Sotheby’s March 29 auction of property of a Palm Beach private collector achieved $8,397,649, almost double the presale high estimate.
The auction was led by a group of more than 80 pieces of Chinese porcelain and works of art, most notably a rare large Chinese famille rose “Millefleurs” altar garniture bearing six character Qianlong marks and of the period, which more than doubled its high estimate in selling for $2,098,500.
The garniture has provenance going back to England at the end of the Nineteenth Century, and is further distinguished by the fact that all five pieces have survived together.
Other highlights from the Chinese works included a group of six rare Chinese famille rose “Soldier” vases offered over two lots †one as a pair and one as a group of four †which achieved $1,565,000 in total. It represented possibly the first time that six vases of this rare, large and highly decorative form have appeared together in one sale.
Additionally, a Chinese “Ru”-type vase, Qianlong mark and period, soared past its $60,000 estimate, achieving $794,500.
Eighteenth Century English furniture also performed strongly, led by a large George II giltwood side table in the manner of Matthias Lock, circa 1750, that brought $362,500, more than triple its high estimate, as well as a pair of George III giltwood mirrors that sold for $122,500.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For information, 212-606-7000 or www.sothebys.com .
