AntiquesPublicity.com - The first fine furniture and decorative arts sale of the Bonhams & Butterfields Fall 2007 auction season in Los Angeles was dedicated to showcasing hundreds of examples of fine decor from around the world — with offerings spanning the 16th through the 20th centuries and encompassing all stylistic developments from the Renaissance through the 1900s.

The September 10, 2007 auction began with several bouts of energetic bidding, both on the telephones and in the room, for an eclectic array of highly sought after European works. “The market for works displaying intricate detail and extraordinary materials is strong,” said Andrew Jones, Director of the European Furniture and Decorative Arts Department in Los Angeles. “High quality works displaying master craftsmanship and unusual materials continue to fetch solid prices,” continued Jones.

The top lot from the sale was a stately Austrian gold and enamel mounted oval waisted agate bowl. The handsome bowl is ornamented with intricate mask terminals, raised on a circular socle with an everted rim flanked by cast foliate scroll handles and pierced foliate foot. The piece displays a wide array of color and texture. Agate can be found in the quartz family of minerals and commonly occurs as nodules in volcanic rock or lava. In traditional lore, the mineral was believed to cure the bites of a snake and the sting of a scorpion, as well, could prevent disease, foster eloquence, obtain the favor of the powerful and beget victory over rivals. After several rounds of competitive bidding, the five-inch high and seven-inch wide bowl sold for $204,000, well above the pre-sale estimate.

Another highlight of the Fall sale was a large Limoges enamel and parcel gilt ebonized mirror. Works in enamel are created by fusing an opaque glaze to a surface by intense heat, which results in a hard, durable and often brilliantly colorful facade. According to historic record, enamelwork was produced as early as the 13th century BC, reached its peak in the Byzantine Empire, and flourished throughout medieval and Renaissance Europe. Estimated to bring as much as $35,000 the highly detailed and intricate work sold for $108,000.

Featured in the Italian section of the sale was an exquisite and impressive Italian Baroque pietra dura table cabinet (est. $30/40,000) from a Beverly Hills collection. The 30-inch high cabinet featured colorful inlays of lapis and other semi-precious materials depicting birds and flowers. Originally created for 17th century Italian nobility, the cabinet was likely used as a collector’s cabinet to aid in studies during a ‘grand tour’ or similar classical learning experience.

According to Jones, “The cabinet is a superb example of Italian craftsmanship. One can see the intricate detail and striking color in each of the panels. This piece well represents the highly decorative and richly colored creations for which Italy is known.”

An assembled Spode ‘Indian Sporting Series’ partial service was also among the top lots. Exquisitely decorated in the transfer method, the pieces are ornamented with various Anglo-Indian sporting prints from the series. The offering was comprised of an assortment of vegetable dishes, one Copeland & Garrett gravy boat, two shell form dishes, one covered sauce tureen; ten soup bowls and an eclectic array of serving dishes and plates in a variety of shapes and sizes, all underglazed in blue and impressed SPODE. Selling for $19,200 well above the $1,000-1,500 estimate, several pieces are titled in underglaze blue with impressed numerals.

“Several lots were sold to international buyers, demonstrating the global strength of the Bonhams marketing efforts and our world-wide client base,” said Jones. Additional highlights from the September 10 sale included: a Faberge 14-karat gold mounted nephrite cigarette case and match box (sold for $19,200); a pair of George III style giltwood, tortoiseshell and ivory console tables (sold for $30,000); a pair of Italian Neoclassical parcel gilt and painted console tables (sold for $54,000) and an Italian Baroque paint decorated and walnut table (sold for $27,000).

Six “fine” furniture sales are held annually by Bonhmas & Butterfields, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with a fully illustrated catalog available for each. Additionally, through the SoMa and Sunset Estates sales in San Francisco and Los Angeles (respectively) the furniture and decorative arts department offers mid-range and collectible items each month. Sale dates and collector information is online at www.bonhams.com/us.

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Posted: 11|6|07 at 9:42 am. Filed under: Press Release.