A distinctly international flavour dominated proceedings at the inaugural Leonard Joel Sydney auction. On Sunday afternoon at the Intercontinental Hotel, and after 95 years in the making, Leonard Joel hosted its first fine catalogue auction in Sydney. The catalogue represented every category and in many ways it resembled the eclectic grand catalogues that went out of fashion when auctioneers began streamlining their offerings – in this sense it was a visual feast and a satisfyingly diverse sale. Sydney clients entrusted Leonard Joel with the sale of important jewellery, rare objects and interesting international art. The auction began sensationally when lot 4, a French silver box by Jean Emile Puiforcat with an estimate of $3,000, realised a staggering $19,520 (IBP). Connoisseur collecting continued when a Grand Tour Victorian specimen table, lot 11, sold for $21,960 (IBP) and an extremely rare Arts and Crafts enamel and silver bowl of Newcastle origin, lot 136, realised $29,280 (IBP). Asian arts continued its stellar run with a pair of 19th century rosewood inlaid chairs, lot 178, that more than quadrupled their estimate to sell for $7,320 (IBP) and the theme continued when an exquisite green jade and diamond necklace, lot 373, sold for $9,760 (IBP). Other fine jewellery highlights included an impressive sapphire and diamond ring, lot 361, that realised $48,800 (IBP) - the superb oval cut centre blue sapphire weighed more than 5 carats and combined with its intense blue colouring truly dazzled bidders. While only a small collection of international art was on offer, lot 65, a monumental bronze bust of Beethoven by the French artist Emile Antoine Bourdelle, more than doubled its low estimate and realised $43,920 (IBP). John D’Agata, Head of Sydney Office, commented: “We are delighted with the result; we budgeted modestly. We are here for the long haul and we would have been happy with a $400,000 auction. We have already surpassed the half million dollar mark and we are honestly in celebration. I’m thrilled that Sydney has supported us in this fashion and I really look forward to developing our full service expertise in NSW.” View all of the results here bit.ly/1yaYgCr
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 03:59:43 +0000
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