The first sale at Sotheby’s exclusively dedicated to European Ceramics, Silver and Objects of Vertu at Sotheby’s in almost a decade will take place in London on May 10. Testament to the ever-growing appetite of international collectors for unique pieces encapsulating the finest craftsmanship and materials of their time, the 265 lots in the sale are led by Dutch silver, ceramics and glass from the collection of the renowned Amsterdam antiques dealer Joseph M. Morpurgo. The focus of the “From Earth to Fire” auction is on the creation of pieces born from the earth and transformed through the kiln into exquisite works. The sale also includes sculptural Paul Storr silver, early Chelsea porcelain scent bottles and a private collection of French gold boxes. Estimates range from £2,000-70,000.
A pair of Victorian silver table centre dessert bowls
Paul Storr for Storr & Mortimer, London, 1838 (£50,000-70,000)
An agate cup and cover
Jean-Valentin Morel, Paris, circa 1836-40 (£40,000-60,000)
A selection from the auction.
An English opaque-white glass vase and a cover, circa 1760 (£7,000-10,000)