The committee awards grants and endowments throughout the Smithsonian from the funds raised at the shows.

About Honoring the Future

Honoring the Future harnesses the power of art to educate, empower and engage the public on climate change. The nonprofit organization’s art exhibitions and programs spark conversation and inspire action to create a climate smart world. Since 2015, it has sponsored an annual Sustainability Award at the Smithsonian Craft Show to recognize artists whose work “educates the public about climate change or inspires or models a sustainable response to climate change.”

The popular Netflix drama miniseries The Queen’s Gambit, written and directed by Scott Frank, has undoubtedly helped to repopularize the game of chess for both novices and enthusiasts. Interest in collecting chess pieces has never waned, and the market has been competitive for many years.

In the mid 1780’s John Flaxman, Jr., a young sculptor in his early 30’s designed a set of chess pieces for Josiah Wedgwood. Intricately modeled were the king based on the actor John Philip Kemble and queen based on the actress Sarah Siddons, each in the role of a Shakespearean character. The pawns were formed as soldiers in a variety of active poses. Production records show variations in the bases and the color combinations in jasper and other porcelain bodies. As early as circa 1785, Wedgwood offered the sets for sale in their London showroom.

Fast forward to today, and as you can imagine, these sets are scarce when complete. Many collectors will buy individual pieces with the hopes, over their lifetime, to assemble a complete set of 32 pieces, 16 per side.

Skinner is pleased to offer a complete 19th century Wedgwood jasper chess set with white figures and blue and lilac bases. The set, consigned to Skinner for auction by a private New York collector, comes with provenance from the prominent Wedgwood collector, Susan Weitzen, purchased from Rau Antiques in New Orleans in 1996.

Auction achieves over $3.7 million total

Biannual Asian Arts auction realizes impressive $3 million total and 91% sell-through rate.

Freeman’s is delighted to announce the results of its April 8 Asian Arts auction, which featured lively bidding wars between online and phone buyers, resulting in many lots selling well above their pre-sale estimates.

The highlight of the 138-lot auction was the sale of a red-underglaze Meiping “Dragons and Waves” vase, which realized an impressive $2.3 million, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $150,000 – $250,000. The auction achieved over $3.7 million total, with a 91% sell-through rate.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Freeman’s was able to offer such a fine and well-curated collection of Asian art, including various porcelains, jades, and other works of art,” remarked Head of Department Ben Farina. “We were particularly delighted by the reception and performance of the Meiping dragon vase, and feel fortunate to have been entrusted with a number of heirloom collections, which were passed down through several generations.”

Meiping Vase Bidding Steals the Show

The carved and red-underglazed vase that sold for $2.3 million at Thursday’s auction is a rare example of a small group of wares made for the Yongzheng court. The vase received a high opening bid of $1.2 million, followed by competitive bidding from multiple phone bidders.

The vase came to auction at Freeman’s from the Collection of Sheelah M. Langan (1910-1993). Learn more about the vase here.

Chinese Porcelain Lots Shatter Pre-Sale Estimates

The auction kicked off with a bidding war over a Ming dynasty blue and white porcelain large bowl (Lot 1), which sold for $30,240, far surpassing its $5,000 high estimate. This set the stage for several other impressive sale prices for works of Chinese porcelain, including a Chinese puce-enameled porcelain cylindrical brush pot (Lot 16, estimate: $3,000-5,000), which realized $63,000, and a Chinese famille verte-decorated lobed porcelain large bowl (Lot 44, estimate: $4,000-6,000), which realized $22,680. These sales—featuring energetic, aggressive bidding and counter-bidding—underscore the relevance of such artifacts to the contemporary collector.

Screens and Tapestries Command High Prices

Porcelain works weren’t the only lots to fare well at Thursday’s auction. Works like the exquisite Large kesi tapestry “Dragons” panel (Lot 82, estimate: $12,000-15,000) elicited strong interest and realized $63,000. The lush Chinese carved twelve-panel “Coromandel” folding screen (Lot 81, estimate: $20,000-30,000) realized $85,050 following a bidding war sparked by strong market interest in folding screens of this kind.

Additional Sale Highlights

Multiple small Chinese carvings commanded high sale prices, including a Chinese carved rock crystal seal (Lot 93), which sold for $50,400, ten times above its high estimate; a Chinese carved jadeite meiren (Lot 95), which achieved $22,680; and a Chinese carved amber figure of a sage and acolytes (Lot 97), which soared above its $1,000-1,500 estimate to achieve $25,200.

ARTWORK FROM THE SAME SERIES AS THE RECORD-BREAKING WARRIOR

Hong Kong – Christie’s 20th/21st Century Art Department is proud to unveil an important masterpiece by Jean-Michel Basquiat: Untitled (One Eyed Man or Xerox Face), following the successful sale of Basquiat’s Warrior on 23 March, which set a new record for the most expensive Western artwork ever sold at auction in Asia. The painting will be offered in the 20th/21st Century Art Evening Sale on May 24 in Hong Kong, where it will be featured as one of the major highlights of the spring auction season. Building upon the phenomenal results achieved last December in Hong Kong, which witnessed strong buying and bidding from Asian clients, Christie’s continues to present exceptional  works of art by Western artists in Hong Kong.

Untitled (One Eyed Man or Xerox Face) was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, as part of a major exhibition of Basquiat’s works presented in 2015. It was painted in 1982, a year that is widely regarded as one of the most important in Basquiat’s career. It was that year when the young artist began to achieve commercial success and widespread recognition, and when he produced his most energetic, original works. Untitled is from a series of 72 by 48 inch works executed on panel between 1981 to 1982, a series that also includes Warrior. Painted using creative art materials, these works are highly sought after by collectors, and are extremely important in the context of Basquiat’s early career.

Jacky Ho, Vice President, Head of Evening Sale, 20th/21st Century Art, Asia Pacific, stated, “It is truly an honour to be entrusted with yet another spectacular painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most significant artists of the Post-War period. To be able to present this painting in the same season as Warrior testifies to the outpouring of interest and appetite in Asia for top quality artworks by important Western artists.”

Basquiat’s Untitled (One Eyed Man or Xerox Face)

 – Exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – This work was shown in 2015 as part of the retrospective exhibition Jean-Michel Basquiat: Now’s the Time.
 

 – Painted in 1982, the most sought-after year of execution throughout Basquiat’s career. Six out of the top ten records for Basquiat’s works achieved at auction were painted in 1982. The year was extremely important to the artist, both in terms of the career milestones achieved, and the quality of the works he created.
 

 – Part of an important series of works painted on panel – Untitled is part of an identically-sized series of 11 works on panels that Basquiat executed in his prime year between 1981-82, widely considered to be some of his best paintings. Other works from the series include Warrior, La Hara and Irony of Negro Policeman.

 – Strong composition with rich use of mixed media – Depicting a vibrant red body amidst contrasting blue, yellow, black and white, Untitled’s composition is exceptionally strong. Basquiat also demonstrate his highly versatile usage of medium by incorporating acrylic, spray paint and oil stick in addition to collage, creating a textured surface that shows off the profound influence of street art on his work.
 

 – Rare depiction of full-length red figure with iconic crown symbol – Basquiat was known for these almost life-size figures, and this one is shown with arms raised, a halo surrounding his head. On the lower right we can also see a crown, a symbol that would later become a trademark of the artist’s.
 

Notes To Editors

Public Preview (by appointment – [email protected]):

Shanghai | 12 – 13 April | Ampire Building, No. 97 Yuanmingyuan Road

Beijing | 16 – 17 April |  No. 82 Jinbao Street, Dong Cheng District

Taipei | 1 – 2 May | Taipei Marriott Hotel, No. 199, Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei

New York | 5 – 11 May | 20 Rockefeller Plaza, NY 10020

Hong Kong | 21 – 24 May | Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai

Auction:

Hong Kong | 24 May | Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai

The Most Valuable Western Artwork Ever Sold at Auction in Asia

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Warrior, price realised HK$323,600,000

23 March 2021

Other notable world auction records for Western artists achieved at Christie’s Asia in recent years (at the time of auction):

George Condo, Force Field, price realised HK$53,150,000

Dana Schutz, Elevator, price realised HK$50,050,000

Georges Mathieu, Souvenir de la maison d’Autriche, price realised HK$17,290,000

Eddie Martinez, High Flying Bird, HK$15,725,000

Nicolas Party, Still Life, HK$10,450,000

Amoako Boafo, Baba Diop, price realised HK$8,890,000

Mary Corse, Untitled (White/Black Inner Band Beveled), price realised HK$5,000,000

Shara Hughes, High Waters, price realised HK$4,125,000

Joyce Pensato, Sunset Batman, price realised HK$2,250,000

Javier Calleja, Waiting for a while, price realised HK$8,890,000

The Marine Sale21 Apr 2021London, KnightsbridgeA fine Prisoner-of-War boxwood model of the first class ship of the line HMS Foudroyant, French, early 19th century,the case 76 x 89 x 39cm (30 x 35 x 15 1/2in).

Life as a prisoner of war during the French Revolutionary Wars (1892-1802) was nasty and brutish but above all boring. To while away the time, prisoners carved model ships using whatever material was available. A fine early 19th century boxwood example, made by an unknown French prisoner, of the first-class ship of the line HMS Foudroyant, is one of the stars of Bonhams Marine Sale in London on Wednesday 21 April. It is estimated at £18,000-24,000.

Bonhams Senior Picture Specialist Rhyanon Demery said: “This model of HMS Foudroyant is a fascinating insight into the skill and precision French prisoners of war were able to achieve despite the notoriously harsh and crowded conditions they had to endure. It’s in particularly fine condition and I expect a lot of interest from collectors.”

HMS Foudroyant was launched at Plymouth in 1798 and had originally been selected by Horatio Nelson whilst on the stocks to be his flagship in 1797. Unfortunately, she was not ready in time and therefore narrowly missed being the fleet flagship at the Battle of the Nile. In June 1799 at Palermo, Nelson transferred his flag from HMS Vanguard to Foudroyant and she remained his flagship until his return to England in 1800. After a refit, she became the flagship of Lord Keith and was present at the capitulation of the French at Alexandria in 1801.

Other highlights include:

• A royal yacht, men o’war, and two galliots becalmed off a coast by Charles Brooking (British 1723-1759). Consigned from a private collection in France, it is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

• Morning Mist by Montague Dawson (British, 1890-1973). Estimated at £20,000-30,000.

Our April 15, 2021 auction of Printed & Manuscript Americana opens with a noteworthy collection of historical prints which spins a narrative of America stretching from the arrival of Columbus to the start of the Civil War. This collection was compiled over the past three decades by a Virginia gentleman, buying mostly from the leading dealers and auction houses in the field.

Here you can find famed rarities such as the 1776 London engraving of the Romans view of Bunker Hill (lot 22, only one seen at auction since 1973); and unknown gems such as the Battle of Buena Vista lithographed by Frances Palmer (lot 106, none traced in OCLC).

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Also available are beautiful copies of old favorites including the southeast and southwest views of Manhattan from the 1768 Scenographia Americana series (lots 6 and 7); and at least one previously unknown item, a circa 1832 printing of the Constitution featuring a portrait of Washington (lot 60); as well as a few bargains to catch the attention of all ranks of collectors.  

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Colonial America, the Revolution, George Washington, and the War of 1812 are the focal points. Dramatic battle scenes (land and sea) alternate with portraiture of the founding fathers, city views, and a thought-provoking section of allegorical prints which reflect on independent America’s new place in the world after the Revolution.

A small selection of important illustrated books and pamphlets on the Revolution (lots 15, 25, 26, and 40) complements the mezzotints, etchings, lithographs, and copper engravings.