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  • Archive for July, 2013

    A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING AT TWO DAYS OF AUCTIONS MEALY’S

    Sunday, July 28th, 2013
    There is a little bit of everything at two days of auctions at Mealy’s Summer Decorative Art and Design sale in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny on July 30 and 31. Around 95% of 1,200 lots will be offered without reserve.  The theme – Summer Thrift – reflects the fact that this is the biggest clearance sale for decades at Mealys
    The highly diverse selection on offer includes 500 lots of furniture and around 200 paintings.  There is as well some Oriental art, ceramics, garden furniture, statuary, clocks, carpets, books and various collectibles.  Estimates begin at 10 euros and rise to 2,000. The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection.  UPDATE: A total of 80 per cent of lots sold and the auction realised 175,000 which was significantly ahead of expectations.

    Terry Willers (1935-2011)I'm bored, watercolour and ink (120-150).

    Terry Willers (1935-2011)I’m bored, watercolour and ink (120-150).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 40

    A gilt and gesso overmantle mirror (500-800)

    A gilt and gesso overmantle mirror (500-800)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 550

    A late 18th century dresser base (800-1,200)

    A late 18th century dresser base (800-1,200)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 550

    A set of three brass and ebonised bar pumps (80-150)

    A set of three brass and ebonised bar pumps (80-150)  UPDATE: THIS LOT MADE 200

    A nickel plated car mascot stamped Riley Ski Lady  (150-250).

    A nickel plated car mascot stamped Riley Ski Lady (150-250).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 320

    IF YOU MUST GET SHIPWRECKED IT MIGHT AS WELL BE IN KINSALE

    Thursday, July 25th, 2013

    IF you must get shipwrecked it might as well be in Kinsale.  Everyone survived a massive air sea rescue operation after the Dutch sail training vessel Astrid lost engine power and was washed onto rocks off Kinsale Co. Cork this week.  But the 30 tall ship survivors will no doubt testify that there are worse places to be rescued. They can forget the survivor blues by mingling with collectors at next Sunday’s big antiques fair at Acton’s Hotel for one thing.  Organised by Hibernian Antique Fairs it will bring dealers and collectors from all over Ireland to Kinsale.  There is plenty of everything, from antique furniture to Irish art and glass to vintage items as well as coins, stamps and banknotes, in all price ranges.  Here is a small selection, all from Weldons (click on any image to enlarge it).

    This c1890 turqoise and diamond heart set pendant is priced at 595.

    This c1890 turqoise and diamond heart set pendant is priced at 595.

    The Columbian emerald in this emerald and diamond cluster ring weighs 1.83 carats.  (14,500).

    The Columbian emerald in this emerald and diamond cluster ring weighs 1.83 carats. (14,500).

    A pair of rare Irish coasters, Dublin c1765, makers initials LH.  Hallmarked with Harp Crowned and Hibernia (6,500).

    A pair of rare Irish coasters, Dublin c1765, makers initials LH. Hallmarked with Harp Crowned and Hibernia (6,500).

    AUCTION AT ROCKFIELD HOUSE CO. MEATH THIS SUNDAY

    Thursday, July 25th, 2013

    Rockfield House, situated one mile from Kells on the Athboy Road in Co. Meath, is the venue for an on the premises house auction on  Sunday July 28.  Matthews Auctioneers will offer more than 750 lots, including furniture, art, jewellery, silver, garden statuary, porcelain, rugs and collectibles.  The catalogue is online.

    Some more of the contents to be auctioned.

    Some more of the contents to be auctioned.

    rockfield 1

    MORE THAN 600 LOTS AT CORK AUCTION ROOMS ON SUNDAY

    Thursday, July 25th, 2013

    More than 600 lots will come under the hammer at a sale at Cork Auction Rooms on Sunday, July 28 at noon.  Highlights include a French marble topped commode and a ship builders model in a cabinet.  The scale brass model of the dredger Dr. Rob Muenke Berlin N.W. measures 144 cms long.

    This ship builders scale brass model of a dredger is estimated at 1,400-1,600 at Cork Auction Rooms.

    This ship builders scale brass model of a dredger is estimated at 1,400-1,600 at Cork Auction Rooms.  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    This commode with marble top is estimated at 1,200-1,500 at Cork Auction Rooms.

    This commode with marble top is estimated at 1,200-1,500 at Cork Auction Rooms.  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    ONLINE IRISH ART AUCTION BY MORGAN O’DRISCOLL

    Monday, July 22nd, 2013

    An online summer Irish art auction with 180 lots is currently underway at Morgan O’Driscoll Auctioneers. Estimates range from 100 to 5,000 euro. Bidding continues until July 29 at 6.30 p.m.  The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection. (Click on any image to enlarge it).

    Martin Gale (20th/21st Century) Hill Farm (800-1,200)

    Martin Gale (20th/21st Century)
    Hill Farm (800-1,200)  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 600

    Daniel O'Neill (1920-1974) Moonlight (1,500-2,500)

    Daniel O’Neill (1920-1974)
    Moonlight (1,500-2,500)  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 1,300

    Liam O'Neill (b.1954) Milking Time (2,000-3,000)

    Liam O’Neill (b.1954)
    Milking Time (2,000-3,000)  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 1,800

    Tony O'Malley HRHA (1913-2003) Mount Leinster, Harvest 1951 (600-900)

    Tony O’Malley HRHA (1913-2003)
    Mount Leinster, Harvest 1951 (600-900)  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 700

    Colin Middleton RUA RHA (1910-1983) Canel Scene (800-1,200)

    Colin Middleton RUA RHA (1910-1983)
    Canel Scene (800-1,200) UPDATE: SOLD FOR 950

    Edith Somerville 'CE' (1858-1949)- Two Trees and Shanacourt, Castletownsend (1,750-2,500)

    Edith Somerville ‘CE’ (1858-1949)- Two Trees and Shanacourt, Castletownsend (1,750-2,500)  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 1,100

    AN AUCTION OF ALL THINGS IRISH

    Friday, July 19th, 2013
    A moving series of three letters and a telegram from Lady Hazel Lavery to Gen Eoin O'Duffy expressing her grief after the assassination of Irish Minister Kevin O'Higgins, with whom she was having an affair. (1,000-1,500).

    A moving series of three letters and a telegram from Lady Hazel Lavery to Gen Eoin O’Duffy expressing her grief after the assassination in 1927 of Irish Minister Kevin O’Higgins, with whom she was having an affair. (1,000-1,500).  UPDATE: SOLD FOR 5,000

    An illuminated address to Assheton Biddulph from the King's County Hunt in 1897 (3,000-4,000).

    An illuminated address to Assheton Biddulph from the King’s County Hunt in 1897 (3,000-4,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 4,500

    Historical, sporting, revolutionary and highly personal memorabilia are included in A Gathering of all Things Irish,the sale by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers at Clyde Court Hotel, Dublin on July 23.   There are 966 lots.  Here is a small selection.  The catalogue is online.  (Click on any image to enlarge it).  UPDATE: THE AUCTION REALISED MORE THAN 265,000 WITH MORE THAN 80% OF LOTS SOLD.

    A signed copy of Seamus Heaney's first books of poems (1,600-2,200).

    A signed copy of Seamus Heaney’s first books of poems (1,600-2,200).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 2,700

    A photograph and other items relating to the Howth Gun Running of 1914 (1,600-2,200).

    A photograph and other items relating to the Howth Gun Running of 1914 (1,600-2,200).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 950

    HEGARTY’S EVENING AUCTION IN KINSALE ON JULY 21

    Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

    AN antique Irish side table is a highlight at Hegarty’s evening auction at Acton’s Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork on July 21.  The sale of more than 350 lots features Irish 18th and 19th century furniture including a c1820 Cork secretaire bookcase (5,000-10,000),  an early 19th century Irish console table (4,000-8,000) and an Irish Georgian giltwood mirror (3,000-6,000).  The sale will include a previously unseen sketch by Walter Osborne, 18th and 19th century Irish silver, an antique Russian silver tazza, a pair of Famille Rose vases, a collection of Meissen, a Meiji Preiod ivory okimono and a 19th century Chinese hardstone plaque. There are 19th century landscape oil paintings, jewellery and occasional furniture. (Click on any image to enlarge it).

    An Irish 19th century three tier consol table with marble top (1,200-1,800).

    An Irish 19th century three tier consol table with marble top (1,200-1,800).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,400

    A 19th century bronze urn of classical design (400-800).

    A 19th century bronze urn of classical design (400-800). UPDATE: THIS MADE 850

    A 19th century French giltwood fauteuil (800-1,200).

    One of a pair of 19th century French giltwood fauteuil (800-1,200).  UPDATE: THEY SOLD FOR 1,200

    An Irish mahogany side or serving table (10,000-20,000).

    An Irish mahogany side or serving table (10,000-20,000).  UPDATE: UNSOLD BUT UNDER ACTIVE NEGOTIATION.

    RECORD SALES AT CHRISTIE’S FOR FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2013

    Tuesday, July 16th, 2013
    SIR EDWARD COLEY BURNE-JONES, BT., A.R.A., R.W.S. (1833–1898) Love among the Ruins (1870– 1873). ( SOLD FOR A RECORD £14.8 MILLION IN LONDON LAST WEEK.

    SIR EDWARD COLEY BURNE-JONES, BT., A.R.A., R.W.S. (1833–1898) Love among the Ruins (1870– 1873). ( SOLD FOR A RECORD £14.8 MILLION IN LONDON LAST WEEK.

    Christie’s achieved record sales of £2.4 billion in the first six months of 2013.  This is an increase of 9% on the same period last year.  There was a 15% growth in buyers from Asia and online initiatives continue to attract new business.  No less than 46% of buyers at online only sales are new to Christie’s.  Bidders came from 128 countries and 10% of those were new clients. The sales figure includes private sales of £465.2 million, up 13% on the same period last year.

    During the first six months Christie’s sold 422 works at auction for more than $1 million and 34 for over $10 million. The strongest increase in selling rates was for works between $5,000 and $30,000 and works over $1 million. Post War and Contemporary art was the strongest category with increased demand at every level.  The Post War and Contemporary auction in New York on May 15 brought in $495 million and was the most valuable art auction ever held.
    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for April 4, 2013)

    SHUNGA – EXPLICIT EDO PRINTS AT SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG

    Monday, July 15th, 2013

    An unprecedented exhibition of shunga, or “spring pictures” – sexually explicit Japanese prints from the Edo period (1603-1868) – will be staged by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong from July 18-31.  Shunga came to be regarded as taboo in the late 18th century because of the influence of Western ethics. Academic interest has revived in the West and there has been exhibitions on the subject in Europe and the US.  The British Museum will stage a three month exhibition entitled Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art, 1600-1900 from October 3 next. The Sotheby’s exhibition shows more than 60 prints and albums of shunga from the private collection of Uragami Mitsuru.

    Suzuki Harunobu (ca. 1725 - 1770) Pipe (Detail) Circa 1770 Woodblock colour print

    Suzuki Harunobu (ca. 1725 – 1770) Pipe (Detail) Circa 1770
    Woodblock colour print

    Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 - 1806) Dew on the Chrysanthemum (Detail) 1786 Woodblock colour print; print books

    Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 – 1806) Dew on the Chrysanthemum (Detail) 1786 Woodblock colour print; print books

    Keisai Eisen (1790 - 1848) Passion in the Snows of Spring, Copy of Kaseikyu (Detail) 1822 Illustrated book, folding album

    Keisai Eisen (1790 – 1848) Passion in the Snows of Spring, Copy of Kaseikyu (Detail) 1822
    Illustrated book, folding album

    DEFINING IMAGE OF PRE-RAPHAELITE MOVEMENT AT SOTHEBY’S

    Friday, July 12th, 2013
    Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)   Proserpine  Coloured chalks (£1.2-1.8 million). (Click on image to enlarge).

    Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) Proserpine Coloured chalks (£1.2-1.8 million). (Click on image to enlarge).  UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR £3,274,500, A WORLD RECORD FOR THE ARTIST.

    A defining image of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s Proserpine, will feature at Sotheby’s sale of British and Irish art in London next November 19.  The artist considered Proserpine the most beautiful of all his inventions. The model for the work, Jane Morris – wife of William Morris – became his inspiration and muse. The present version, formerly in the collection of Glasgow MP William Graham, Rossetti’s most loyal and devoted patron, comes to the market for the first time in over forty years, with an estimate of £1.2 – 1.8 million.

    The re-emergence at Sotheby’s of a version in coloured chalks is concurrent with the major Pre-Raphaelites exhibition taking place at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow – the international show first staged by Tate Britain last year and held earlier this year at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

    The drawing depicts Proserpine, (Persephone in Greek mythology), daugher of Zeus, in a shadowed corner of her underground palace.  She holds a pomegranate.  The consumption of its seeds condemned her to spend half of each year in the underworld with her abductor Pluto.  The spectator is placed in the position of Pluto, catching Proserpine moments after she has tasted the fruit. Her gaze has become an enigma of feminity. To Rossetti Proserpine, Queen of the Underworld, symbolises love in grief.

    Simon Toll of Sotheby’s commented: “Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s haunting image of Proserpine is one of the defining images of European art – instantly recognisable and representing the artist at the zenith of his originality. In many ways it stands apart from much of the art created by Rossetti’s contemporaries, as something new and otherworldly that was unlike anything else that had been seen before it. This is one of the most important British pictures to be seen on the auction market in many years, having only been in three collections since it was created in 1880.”

     

    UPDATE: IT MADE £3,274,500, A WORLD RECORD FOR THE ARTIST AT AUCTION.