Following on the heels of the recent successful offering of property from the Wanamaker-de Heeren Family Collection, enthusiasts of old-world elegance are eagerly awaiting the Bonhams November 20th New York sale of European furniture, decorative arts, silver, rugs and carpets. The auction features property from several prominent private collections and estates, highlighted by several extraordinary pieces in a variety of categories.
A monumental Russian gilt-bronze-mounted porcelain vase created by the Imperial Porcelain Factory at St. Petersburg is perhaps the most striking and fascinating item in the sale. The superbly-modeled urn resided in a Dutch family collection since the 1920s and was only recently rediscovered and identified by Bonhams specialists on the West Coast, where the family now resides. The urn, dating from the period of Nicholas I, was most likely made for the dowry of one of the daughters of the Czar; a strikingly similar vase commissioned for the dowry of Grand Duchess Aleksandra (1825-1844) for her wedding to Prince Fredrich Wilhelm of Hessel-Kassel is now in the museum collection at Schloss Fasanerie, Eichenzell. The ovoid body is finely painted with luxurious floral garlands and is applied with elaborate gilt-bronze foliate mounts attributed to the Felix Chopin workshop. Standing 32-inches high, this masterful work is estimated at $150/250,000.
An extremely fine and important group of silver from a Midwestern estate is also among the most coveted items in the sale. The highlight of this group is a Georgian royal silver five-piece plateau, executed by Bridge, Rundell and Pitt between 1800 and 1828. Measuring eight-feet in length, the plateau is cast with a pierced gallery, decorated with scrolling grapevines, and mounted at intervals with the royal coat of arms. Estimated at $150/250,000, the piece is expected to spark competitive bidding.
Also from this estate are several pieces by the renowned silversmith Paul Storr including an 1813 Regency silver tureen and cover (est. $40/60,000) and a pair of George IV silver covered entrée dishes on Sheffield plated stands (est. $25/35,000). Additionally, a beautifully crafted 1821 George IV silver inkstand by William Angel (est. $8/12,000) will also come to the block.
Collector interest should be strong for a truly stunning set of four carved white marble chinoiserie figures, each standing an impressive five-feet in height (est. $90/120,000), while a spectacularly ornate late 19th century enamel-mounted ebonized cabinet featuring finely painted enamel plaques with mythological scenes could bring as much as $120,000. Amongst the collection of more than 30 rugs and carpets offered is an exceptional Kashan carpet, measuring approximately 28 x 18-feet, estimated to fetch $18/25,000.
Sevres and Vienna style porcelain urns and cabinet plates, as well as several finely-painted Berlin porcelain plaques from a Long Island private collection, will also be of great interest to bidders. Also on offer is an extensive Sevres porcelain 105-piece dinner service (est. $60/80,000). Decorated after the celebrated service ordered by Cardinal Richelieu for Princess Lamballe, each piece is painted with 18th century couples in pastoral landscapes within elaborate gilt scrollwork on a bleu celeste ground.
An exceptional collection of furniture comes from a New York private collection. Included is a fine pair of Baltic Neoclassical painted consoles (est. $25/35,000) as well as a pair of Russian Neoclassical gilt-bronze, malachite and porphyry candelabra, later mounted as floor lamps (est. $20/30,000).
Bonhams is also especially pleased to offer Louis XV and XVI furniture from the Estate of Ania Kayaloff – the highly regarded former owner of Vieux Paris. With an unparalleled reputation in the world of antiques, Ms. Kayaloff regularly supplied furniture destined for the White House. Her faithful patrons included many notable artists, literary icons, and political figures such as Jacqueline and Ethel Kennedy. The pieces to be offered from Ms. Kayaloff’s personal collection reflect her fondness for 18th century French furniture and represent a comprehensive selection of chairs, commodes, consoles and tables.
“This auction will appeal to everyone with an interest in European furniture and decorative arts, as collectors will be presented with a truly impressive selection of objects across categories and price levels,” states Jon King, Director of Bonhams New York.
The illustrated auction catalog will be online for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com/us. Previews open at Bonhams NY on November 15th – continuing daily until the auction.
For more information on sales and events at Bonhams New York, visit: www.bonhams.com/newyork .