Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

19th Century Works Triumph During Sale of European Furniture and Decorative Arts

Bonhams & Butterfields was pleased to offer Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts on September 14, 2009 in Los Angeles. The highly curated 300-lot auction featured a select array of works, showcasing pieces from the 16th through 20th centuries with a focus on English, French, Italian, Spanish and German items.

kingwood-régulateu“The September 14th auction offered a rare selection of works for the discerning buyer including French pieces, German porcelain and European silver. Throughout the sale, strength was seen in the market for 19th century decorative arts demonstrated by strong prices for an impressive Régence style gilt bronze mounted kingwood régulateur and several of the top lots,” said Andrew Jones, Los Angeles Director of European Furniture and Decorative Arts at Bonhams & Butterfields:

The marquee lot of the fall auction was an impressive late 19th century Régence style gilt bronze mounted kingwood régulateur. The ornate piece was comprised of an arched case surmounted by an eagle with a serpent in its talons, resting on an orb and flanked by putti to either side. The clock boasted a circular enamel dial with Roman hours, Arabic minutes and twin train movement striking on a gong. Measuring a prominent 104-inches, the piece brought $85,400 after several rounds of competitive bidding. Italy was also well represented in the fall sale with desirable examples such as a carved marble figure of a young gypsy maiden playing castanets and tambourine by Pietro Barzanti. The late 19th century work sold for $45,750, far surpassing the estimate of $10,000-15,000.

Also featured during the September auction was a stunning late 18th century Louis XVI gilt bronze and porcelain mounted marquetry inlaid walnut bonheur du jour by Godefroy Dester. Surmounted by a pierced gallery, the pair of doors on the highly decorative chest featured Sèvres style oval porcelain panels painted with floral sprays. Expected to fetch $12,000-18,000, the piece sold above estimate for $36,600.

Additional lots of note included a pair of late 19th century Meissen porcelain ewers emblematic of Water and Air which brought $22,570 far surpassing its estimate of $4,000 – 6,000 and a 19th century Regency parcel gilt rosewood cabinet (est. of $7,000-9,000) that also exceeded expectations and fetched $21,960.

Other highlights from the September 14th sale included: a Louis XV/XVI transitional gilt bronze mounted marquetry commode by François Bayer, circa 1775 (sold for: $35,380); a George III gilt bronze mounted scarlet lacquered musical bracket clock for the Turkish market by George Prior, London (sold for: $23,180); a magnificent Régence style gilt bronze thirty light chandelier (sold for: $20,740) and an Athenic sterling and ivory five piece tea and coffee set with kettle and tray by Gorham (sold for: $20,740).

Sales of Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts continue on September 27, 2009 with The JZ Knight Collection. Amassed over a decade, the auction will feature eclectic and rare examples of period furniture, decorative arts, carpets and paintings from the 17th through 20th centuries personally selected by the spiritual leader. (Please see separate press release)

www.bonhams.com/usfurniture