An exceptional and rare gold and enamel musical automaton snuff box with timepiece, Piguet et Capt à Genève, 1801- 1807. Sold for: CHF 749,000 (842,408 USD). Photo: Sotheby's

GENEVE- Hier, chez Sotheby’s Genève, plus de 550 amateurs de montres s’étaient donnés rendez-vous pour enchérir sur des garde-temps rares célébrant les valeurs et la quintessence de l’art horloger. La plus belle enchère de la journée est allée à une exceptionnelle boîte à prisée en or et en émail du début du XIXème siècle renfermant une montre et un automate. Deux collectionneurs passionnés se sont disputés ce chef-d’oeuvre de l’horlogerie suisse, faisant monter l’enchère finale jusqu’à CHF 749,000 ($842,408). La vente de Haute Horlogerie s’est conclue sur un résultat total de CHF 10,123,625 ($11,386,142) (est. CHF 6.9-10.6 million / $7.7-11.8 million).

S’exprimant à l’issue de la vente, Geoffroy Ader, Directeur du Département de Haute Horlogerie en Europe, a déclaré : «La vente d’aujourd’hui démontre clairement la forte demande pour des gardetemps combinant une provenance et une condition impeccables. Les prix atteints pour des pièces de Vacheron Constantin inédites aux enchères et l’enchère record établie pour un montre Panerai reflète la diversification du marché. C’est la recherche de la qualité qui a motivé les enchères disputées pour de magnifiques exemples vintage de marques iconiques telles que Rolex. Notre vente a également rendu hommage aux valeurs fondamentales de la haute horlogerie, avec des objets uniques d’importance historique. Les prix atteints par la boîte à prisée et notre sélection de garde-temps couvrant deux siècles d’art horloger témoignent du discernement des collectionneurs internationaux.» 

Tim Bourne, Directeur mondial du Département de Haute Horlogerie a ajouté : «Suite au succès de la vente d’aujourd’hui et compte tenu de l’engouement des collectionneurs pour des objets rares et exceptionnels, nous attendons avec impatience la vente de Sotheby’s New York en juin qui présentera de cinq montres importantes en titane de Patek Philippe jusqu’ici inconnues».

UN CHEF-D’OEUVRE DE L’HORLOGERIE SUISSE

Le lot phare de la vente – une boîte à prisée à trois compartiments en or et en émail – a été produit dans les ateliers genevois de Piguet & Capt vers 1801-1804. Cette pièce exceptionnelle d’une grande rareté renfermait une scène animée représentant une leçon de musique (lot 334, est. CHF 600,000-800,000/ $685,000-910,000).

An exceptional and rare gold and enamel musical automaton snuff box with timepiece, Piguet et Capt à Genève, 1801-1807. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 CHF. Lot sold 749,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

the case of rectangular form, the central lid with a finely painted polychrome enamel classical scene depicting a music lesson inhabited by young girl holding a music book and two children, one playing a flute, within a classical setting, painted in the manner of Lissignol en plein with rich hues of red, yellow and burgundy • the scene framed by gold egg and dart motif and further embellished with opaque black stringing, the side panels applied with gold classical figures • the right playing a harp and the left carrying a water vessel both against an opaque powder blue enamel ground, the right lid opening to reveal an automaton scene applied with vari-color gold figures representing a seated lady playing the harp using both hands and a gentleman tapping his foot in beat to the music and moving his forearm back and forth holding a monocle in his hand, the figures beneath a caged bird who at the end of the song flies from its cage, with a dog standing in wait below, the scene applied against a finely painted polychrome enamelled  interior scene • the opposite compartment with small  white enamel dial at 6 o'clock with arabic chapters, moon-style hands, beneath a circular open work grill which reveals the balance fitted with regulation arc • all against an engine-turned blue enamel ground embellished with gold wreaths and foliate swags partly decorated with white enamel, the side panels and bottom decorated with translucent blue enamel against a wavy engine-turned ground, the back and front corners further engraved with gold baskets heightened by opaque white enamel • rectangular movement with cylinder escapement, pinned disc mechanism driving both the music and the automata • movement plates for both the watch and automata scratch signed Piguet et Capt a Genève, one with no. 89  and the other no. 91, the box stampedGG(B) partly indistinct below a crown for Guidon, Gide et Blondet Fils, accompanied by the Asprey Exhibition Catalogue; length 87 mm.  

MONTRES-BRACELETS VINTAGE

Les montres vintage Panerai ont fait l’événement. Une enchère record pour une montre de la célèbre manufacture italienne a étéétablie lors de la vente d’une montre-bracelet de plongée en acier avec lunette prototype, référence 6152/1, Luminor, env. 1955 pour CHF 425,000 ($478,002). La montre de l’Amiral Gino Birindelli, ancien commandant des forces navales en Italie, a ainsi doublé son estimation basse (lot 298, est. CHF 180,000-360,000 / $205,000- 409,000). Les exemples de la référence 6152 sont d’une extrême rareté et l’apparition de ce modèle, jamais mis en vente, représentait une opportunité unique pour les collectionneurs.

Panerai. An extremely rare and historical large stainless steel cushion form military diver's wristwatch with prototype bezel Ref 6152/1 Luminor case 12948 circa 1955. Estimate 180,000 — 360,000 CHF. Lot sold 425,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. 15''' manual winding nickel lever Rolex movement, 17 jewels, metal protective cap • black dial, luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes, luminous hands • stainless steel brushed and polished case, protected winding crown with security lever, prototype bezel, screw-down case back • dial signed, case and movement signed Rolex • with a stainless steel Panerai buckle; dimensions 57.5 x 46 mm thickness 19 mm

Aujourd’hui, l’attrait de Rolex a été confirmé, des modèles et des références rares atteignant de nouveaux sommets. La « Ultimate Panda » - un exemple rare de la référence 6263 avec boîtier 6262 cosmographe Daytona « Paul Newman Panda Dial », env. 1972 a été vendue CHF 359,000 ($403,771) (lot 341, est. CHF 250,000 – 500,000 / $284,000 – 570,000). La Rolex Daytona demeure une icône incontestée parmi les montres-bracelets du XXème siècle et les collectionneurs ont apprécié cet exemple de la référence 6263, accompagné de tous ses accessoires d’origine.

Rolex. A rare and exceptional stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with registers tachometer and bracelet Ref 6263/6262 Case 3048318 Cosmograph Daytona 'PAUL Newman Panda dial' circa 1972. Estimate 380,000 — 580,000 CHF. Lot sold 509,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. R27-PS-QR, circular automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 41 jewels, Gyromax balance, 22k gold micro-rotor, minute repeating on two gongs • black dial, applied Breguet numerals, Breguet hands, apertures for day, leap year indication and month in English, fan-form aperture for moon-phases combined with subsidiary seconds, retrograde sector for date • tonneau case, stepped bezel, minute repeat slide to the band, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle; dimensions 46 x 37 mm thickness 12.5 mm

Autre lot phare de la sélection de montres « vintage », une montre-bracelet référence 6062, l’une des rares produites par Rolex avec triple calendrier et phases de la « Star Dial » a été adjugée CHF 209,000 ($235,064) (lot 342, est. CHF 80,000 – 160,000 / $91,000 – 182,000). La montre était mise en ventee par son propriétaire d’origine (lot 342, est. CHF 80.000 – 160.000 / $91.000 – 182.000).

Rolex. A rare yellow gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moon-phases Ref 6062 case 916361 "Star Dial" circa 1952. Estimate 80,000 — 160,000 CHF. Lot sold 209,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. 9 3/4''' nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold star-shaped and dagger indexes with luminescent dots, gold dauphine hands, two apertures for day and month, subsidiary seconds combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer ring for date with blue central date hand • 18k yellow gold brushed and polished Oyster case, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a gold plated Rolex buckle; diameter 36 mm thickness 14 mm

MONTRES DE POCHE VINTAGE

L’évolution de l’art horloger était illustrée par une superbe sélection de montre de poche vintage couvrant six décennies. La production du début du XXème siècle était représentée par un ensemble de montres de poche créées par Vacheron Constantin qui se sont souvent vendus pour plusieurs multiples de leurs estimations hautes. Fabriqué vers 1933, un modèle rare de la référence 3372 en or blanc et rose avec 31 fuseaux horaires mondiaux (31 villes représentées) et cadran trois tons a réalisé CHF 305,000 ($343,037), plus de dix fois l’estimation d’avant la vente (lot 209, est. CHF 28,000- 35,000 / $31,800-39,800). Autre lot phare de ce groupe, une montre de poche en platine signée Vacheron Constantin avec phases de la lune à midi s’est vendue pour CHF 173,000 ($194,575), plus de 11 fois son estimation basse (lot 211, est. CHF 15.000 – 25.000 / $17.100 – 28.400).

Vacheron Constantin. A fine and rare white and pink gold open-faced world time keyless watch with three-tone dial Ref 3372 Mvt 416362 CasE 257268 Made in 1933. Estimate 28,000 — 35,000 CHF. Lot sold 305,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. RA 17''' 15/12 manual winding nickel lever movement, cut bi-metallic balance, 18 jewels • three-tone silvered dial, applied baton indexes, pearled minute divisions, rotating silvered ring calibrated for 24-hours with Arabic numerals, outer ring with black enamel names of 31 world locations • 18k white gold case with pink gold band and stylised bow • case, dial and movement signed; diameter 45 mm.

Vacheron Constantin. A fine and rare platinum open-faced triple calendar watch with moon-phases and power reserve Mvt 414423 Case 258459 Made in 1932. Estimate 15,000 — 25,000 CHF. Lot sold 173,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. RA 17''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, cut bi-metallic compensation balance • silvered dial, applied white gold Arabic numerals, outer track with minute divisions, subsidiary seconds, elongated aperture for day, date and month in French, fan-form aperture for moon-phases bordered by sector for power reserve indication, moon hands • polished case, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed; diameter 47 mm.

MONTRES-BRACELETS MODERNES

De plus en plus recherchées, les montres-bracelets modernes étaient aujourd’hui à l’honneur. La vente comprenait un exemple rare de la référence 5013P, l’une des plus belle montres modernes de Patek Philippe, un modèle remarquable par son boitier tonneau en platine. Cette montre, emblématique du grand art de la manufacture genevoise dans le domaine des complications, a réalisé CHF 509,000 ($572,477) (lot 160, est. CHF 380,000-580,000 / $432,000- 660,000).

Patek Philippe. An  exceptional platinum automatic minute repeating perpetual calendar tonneau wristwatch with retrograde date and  moon-phases Ref 5013P MVT 1908100 Case 4481012 circa 2010. Estimate  380,000 — 580,000 CHF. Lot sold 509,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. R27-PS-QR, circular automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 41 jewels, Gyromax balance, 22k gold micro-rotor, minute repeating on two gongs • black dial, applied Breguet numerals, Breguet hands, apertures for day, leap year indication and month in English, fan-form aperture for moon-phases combined with subsidiary seconds, retrograde sector for date • tonneau case,  stepped bezel, minute repeat slide to the band, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle; dimensions 46 x 37 mm thickness 12.5 mm.

OBJETS INSOLITES

Des garde-temps insolites étaient également à l’honneur ce printemps. Créé en 1907 probablement dans les ateliers londoniens de Cartier, une horloge en argent et émail pour tableau de bord a trouvé preneur pour CHF 112,500 ($126,530) (lot 94, est. CHF 50.000 – 70.000 / $57.000 – 79.500). L’horloge était accompagnée de sa boîte originale en cuir. 

Cartier. A very rare enamel and silver gilt clock with time thermometer and barometer indication to be displayed on a car dashboard circa 1907. Estimate 50,000 — 70,000 CHF. Lot sold 112,500 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

gilt lever movement • three subsidiary white enamel dials featuring indication of time, thermometer, barometer, graduated with Arabic numerals • round shape with a leather back, two holes to hang the clock on the dashboard, winder with time adjustment button, the front decorated in a neo-classical style, outer ring in silver gilt stamped with French hallmarks, inner translucent blue enamel, turquoise outer ring on subsidiary dials, inner white enamel decorated with stars • dial signed; diameter 15 cm

Lorsque l’art de l’horlogerie se marie à celui de la joaillerie, les résultats sont parfois sensationnels, comme le montre une magnifique bague-montre Art Déco en platine sertie de diamants, Cartier, env. 1937, qui a presque triplé son estimation pour se vendre à CHF 149,000 ($167,582) (lot 180, est. CHF 30,000-50,000 / $34,100- 57,000). 

Cartier. A fine and rare platinum and diamond-set ring watch circa 1937. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 CHF. Lot sold 149,000 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's

cal. 101 manual winding baguette duo-plan movement signed Le Coultre, no. 33318, lateral lever escapement • cream dial, baton and triangular indexes, blued steel hands • platinum case of geometric design pavé-set with single-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, back-winder • movement signed Le Coultre, ring signed Cartier; dimensions 17.5 x 19 mm thickness 5.5 mm.

GENEVA.- Yesterday, at Sotheby’s Geneva, nearly 550 watch connoisseurs from across the globe registered their intention to bid on rare timepieces which celebrated the central tenets of the art of fine watchmaking. The sale was led by an exceptionally rare 19th century gold and enamel snuff box with a concealed timepiece and musical automaton. Two passionate bidders competed for this masterpiece of Swiss horology, driving the final price to CHF 749,000 ($842,408). The auction totalled CHF 10,123,625 ($11,386,142) (est. CHF 6.9-10.6 million / $7.7-11.8 million). 

Commenting after the sale, Geoffroy Ader, Head of Sotheby’s European Watch Department commented: “Today’s sale emphatically demonstrates the continued strong demand for rare examples of watchmaking skill which combine exemplary provenance and extraordinary condition. The highly competitive global bidding for never-before-seen pieces by Vacheron Constantin and the record price set for Panerai are emblematic of a diversifying market. The search for quality was apparent in the intense competition seen for vintage achievements by iconic brands such as Rolex. Our sale also paid homage to the original values of watchmaking, with unique items of historical significance, and there was enormous enthusiasm by discerning international connoisseurs not only for the Automaton Snuff Box, but also for our selection of timepieces spanning 200 years of watchmaking craftsmanship.” 

Tim Bourne, Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Watches, commented: “The strength of today's sale, with its extraordinary enthusiasm for the rare and exceptional, undoubtedly creates enormous excitement in the marketplace for the highly important yet unknown five titanium watches from Patek Philippe to be offered by Sotheby's New York at auction in June.” 

MASTERPIECE OF SWISS HOROLOGY

Today’s star lot - a three compartment gold and enamel snuff box – was produced in the workshop of Piguet & Capt in Geneva, circa 1801-1804. The right lid opens to reveal an automaton scene with a seated lady playing the harp and a gentleman tapping his foot in beat to the music and moving his forearm. The figures stand beneath a bird jumping from a cage (lot 334, est. CHF 600,000- 800,000/ $685,000-910,000). 

VINTAGE WRISTWATCHES

Vintage watches from the workshops of the renowned manufacturer Panerai were well represented in the sale. Today, Sotheby’s Geneva established a world auction record for a Panerai watch when it sold a stainless steel military diver’s wristwatch with prototype bezel, reference 6152/1, Luminor, circa 1955 for CHF 425,000 ($478,002) (lot 298, est. CHF 180,000-360,000 / $205,000-409,000). Coming from the collection of the late Admiral Gino Birindelli, former commander of the Italian Navy, this rare example of the reference 6152 appeared for the first time at auction today. 

The appeal of Rolex was confirmed throughout the sale, with unique models and references setting new landmarks. The “Ultimate Panda” - a rare and exceptional reference 6263 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda Dial”, circa 1972 achieved CHF 359,000 ($403,771) (lot 341, est. CHF 250,000 – 500,000 / $284,000 – 570,000). The Rolex Daytona has retained its status as an unchallenged icon among 20th century wristwatches and this example of the 6263 reference was accompanied by all of its original accessories. Another outstanding lot - The ‘Star Dial’ reference 6062 - one of very few references produced by Rolex with triple calendar and moon phases realised CHF 209,000 ($235,064) (lot 342, est. CHF 80,000 – 160,000 / $91,000 – 182,000). The watch was being offered by its original owner and was in original condition, displaying a warm, slightly off-white grained finish and subtle patina. 

VINTAGE POCKET WATCHES

The evolution of the art of timekeeping was illustrated in a superb selection of vintage timepieces, spanning six decades and showcasing the know-how of this sector. The early 20th century was represented by a fine ensemble of pocket watches created by Vacheron Constantin, with many lots selling for many multiples of their high estimates. Made in circa 1933, a rare white and pink gold pocket watch, reference 3372, with 31 time zones (31 cities) and a three-tone dial realised CHF 305,000 ($343,037), more than 10 times the pre- sale estimate (lot 209, est. CHF 28,000- 35,000 / $31,800-39,800). Another stand-out in the group was a fine and rare platinum pocket watch with calendar, power reserve and moon phases at noon – a rare setting for this complication - which sold for CHF 173,000 ($194,575), more than 11 times the pre-sale low estimate (lot 211, est. CHF 15,000-25,000 / $17,100-28,400). 

MODERN WRISTWATCHES

Fine modern wristwatches were highly sought after today. An example of one of Patek Philippe’s most beautiful modern watches - the Reference 5013P with its unmistakeable platinum tonneau-shaped case – sold for CHF 509,000 ($572,477) (lot 160, est. CHF 380,000-580,000 / $432,000- 660,000). This watch symbolizes the famous manufacturer’s artistry in its complications: calendar functions, moon phases and perpetual calendar. 

Lady’s watch are rare at auction. This spring’s sale featured an impressive “Reine de Naples” wristwatch by Breguet which surpassed expectations and realised CHF 161,000 ($181,078). Produced circa 2010, this exquisite timepiece in white gold was set with diamonds and ruby, weighing 4.8 carats and 5.8 carats respectively (lot 142, est. CHF 40,000-60,000 / $45,500-68,500). 

UNUSUAL PIECES

A number of beautiful and unusual pieces also feature this spring. Testament to a golden age of automobiles, an enamel and silver gilt dashboard, created in 1907, probably in Cartier’s London workshops, more than doubled pre-sale estimate and achieved CHF 112,500 ($126,530) (lot 94, est. CHF 50,000 – 70,000 / $57,000 – 79,500). The clock was presented in its original leather case. 

When the art of watchmaking embraces that of fine jewellery, the results can be sensational, as demonstrated by a ravishing Art Déco diamond ring watch designed by Cartier circa 1937 which almost tripled estimate and sold for CHF 149,000 ($167,582) (lot 180, est. CHF 30,000-50,000 / $34,100- 57,000). 

Previous record for a Panerai Watch: A very rare stainless steel cushion-shaped diver's wristwatch made for the Egyptian Navy Signed Radiomir Panerai, REF. 6154, small egiziano model, case signed Rolex, no. 997'603, movement signed Rolex, circa 1954 Sold for $326,500 at Christie’s New York in December 2012. 

Barnett Newman (1905-1970), Black Fire I, oil on canvas, painted in 1961. Price Realized: $84,165,000. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2014.

NEW YORK (AFP).- A painting by American Barnett Newman, "Black Fire I," went under the gavel for $84 million Tuesday at Christie's postwar and contemporary art auction in New York, a record price for the artist.

Barnett's black and white piece topped the $80.805 million raked in for Francis Bacon's "Three Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards," a collection of three canvases painted in 1984.

"Black Fire I" sparked a contentious bidding war between two telephone bidders, ending with a standing ovation as the hammer fell with a price of $84.165 million, far exceeding the estimated value of $50 million.

The previous record for Barnett, an abstract expressionist painter who lived from 1905 to 1970, was $43.8, when his "Onement VI" sold a year ago at Sotheby's.

However, the world record for the highest price fetched at auction for a work of art remains with Bacon, whose triptych, "Three Studies of Lucian Freud," was sold last year by Christie's for $142.4 million.

The fervor around Bacon, who lived 1909 to 1992, was also in evidence in February in London, where a portrait of his lover George Dyer, "Portrait of George Dyer Talking," sold for more than 42 million pounds ($70 million), also by Christie's.

Among other items auctioned off Tuesday was "Race Riot," by Andy Warhol, which sold for $62.885 million, well above the $50 million Christie's had predicted.

His "White Marylin" also exceeded expectations, selling Tuesday for $41.045 million, more than double the $18 million anticipated by Christie's. Warhol works, like Bacon's, are very in demand currently by collectors. His giant canvas "Silver Car Crash: Double Disaster" sold in November for more than $105 million.

Another star of the auction was American Mark Rothko's "Untitled," which sold for $66.245 million.

On Wednesday it will be Sotheby's turn, where yet another Warhol, "Six Self Portraits," is expected to spark bidding between $25 and $35 million.

Other anticipated highlights are the sculpture "Popeye," by American artist Jeff Koons, estimated at $25 million, and "Blau" (Blue) by German Gerhard Richter, for which it expects to get between $25 and $35 million.

The spring auction season opened last week with impressionist and modern art.

© 1994-2014 Agence France-Presse 

LONDON.- For years they have been unfairly regarded as the sole preserve of maiden aunts and respectable ladies of a certain vintage. Now pearls are replacing diamonds as a staple of the fashion set after being championed by The Duchess of Cambridge.

Elegant pearl earrings – as worn by Kate Middleton on last month’s royal tour of Australia and New Zealand – have become a wardrobe must-have overnight. It’s not just British royalty who are pearl fans. America’s First Lady Michelle Obama is often seen wearing her favourite double stranded pearl necklace and fashion icon

Sarah Jessica Parker has long been a fan of pearls. She wore a fabulous strand of pearls at the launch of her pop-up shop in New York in February and regularly accessorizes her outfits with pearls.

Thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge and Sarah Jessica Parker, pearl wearers are becoming younger and classic sets of the gems are being sold for huge sums by one of the world’s leading auction houses. Bonhams believes natural pearls are now hitting record prices because of their rarity – overfishing and pollution mean the supply of new natural pearls is waning – coupled with the influence of celebrities.

Other pearl fans include singer Katy Perry, Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson.

The Kate Middleton factor – teaming pearls with high-fashion outfits to create a stunning modern classic look - means pearls suddenly have an important new cachet. The Duchess looked stunning in a set of simple pearl drop earrings visiting Christchurch last month. But it was not the first time Kate has modelled pearls, and her patronage is introducing them to a new generation.

Jean Ghika, head of jewellery in the UK and Europe at Bonhams, said: “Pearls were once seen as a bit dated – perhaps the preserve of an older generation, but we’ve seen a complete change in how they are viewed. A younger fashion set is now completely at home wearing classic pearl earrings and you’re as likely to see them in nightclubs and premieres as you are at Ascot or the Epsom Derby.”

Bonhams, which sells more jewellery than any other auction house, says investors are increasingly snapping up rare natural pearls because of their increasing rarity. Really good examples of natural pearl – based on size, uniform shape, lustre and blemish-free skins – do not appear on the market as often as they used to. Jean

Ghika adds: “They are a rare commodity and it is often very difficult to find good quality examples. Quite simply, the supply of natural pearls is not going to increase. “Long-term, they will become more of a rarity and therefore even more highly-prized. As a result, pearls that have some age, or were part of a historic collection, can be highly appealing to potential buyers and investors.”

The auction house has recently recorded record sales of natural pearls, including:

A pair of art deco natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings, circa 1925 (2). Sold for £157,250 (€192,307) at Bonhams, 18 Sep 2013. Photo Bonhams

A pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings which sold for £290,500 in April – double their estimate. Photo Bonhams

A single natural pearl measuring 11.5mm mounted as a ring, which sold in April for £30,000, ten times the upper estimate. Photo Bonhams

A long single strand of graduated natural pearls measuring 5.5mm-8.5mm, which sold for £87,600 in April 2012, more than double the pre-sale estimate

For its annual Jewellery in June campaign, Bonhams is inviting people to bring in their jewellery for free auction valuations in a bid to unearth new treasures. The auction house’s 20 jewellery experts and gemmologists can advise on prices, vintage and even care.

 Jean Prouvé, Table dite « Table Centrale », 1956, piètement en tôle d’acier pliée et laquée noir, plateau en bois (estimation 400 000 – 500 000 € / 550 000 – 690 000 $). Photo Artcurial

Paris– Pour sa traditionnelle grande vente de Design du semestre, Artcurial annonce la vente de chefs d’œuvre du design de la seconde moitié du XXème siècle. Organisée en 4 chapitres, la vente du 19 mai 2004 sera dominée par la présence de trois tables emblématiques du design français de l’après guerre :

- une table Trapèze dite « Centrale » de Jean Prouvé (estimation 400 000 – 500 000 € / 550 000 – 690 000 $) pour le réfectoire de la Cité Universitaire d’Antony, en banlieue parisienne. Cette pièce, remarquable par sa taille (3m de long) est emblématique du travail de Jean Prouvé : le travail du métal, pour la première fois, et son caractère architectural.

Détail.  Jean Prouvé, Table dite « Table Centrale », 1956, piètement en tôle d’acier pliée et laquée noir, plateau en bois (estimation 400 000 – 500 000 € / 550 000 – 690 000 $). Photo Artcurial

IMPORTANT BLACK LACQUERED METAL BASE AND BLACK LAMINATED WOOD TOP TABLE TRAPEZE OR TABLE CENTRALE BY JEAN PROUVE - 1956

72 x 330 x 72 cm (28,08 x 128,70 x 28,08 in.)

Provenance : Résidence Universitaire Jean-Zay, Antony
Collection particulière, Paris

Bibliographie : Jean Prouvé, Editions Galerie Patrick Seguin, Paris, 2007. Croquis et modèles similaires reproduits pp.424 et suivantes.
A. Di Lorenzo, A. et C. Counord, Jean Prouvé - Serge Mouille , Catalogue d'exposition, Paris - New-York, 1985. Modèles similaires reproduits pp. 36, 37, 74, 75.
P. Sulzer, Jean Prouvé, oeuvre complète, Vol. 3, Editions Birkauser, Bâle, 2005. Croquis et modèles similaires reproduits pp 231, 232.
Calder/Prouvé, catalogue d'exposition, Editions Gagosian Gallery et Galerie Patrick Seguin, Paris, 2013. Modèle similaire reproduit pp. 92 et 127
I.Ioi (Ed.), Jean Prouvé, Concepteur, constructeur Pen Magazine Publishers, Tokyo, 2012. Modèle similaire reproduit p. 117

Commentaire : Un facsimilé de l'attestation de cession par le directeur du CROUS - Académie de Versailles en date du 26 janvier 1983 à l'actuel propriétaire sera remis à l'acquéreur.

- une table « Forme Libre » de Charlotte Perriand, de 1959 (estimation 80 000 – 120 000 € / 110 500 – 165 800 $)

Charlotte Perriand(1903 - 1999), Importante table dite Forme Libre - 1970. Piètement et plateau en acajou massif. Réalisation André Chetaille pour Steph Simon éditeur (estimation 80 000 – 120 000 € / 110 500 – 165 800 $). Photo Artcurial

IMPORTANT SOLID MAHOGANI FORME LIBRE TABLE BY CHARLOTTE PERRIAND - Designed in 1956

73 x 235 x 108 cm (28,47 x 91,65 x 42,12 in.)

Provenance : Acquis par M. et Mme André Caubet à la Galerie Steph Simon, Paris en février 1966
Puis par descendance aux actuels propriétaires

Bibliographie : J. Barsac, Charlotte Perriand, un art d'habiter, Editions Norma, Paris, 2005. Modèle similaire reproduit pp. 433, 437, 438, 439.
M-L Jousset (dir) Charlotte Perriand, Catalogue d'exposition, Centre Pompidou, Editions du Centre Pompidou, Paris 2005. Modèle similaire reproduit p. 156

- une table « 10 couverts » de Charlotte Perriand, création de 1956 (estimation 60 000 – 80 000 € / 83 000 – 110 500 $)

Charlotte Perriand(1903 - 1999), Importante table à gorge dite 10 couverts - 1966. Piètement en acajou massif de forme elliptique, plateau en acajou massif. Réalisation André Chetaille pour Steph Simon éditeur (estimation 60 000 – 80 000 € / 83 000 – 110 500 $). Photo Artcurial

IMPORTANT SOLID MAHOGANI 10 COUVERTS TABLE BY CHARLOTTE PERRIAND - 1966

73 x 269 x 86 cm (28,47 x 104,91 x 33,54 in.)

Provenance : Acquis par M. et Mme André Caubet à la Galerie Steph Simon, Paris en janvier 1970
Puis par descendance aux actuels propriétaires

Bibliographie : J. Barsac, Charlotte Perriand, un art d'habiter, Editions Norma, Paris, 2005. Modèle similaire reproduit pp. 417 et 436.
Charlotte Perriand, un art de vivre , Catalogue d'exposition, Musée des Arts décoratifs - Paris, Flammarion, Paris 1985. Modèle similaire reproduit p. 49

Toutes deux proviennent d’une résidence de montagne dans les Pyrénées.

Le deuxième chapitre sera consacré DESIGN SCANDINAVE avec un rare ensemble de luminaires d’Alvar Aalto notamment une très rare suspension Ruche à six anneaux de 1950 (estimation 10 000 – 12 000 € / 14 000 – 16 500 $), et des pièces de mobilier des designers Axel Einar Hjorth et Philip Arctander.

Alvar Aalto  (1898 - 1976), Rare suspension mod. A332 dite Ruche à six anneaux - circa 1950. Métal laqué blanc et laiton perforé. Edition Valaistustyö Ky. Estampille de l'éditeur (estimation 10 000 – 12 000 € / 14 000 – 16 500 $). Photo Artcurial

RARE LACQUERED METAL AND BRASS SIX RINGS BEEHIVE A332 PENDANT LAMP BY ALVAR AALTO - CIRCA 1950

35 x 31 cm (13,65 x 12,09 in.)

Bibliographie : T. Kellein, Alvar & Aino Aalto, Design collection Bischofberger, Editions Hatje Cantz, Ostfildern-Ruit, 2004. Modèle similaire reproduit p.181.

Le troisième chapitre, DESIGN ITALIEN, comprendra un exceptionnel ensemble de luminaires, dont se distingue la création de Gino Sarfatti pour Arteluce et celle d’Angelo Lelli pour Arredoluce, qui incarnent la suprématie italienne dans le design des luminaires des années 40 à 70. Si le travail du premier se remarque par ses techniques industrielles et ses créations architecturées, le travail du second est plus poétique avec l’utilisation de matériaux plus traditionnels.

Enfin, le dernier chapitre, dédié au DESIGN CONTEMPORAIN, proposera plusieurs pièces importantes de la création récente avec un salon Elysée de Pierre Paulin, datant de 1974 et comprenant quatre fauteuils, un canapé et une table basse (estimation 100 000 – 120 000 € / 138 000 - 165 000 $). Rappelons qu’Artcurial déteint le record pour le créateur à une vente aux enchères pour un ensemble Elysée adjugé 133 500 € (frais inclus), en 2012. Seront aussi présentées des pièces exceptionnelles des frères Campana ou du français Robert Stadler.

Pierre Paulin (1927-2009), Important salon Elysée composé d'un canapé, quatre fauteuils et une table basse - 1974. Socle métallique, armature tubulaire garnie de mousse de polyester tapissée recouverte d'Alcantara noir, piètement de la table en métal laqué noir, plateau en verre fumé. Edition Alpha International. Fauteuils : 63 x 90 cm (24,8 x 35,4 in.). Canapé : 63 x 172 x 90 cm (24,8 x 67,7 x 35,4 in.). Table basse : 50 x 120 cm ( 19,7 x 47,2 in.) (estimation 100 000 – 120 000 € / 138 000 - 165 000 $). Photo Artcurial

A TUBULAR STEEL, POLYESTER FOAM AND BLACK ALCANTARA SOFA, 4 ARMCHAIRS AND COFFEE TABLE FROM THE ELYSEE SERIES BY PIERRE PAULIN - 1974

Bibliographie : C. Geel, Pierre Paulin Designer, Coéditions Archibooks et Le Grand Hornu Images, Paris, 2008. Modèle similaire reproduit p. 226.

En outre, la vente sera ponctuée par des affiches de M/M (Paris). 7 pièces seront pour la première fois présentées aux enchères. 6 rares affiches (estimation 400 – 600 € / 550 – 850 $), réalisées pour le Théâtre de Lorient entre 1996-2012 ainsi que leur première affiche, réalisée pour un festival en 1996 ; Global Techno. Artcurial prend ainsi en considération la place prépondérante que prend le graphisme dans la création contemporaine, entre l’œuvre d’art et l’objet décoratif.

Vase with two Chinese couples in architectural landscape. Presumably Zerbst, 1st third of 18th Century. Photo courtesy Van Ham

Beige body with white glaze and blue decor. Height 30 cm. On the bottom letter a and year 1727 in blue. Condition B/C. Estimate(s): 1,500 - 2,000 €

Provenance: Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Van Ham. Europäisches Kunstgewerbe. 17/05/2014 - http://www.van-ham.com/

Odilon Redon, 1901.

BÂLE – Odilon Redon (né en 1840 à Bordeaux, mort à Paris en 1916) compte, avec son cosmos chromatique, parmi les artistes les plus surprenants des débuts de l’art moderne. L’œuvre de ce représentant majeur du symbolisme français marque la jonction entre le XIXe et le XXe siècles et est déterminée par l’interaction entre tradition et innovation. L’exposition de la Fondation Beyeler qui présente un grand nombre de peintures, pastels, dessins et gravures de tout premier plan provenant de musées et de collections particulières d’un grand renom international se concentre sur le rôle de précurseur de l’art moderne qu’a joué Redon et sur la dimension avant-gardiste de sa création. Son œuvre ambiguë et énigmatique se caractérise par des ruptures et des contrastes et suit une évolution conduisant du noir des premiers travaux au fusain et des lithographies précoces à l’« explosion chromatique » des pastels et des huiles ultérieurs. Ses œuvres passent de l’inquiétant à la sérénité : des monstres bizarres surgissent au côté de créatures célestes – rêve et cauchemar, nature et imagination se côtoient. Cette exposition présente tous les thèmes directeurs de sa création, ainsi que les idées et les innovations essentielles de l’œuvre de Redon, si variée tant par le contenu que par la technique. Les sources d’inspiration les plus diverses s’y côtoient — de l’histoire de l’art, de la littérature et de la musique aux sciences naturelles, en passant par la philosophie et la religion occidentales et orientales. 

Par son art, Odilon Redon souhaitait ouvrir les yeux sur les « merveilles du monde visible ». Nous espérons vous faire découvrir cet univers extraordinaire grâce à cette exposition.

Odilon Redon, Yeux clos, 1894, huile sur carton, 44,5 x 36,5 cm, Fujikawa Galleries Inc., Tokio. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, La Mort de Bouddha, vers 1899. Pastel sur papier, Milicent Rogers collection. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Vase au guerrier japonais, vers 1905. Pastel sur papier. Courtesy Galleri K, Oslo. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Fleurs, 1909, huile sur toile, 81 x 100 cm, Collection privée. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Les Anémones, ca. 1912, pastel sur carton, 54 x 73 cm, Hahnloser/Jaeggli Stiftung Villa Flora, Winterthur. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Ophélie, 1900–05, pastel sur papier sur carton, 50,5 x 67,3 cm, Dian Woodner Collection, New York. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Portrait de Mademoiselle Chaine, 1903. Pastel sur papier, Kunstmuseum, Basel. © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, L'Araignée souriante, 1881, fusain sur papier, 46 x 36 cm, Kunsthaus Zürich, Grafische Sammlung, Legat Doris Epstein-Meyer, 2013 © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Le Cube, 1880, fusain sur papier, Collection privée © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Martyr ou Tête de martyr sur une coupe ou Saint Jean, 1877. Fusain sur papier. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo© FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

Odilon Redon, Le Noyé, 1884. Fusain, craie sur papier. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, achat avec le souttien de F. G. Waller-Fonds © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND 

Odilon Redon, Tête (Autoportrait), vers 1890. Fusain et craie sur papier. Collectie Gemeentemuseum Den Haag © FONDATION BEYELER 2013, SWITZERLAND

LONDON - International auction house Bonhams sale of Fine Japanese Art made a total of £1.5million yesterday (15th May 2014), confirming its current place as the leading venue in Europe for selling the art of Japan.

The top lot in the sale was a pair of fine and rare early-19th-century sword covers with metal fittings (lot 196), which were estimated to sell for £35,000 to £45,000 but went to a telephone bidder for £75,500.

The sale took place in a packed room of enthusiastic buyers at Bonhams spectacular new £30m headquarters on London's New Bond Street, with bids coming in from a bank of telephones and the internet.

A world-record auction price for a miniature Satsuma masterpiece was set for a work by Yabu Meizan as bidders competed fiercely for a small Satsuma jar and cover from the celebrated Tomkinson collection, finely decorated in enamels and gilt with a continuous snow scene (lot 464). The lot was secured by a mystery online buyer for an exceptional £52,500 against its pre-sale estimate of £6,000-£8,000.

Other top performing lots included a small four-case inro and lacquer netsuke by the important Meiji period artist Shibata Zeshin (lot 96) which sold for £50,000, doubling its estimate. The inro, intricately decorated in gold and inlaid with pewter and mother-of-pearl, shows three boats in a sea of formalised waves.

A small lacquer four-case inro and lacquer hako-netsuke. Both by Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji Period. Sold for £50,000. Photo: Bonhams.

A stunning gold-lacquer writing-box set (lot 401) decorated with a night view of glowing fireflies realised £50,000 – five times its estimate.

The panoramic array of items sold included a wealth of Arts and Crafts, netsuke (carved sculptural toggles) and inro (miniature interlocking medicine cases); armour; woodblock prints, featuring a selection of erotic 'shunga' subjects; painted folding screens; sculpture in ivory and metal; lacquered works; and ceramics. The lots dated from as far back as the Jomon period (c.10,000-c.300BC) right up to the Heisei era (1989-present), showcasing more than two millennia of Japanese culture.

Suzannah Yip, UK director and Head of Japanese art at Bonhams, commented: "Once again our range of the Arts of Japan attracted a wide audience from Europe, USA, Australiasia, the Far East and Russia. This time, particularly notable were Chinese-speaking bidders from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan who featured prominently in the bidding and purchased widely among the best objects. We look forward to selling the next part of the legendary Wrangham collection as a highlight of our auction in November during the world famous international event 'Asian Art in London'."

Ad Reinhardt (American, 1913-1967), Untitled (Blue-Purple Painting), 1952. Oil on canvas,36 x 24 inches (91.4 x 61.0 cm). Bears inscription. Includes artist's original painted strip frame. Estimate: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000.

DALLAS, TX.- Untitled (Blue-Purple Painting), 1952, Ad Reinhardt's minimalist masterwork, is expected to bring $1 million as part of a 370-lot Modern & Contemporary Art Signature Auction May 31 at Heritage . Works by giants ranging from Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Robert Rauschenberg and sculpture by Fernando Botero, Joan Miró and François-Xavier Lalanne, among others, will be offered in Dallas and online at HA.com. 

The auction is the first for the venue in 2014 and comes on the heels of Heritage's April 23 $1.2 million 20th & 21st Century Design Auction and the firm's nearly $4 million sales of Modern & Contemporary Art in November 2013. 

"The Reinhardt has a wonderful provenance and represents the fresh-to-market character of this auction," said Frank Hettig, Director of Modern & Contemporary Art. "Like most works offered, the iconic work has remained with the same family of collectors for generations." 

Known for his geometric paintings, Reinhardt's Untitled (Blue-Purple Painting), 1952, is an excellent example from the artist's celebrated monochrome abstractions. The work is a model combination of varying hues and a masterwork by the pioneer of conceptual and minimal art. It was acquired by the late Ethel Epstein, an art collector and a founder of the New York Studio School and the Washington D.C. Gallery of Modern Art. Epstein's husband, Henry, served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice while Mrs. Epstein served as the labor secretary under New York mayor LaGuardia. 

Additional highlights include two paintings by Sam Francis, Untitled, 1988, an expressive use of color and a signature example of the artist's vibrant abstract work of his later years (est. $300,000+), and Bright Saddle, 1985, (est. $150,000+). The Umbrellas (Project for Japan and USA), 1987, by Christo and Jeanne-Claude (est. $120,000+) is one of six works by the American artist on offer. Andy Warhol is well represented with $ (9), 1982 (est. $80,000+), 25 Cats Name(d) Sam and One Blue Pussy, circa 1954 (est. $40,000+), Life Savers (from the Ads series), 1985 (est. $30,000+), and Flowers, 1964 (est. $10,000+). 

Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994), Untitled, 1988. Acrylic on canvas,79-1/4 x 120 inches (201.3 x 304.8 cm). Estimate: $300,000 - $400,000. 

Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994), Bright Saddle, 1985. Acrylic on canvas; 36 x 42 inches (91.4 x 106.7 cm). Signed and dated verso. Estimate: $150,000 - $200,000.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Umbrellas (Project for Japan and USA), 1987. Graphite, charcoal, pastel, wax crayon; map and acrylic on paper collage laid down on panel, in two parts. Together: 65 x 57 inches (165.1 x 144.8 cm). Left panel: Signed, titled and dated; inscribed with installation instructions and numbered 4A on the reverse. Right panel: Signed and dated and inscribed with installation instructions and numbered 4B on the reverse. Estimate: $120,000 - $180,000.

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), $ (9), 1982. Screenprint in colors, 40 x 32 inches (101.6 x 81.3 cm) sheet. Ed. 12/35 (each print is unique). Signed and numbered in pencil lower left. Published by Andy Warhol, New York. 

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), 25 Cats Name(d) Sam and One Blue Pussy, circa 1954. Complete set of eighteen offset lithographs on laid paper with hand-coloring (including cover), bound in white buckram boards as issued.  Each page 8-7/8 x 6-7/8 inches (22.5 x 17.5 cm); boards measuring 9-1/8 x 6-1/8 inches (23.2 x 15.6 cm); small quarto edition. Ed. 75/190; (only about 150 copies were actually produced, according to the printer, Seymour Berlin).  Signed on colophon: Andy Warhol. Additionally inscribed: "To Mr. lefferts" [sic] on the cover illustration. Published by the artist, New York. Printed by Seymour Berlin. Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000.

Andy Warhol  (American, 1928-1987), Life Savers (from the Ads series), 1985. Screenprint in colors, 38 x 38 inches (96.5 x 96.5 cm) sheet. Ed. 182/190. Signed and numbered in pencil lower left. Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000.

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), Flowers, 1964. Offset lithograph in colors, 23 x 23 inches (58.4 x 58.4 cm) sight. From the edition of approximately 300. Signed, dated and dedicated in ink lower right. Published by Leo Castelli, New York to announce an exhibition of Flower paintings. Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.

The auction also features 17 works by Robert Rauschenberg, spanning 30 years of his career, including Rush I (from the Cloister series), 1980 (est. $200,000+) and Apple Run (Shiner), 1988 (est. $150,000+) from the peak of his rich body of work produced in the 1980s to his pop-culture-infused screenprints such as L.A. Uncovered #3, 1998 (est. 10,000+). 

Robert Rauschenberg  (American, 1925-2008), Rush I (from the Cloister series), 1980. Solvent transfer on paper and collage laid on panel, 98-1/4 x 74 inches (249.7 x 188.0 cm) sight. Signed and dated lower right. Signed, titled and dated verso. Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000.

 (American, 1925-2008)
Apple Run (Shiner), 1988
Silkscreen inks on mirrored steel
48 x 72 inches (121.9 x 182.9 cm)
Signed and dated lower right: Rauschenberg 88. Estimate: $150,000 - $200,000

Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008), L.A. Uncovered #3, 1998. Screenprint in colors, 24-1/2 x 20-3/4 inches (62.2 x 52.7 cm) sheet. Ed. 5/57.. Signed and numbered in pencil lower left. Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles. Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Leading the selection of Latin American artists is Fernando Botero's Hand with Cigarette, 1981, (est. $180,000+) and three works from Gunther Gerzso to include Rojo-Azul-Naranja, 1973 (est. $25,000+); Calle de Tequisquipan, 1961 (est. $15,000+); and Untitled, bronze, (est. $8,000+). 

Fernando Botero Columbian, b. 1932), Hand with Cigarette, 1981. Bronze with brown patina, 35 x 21 x 19-3/4 inches (88.9 x 53.3 x 50.2 cm). Ed. 2/6. Signed and stamped with foundry mark: Botero 2/6 Fonderia / M / Italy. Estimate: $180,000 - $220,000.

Gunther Gerzso (Mexican, 1915-2000), Rojo-Azul-Naranja, 1973. Oil on paper, 18-1/4 x 25-1/4 inches (46.4 x 64.1 cm) sight. Signed and dated lower right: Gerzso 73. Titled lower left in pencil. Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000.

Gunther Gerzso (Mexican, 1915-2000), Calle de Tequisquipan, 1961. Oil and paper on masonite, 11 x 18-1/2 inches (27.9 x 47.0 cm). Signed and dated lower right: GERZSO 61. Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.

Gunther Gerzso (Mexican, 1915-2000), Untitled. Bronze, 14 x 32 x 6 inches (35.6 x 81.3 x 15.2 cm). Ed. A/P. Incised signature and edition on base. Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000.

A selection of sculpture includes three works by François-Xavier Lalanne, Bélier (Ram) (from Les Nouveaux Moutons), 1994, (est. $50,000+) and editions of Mouton transhumant, 1987, (est. $50,000+ each) as well as Le Pèlerin (The Pilgrim), 1972, a bronze by Joan Miró (est. $70,000+) and Machine Guns, 1973, (est. $40,000+) by Arman. 

François-Xavier Lalanne  (French, 1927-2008), Bélier (Ram) (from Les Nouveaux Moutons), 1994. Epoxystone and patinated bronze, 36-5/8 x 40-1/4 x 15 inches (93.0 x 102.1 x 38.1 cm). Ed. 169/250. Stamped with signature, initialed, numbered and with the foundry stamp: Landowski Fondeur. Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000.

François-Xavier Lalanne (French, 1927-2008), Mouton transhumant, 1987. Epoxystone and patinated bronze, 33-1/8 x 37 x 14 inches (84.1 x 94.0 x 35.6 cm). Ed. 36/250. Stamped with signature, initialed and numbered. Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000.

Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983), Le Pèlerin (The Pilgrim), 1972. Bronze (lost wax casting), 22-1/2 x 9-1/8 x 8-3/4 inches (57.2 x 23.2 x 22.2 cm). Ed. 2/6. Incised and numbered Foundry Fundició Parellada, Barcelona. Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000.

Arman (French/American, 1928-2005), Machine Guns, 1973. Accumulation of welded electric drills, 26 x 22 x 26-1/2 inches (66.0 x 55.9 x 67.3 cm).  Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000.

Highlights from the Estate of Ray Frost Fleming, a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate, notable studio artist, and owner of the Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan, include contemporary works from Larry Rivers, such as The Young Archer, 1995, (est. $25,000+) and Moses, 1978, a mud, reeds and steel sculpture by Deborah Butterfield (est. $25,000+). 

Larry Rivers (American, 1925-2002), The Young Archer, 1995. Oil on canvas mounted on sculpted foamboard, 56-1/2 x 45 x 5 inches (143.5 x 114.3 x 12.7 cm). Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000.

Deborah Butterfield (American, b. 1949), Moses, 1978. Mud, reeds and steel. 28 x 44 x 10 inches (71.1 x 111.8 x 25.4 cm). Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000.

Works on paper by Italian artist and composer Giacomo Balla range from Compenetrazione Bis, 1913, (est. $25,000+) to Study for the Line of Velocity No. 2 (double-sided), circa 1913 (est. $7,000+). 

Giacomo Balla (Italian, 1871-1958), Compenetrazione Bis, 1913. Cut paper collage mounted on board, 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches (21.7 x 21.7 cm). Signed in paint lower center: FUTUR BALLA. Titled with collage insignia on verso. Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000.

Additional highlights include, but are not limited by:

Feed Folks, 1974, by David Hammons (est. $120,000+).

Savarin, 1977, by Jasper Johns (est. $100,000+).

Collage with Stick Figures-Journal au profil, 1964, by Pablo Picasso (est. $50,000+).

Parking Lots, (the complete set, group of 30), 1967/1999, by Ed Ruscha (est. $50,000+).

Easter Realness #1, 2003, by Kehinde Wiley (est. $40,000+). 

A fine and very rare celadon-glazed bowl , Yongzheng six-character mark within double circles and of the period (1723-1735). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The bowl is delicately potted with deep rounded sides rising from a straight foot to a slightly flaring rim. The exterior is evenly covered with a soft pale celadon glaze thinning to white on two encircling bow-string bands. The interior and underside of base are covered with a transparent glaze. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm.) diam. Estimate HK$1,500,000 - HK$2,500,000 ($194,359 - $323,932). Price Realized HK$1,480,000 ($191,723)

Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's London, 12 June 1990, lot 298

Notes: No other Yongzheng bowl of this form (probably in reference to metalwork examples) and glaze colour appears to have been published. Although shallower cafe-au-lait glazed examples bearing the same type of double-ring reign marks are known, such as the example in the Tokyo National Museum, included in Sekai Toji Zenshu, vol. 15, Tokyo, 1983, p. 201, pl. 279, and another included in the exhibition, Chinese Antiquities from the Brian S. McElney Collection, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1987, no. 100.

The inspiration for the present type of bowl likely stemmed from a Kangxi apple-green glazed prototype of smaller size, which shares the same proportion and the moulded double-band decoration, see a marked example in the Percival David Foundation, currently housed at the British Museum, illustrated by Rosemary Scott in Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1989, p. 47, no. B515.

 Christie's. IMPERIAL CHINESE TREASURES FROM A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN COLLECTION, 28 May 2014, Hong Kong .http://www.christies.com/

Pierre Soulages (né en 1919), Peinture 81 X 60 cm, 20 juin 1956. Photo ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN

Huile sur toile. Signée en bas à droite Soulages, contresignée et titrée au dos Soulages, peinture 81 x 60, 20 juin 1956; 81 x 60 cm (31,59 x 23,40 in.). Estimation : 400 000 € / 600 000 €

Provenance : Galerie de France, Paris
Collection particulière, Paris
Galerie Galarté, Paris
Vente Etude Briest, 24 juin 1994, Paris
Acquis au cours de cette vente par l'actuel propriétaire

Expositions : Paris, Grand Palais, Salon de Mars, Galerie Galarté, 1993

Bibliographie : P. Encrevé, Soulages, L'Oeuvre Complet Peintures I, 1946-1959, Editions du Seuil, Paris, 1995, n°229, reproduit en couleur p. 219

Commentaire : OIL ON CANVAS; SIGNED LOWER RIGHT, SIGNED AGAIN, DATED AND TITLED ON THE REVERSE

ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN. Post-War & Contemporain 1. 03 Juin 2014 à 21h. HÔTEL DASSAULT - 7 ROND POINT DES CHAMPS-ELYSÉES, 75008 PARIS (FRANCE). Contact: Vanessa Favre au +33 1 42 99 10 08.

A fine and rare Imperial yellow glass octagonal vase , Qianlong incised four-character mark within double squares and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The vase is of octagonal form with a compressed globular body rising to a tall neck supported on a short foot of conforming shape. The metal is of an even bright egg-yolk yellow tone. 5 5/8 in. (14.4 cm.) high. Estimate HK$600,000 - HK$800,000 ($77,744 - $103,658). Price Realized HK$750,000 ($97,157)

Provenance: Edward T. Chow Collection
Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 27 October 2003, lot 2

Exhibited: Baur Collection, One Man's Taste: Treasures from the Lakeside Pavilion, Geneva, 1988-1989, Catalogue, no. G6 

Notes: Three similar Qianlong-marked octagonal yellow glass vases have been published, one in the Franz Collection, illustrated by Emily Byrne Curtis in Pure Brightness Shines Everywhere. The Glass of China, Burlington, 2004, pl. 9.1; one in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, illustrated in Elegance and Radiance. Grandeur in Qing Glass, Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 18; one in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, included in the exhibition Clear as Crystal, Red as Flame, New York, 1990, Catalogue, no. 18.

Compare also to an opaque orange glass vase of similar size and shape, formerly in the Shorenstein Collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, December 2010, lot 2925. 

Christie's. IMPERIAL CHINESE TREASURES FROM A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN COLLECTION, 28 May 2014, Hong Kong .http://www.christies.com/

Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Concetto Spaziale, Teatrino - 1966. Photo ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN

Peinture sur toile et bois laqué. Signée et titrée au dos L Fontana, Concetto Spaziale; 110 x 110 cm (42,90 x 42,90 in.). Estimation : 300 000 € / 400 000 €

Provenance : Galleria dell' Ariete, Milan
Galleria Milano, Milan
Ancienne Collection Béatrice Monti, Milan
Collection particulière, Italie

Expositions : Milan, Palazzo Reale, Lucio Fontana, 1972, reproduit sous le n°197, p. 244

Bibliographie : E. Crispolti,Lucio Fontana, Catalogue Raisonné des Peintures, Sculptures et Environnements Spatiaux 1974, Volume II, Editions La Connaissance, Bruxelles, 1974, reproduit en noir et blanc sous le n°66 TE 21, p. 177
E. Crispolti, Fontana, Catalogue Général, Volume II, Editions Electa, Milan, 1986, reproduit en noir et blanc sous le n°66 TE 21, p. 621

Commentaire : WATERPAINT ON CANVAS AND LACQUERED WOOD; SIGNED AND TITLED ON THE REVERSE

ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN. Post-War & Contemporain 1. 03 Juin 2014 à 21h. HÔTEL DASSAULT - 7 ROND POINT DES CHAMPS-ELYSÉES, 75008 PARIS (FRANCE). Contact: Vanessa Favre au +33 1 42 99 10 08.

A fine and very rare Imperial yellow glass censer,  Qianlong incised four-character mark within double squares and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The censer is of compressed globular form, rising from a short foot to a waisted neck and slightly flared rim, the shoulders flanked by a pair of loop handles. The metal is of a bright opaque egg-yolk yellow tone. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.) across. Estimate HK$1,800,000 - HK$2,500,000 ($233,231 - $323,932). Price Realized HK$4,600,000 ($595,896)

Provenance: Edward T. Chow Collection
Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 25 April 2004, lot 139

Notes: Yellow glass vessels are very rare due to their strict restriction for imperial usage, but this censer is all the more unusual owing to its shape with a ring foot, in imitation of archaic bronze gui, rather than the tripod shape more commonly seen among most other examples. Compare for example to a yellow glass censer supported on three feet, also bearing a Qianlong mark in double squares, in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, illustrated in Elegance and Radiance, The Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, no. 54.

Two glass garniture sets each including a Qianlong-marked censer of similar size, a paste box and a vase, of opaque blue and pink colours, from the Beijing Palace Museum, are illustrated in Luster of Autumn Water. Glss of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, pls. 117 and 118.

Compare also to two opaque turquoise glass tripod censers, one formerly in the Shorenstein Collection and sold at Christie's Hong Kong, December 2010, lot 2919; the other sold at Christie's Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2310. 

Christie's. IMPERIAL CHINESE TREASURES FROM A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN COLLECTION, 28 May 2014, Hong Kong .http://www.christies.com/

Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Concetto Spaziale, Teatrino - 1966. Photo ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN

Peinture sur toile et bois laqué.Signée et titrée au dos L Fontana, Concetto Spaziale; 110 x 110 cm (42,90 x 42,90 in.). Estimation : 300 000 € / 400 000 €

Provenance : Galleria dell' Ariete, Milan
Galleria Milano, Milan
Ancienne Collection Béatrice Monti, Milan
Collection particulière, Italie

Bibliographie : E. Crispolti, Lucio Fontana, Catalogue Raisonné des Peintures, Sculptures et Environnements Spatiaux, Volume II, Editions La Connaissance, Bruxelles, 1974, reproduit en noir et blanc sous le n°66 TE 20, p. 177
E. Crispolti, Fontana, Catalogue Général, Volume II, Editions Electa, Milan, 1986, reproduit en noir et blanc sous le n°66 TE 20, p. 621

Commentaire : WATERPAINT ON CANVAS AND LACQUERED WOOD; SIGNED AND TITLED ON THE REVERSE

ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN. Post-War & Contemporain 1. 03 Juin 2014 à 21h. HÔTEL DASSAULT - 7 ROND POINT DES CHAMPS-ELYSÉES, 75008 PARIS (FRANCE). Contact: Vanessa Favre au +33 1 42 99 10 08.

An exceptional Imperial Famille Rose 'Peach' dish , Yongzheng six-character mark within double squares and of the period (1723-1735). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The dish is finely potted with thin translucent sides rising to a flared mouth rim, exquisitely enamelled on the exterior with two branches in various shades of sepia growing from above the foot, bearing three ripe peaches rendered in shaded tones of bright pink and yellow and flowers in pastel pink, the other side with two iron-red bats in flight. The design continues over the rim onto the interior with three further bats hovering above five peaches shaded from pink to green amidst blossoms and leaves rendered in two tones of green. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.) diam. Estimate HK$5,000,000 - HK$7,000,000 ($647,864 - $907,009). Price Realized HK$5,080,000 ($658,076)

Provenance; The Barbara Hutton (1912-1979) Collection
Sold at Sotheby's London, 6 July 1971, lot 267
Sold at Sotheby's London, 9 June 2004, lot 218

Notes: The bowls and dishes painted with clusters of fruiting peach branches are among the finest products of the Imperial kilns of the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns. The porcelain is usually exceptionally fine and pure; the design is exquisitely composed around the centre of the dish and over the rim, curling to the underside section of the dish. This painting style was probably influenced by textile design and flower painting of the Yongzheng period.

Examples of these peach dishes are found in major museum and private collections worldwide, including one in the Shanghai Museum and illustrated in Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery, Shanghai, 1996, pl. 83; one in the Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, illustrated in Qing Imperial Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 62; one in the British Museum, bequeathed by Reginald R. Cory, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics, The World's Greatest Collections, Kodansha Series, vol. 5, Tokyo, 1982, no. 226; another in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm, op. cit., Kodansha Series, vol. 9, no. 98; one at the Asia Society, New York, published in Handbook of the Mr and Mrs John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, New York, 1981, p. 82; one exhibited in Selections of Chinese Art from Private Collections, China Institute in America, New York, 1967, Catalogue, no. 8; one exhibited in Exhibition of Famous Pieces of Chinese Pottery and Porcelain in the Matsuoka Museum of Art, Osaka, 1983, no. 84; one in Chinese Ceramics, the S. C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, vol. II, Hong Kong, 1987, p. 146, no. 104; and another illustrated by A. du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History, London, 1984, p. 242, no. 3.

Similar dishes were also sold at auction: one from the collections of John M. Crawford Jr., Au Bak Ling and Robert Chang was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 October 2003, lot 665; one from the collections of C. Oswald Liddell, Charles Russell and now in the Gulexuan Collection, most recently sold at Sotheby's London, 8 June 1993, lot 91; and one from the British Rail Pension Fund, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 16 May 1989, lot 88. A Qianlong-period example of the same design from C.T. Loo and the Meiyintang Collections was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 4 April 2012, lot 27.

Larger dishes were also painted in this pattern, such as the spectacular dish in the Percival David Foundation, illustrated by R. Scott, A Guide to the Collection, London, 1989, no. 111. 

Christie's. IMPERIAL CHINESE TREASURES FROM A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN COLLECTION, 28 May 2014, Hong Kong .http://www.christies.com/

Zao Wou-ki (1920-2013), 20.01.64 - 1964. Photo ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN

Huile sur toile.Signée en chinois et en Pinyin vers le bas à droite Wou-ki Zao, contresignée en Pinyin et datée au dos Zao Wou-ki, 20 jan. 64; 46 x 50 cm (17,94 x 19,50 in.). Estimation : 250 000 € / 350 000 €

Provenance : Galerie de France, Paris
Collection particulière, Bruxelles
A l'actuel propriétaire par descendance

Bibliographie : J. Leymarie, Zao Wou-ki, Editions Hier et Demain, Paris, 1978, reproduit sous le n°330, p. 289
J. Leymarie, Zao Wou-ki, Editions Cercle d'Art, Paris, 1986, reproduit en noir et blanc sous le n°362, p. 329
Cette oeuvre sera répertoriée dans le Catalogue Raisonnéà venir, établi par Madame Françoise Marquet, assistée de Monsieur Yann Hendgen

Commentaire : OIL ON CANVAS; SIGNED IN CHINESE AND PINYIN LOWER RIGHT, SIGNED AGAIN IN PINYIN AND DATED ON THE REVERSE

ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN. Post-War & Contemporain 1. 03 Juin 2014 à 21h. HÔTEL DASSAULT - 7 ROND POINT DES CHAMPS-ELYSÉES, 75008 PARIS (FRANCE). Contact: Vanessa Favre au +33 1 42 99 10 08.

A fine and rare Imperial green glass vase, Yongzheng incised four-character mark within double squares and of the period (1723-1735). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The bottle vase with flaring sides rising to the rounded shoulders, surmounted by a long slightly tapering neck. The countersunk base is incised with the reign mark within double squares. The metal is of an opaque pea-green tone.; 8 3/4 in. (22.4 cm.) high. Estimate HK$1,500,000 - HK$2,000,000 ($194,359 - $259,145). Price Realized HK$2,680,000 ($347,174)

Provenance: Edward T. Chow Collection
Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2 May 2005, lot 548

Exhibited: Baur Collection, One Man's Taste: Treasures from the Lakeside Pavilion, Geneva, 1988-1989, Catalogue, no. G4 

Notes Yongzheng-marked vases of this opaque pea-green colour, in imitation of celadon ceramic wares made in Longquan and Jingdezhen, are very rare with very few related examples. One similar example, also bearing a Yongzheng mark in double squares, is known, in the Franz Collection and illustrated by Emily Byrne Curtis, Pure Brightness Shines Everywhere. The Glass of China, Burlington, 2004, no. 8.2. Another Yongzheng-marked glass vase of very similar colour but with a more globular body and taller ring foot is in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, illustrated in Elegance and Radiance. Grandeur in Qing Glass, Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 9.

Qianlong-marked glass vases of similar shape and colour are also known, including one in the Beijing Palace Museum, illustrated in Luster of Autumn Water. Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshops, Beijing, 2005, pl. 21; one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, June 2011, lot 3802; and one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, April 1992, lot 971. 

Christie's. IMPERIAL CHINESE TREASURES FROM A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN COLLECTION, 28 May 2014, Hong Kong .http://www.christies.com/

Chu Teh-Chun (1920-2014), Chemins Faciles - 2005. Photo ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN

Huile sur toile. Signée en chinois et en Pinyin et datée en bas à droite Chu Teh-Chun, 05, contresignée en chinois et en Pinyin, datée et titrée au dos chemins faciles, Chu Teh-Chun, 2005; 73 x 92 cm (28,47 x 35,88 in.). Estimation : 120 000 € / 150 000 €

Provenance : Galerie Patrice Trigano, Paris
Collection particulière, Paris

Bibliographie : P-J. Rémy, Chu Teh-Chun, Editions de La Différence, Paris, 2006, p. 393, reproduit en couleur p. 292

Commentaire : OIL ON CANVAS; SIGNED IN CHINESE AND PINYIN AND DATED LOWER RIGHT, SIGNED AGAIN IN CHINESE AND PINYIN, DATED AND TITLED ON THE REVERSE

ARTCURIAL - BRIEST-POULAIN-F.TAJAN. Post-War & Contemporain 1. 03 Juin 2014 à 21h. HÔTEL DASSAULT - 7 ROND POINT DES CHAMPS-ELYSÉES, 75008 PARIS (FRANCE). Contact: Vanessa Favre au +33 1 42 99 10 08.

Statuette d'Amitayus en bronze doré, Chine, Epoque Qianlong (1736 - 1795). Photo MILLON ET ASSOCIÉS

assis en padmasana sur une base rectangulaire, les mains en dhyana mudra, devant une mandorle. (Manque la kalasa). H. 20 cm. Estimation : 2 500 € / 3 000 €

MILLON ET ASSOCIÉS. Archéologie- Céramique - Extrême Orient. le 03 Juin 2014 à 13h30. SALLE VV - 3 RUE ROSSINI - 75009 PARIS. Contact: Lucile Clément 01 48 00 99 44 - lclement@millon-associes.com