On Tuesday 20th February, Roseberys’ first Design Sale of the year went under the hammer, yielding very strong results across the board. Highlights included ceramics by Jean Cocteau, studio pottery by John Maltby and Alan Wallwork as well as Arts & Crafts pieces by Archibald Knox and W.A.S Benson. Furniture sales were also particularly strong, with pieces by Carlo Bugatti, Carlo De Carli and Adrian Pearsall -to name a few - achieving impressive hammer prices on the day.
Lot 15: Jean Cocteau, Jeunesse Franco Allemande,
from an edition of 5, circa 1963
The standout lot of the sale was lot 15, a rare earthenware and enamelled plate by Jean Cocteau. Entitled ‘Jeunesse Franco-Allemande’, this plate was produced in 1963 as one from an edition of five, making it an incredibly rare piece. The bidding was fiercely competitive on the day, surpassing the pre-sale estimate and eventually realising £23,600 (with buyer’s premium), making it a record result for a non-unique ceramic plate by Cocteau.
Lot 10: Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons
Lot 10, two model ‘114’ armchairs and ‘143’ ottomans by Carlo de Carli, realised a massive £8,258 (with buyer’s premium) against a pre-sale estimate of £1,500-2,500. These sleek and stylish designs in solid walnut epitomise high-end Italian design of the 1950s. These rare examples, originally produced for the American market, caused a stir amongst collectors, resulting in a highly competitive bidding war on the day.
Lot 12: Venini, Large illuminated wall mirror, circa 1960
Lot 12 was a large and impressive illuminated wall mirror, measuring 163cm x 128cm. This lot was produced circa 1960 by Venini, arguably the best Italian glass makers of the 20th Century. This statement piece, comprising several moulded glass sections, was by repute one of five mirrors that originally hung in Banca di Roma, Italy. Realising £6,560 (with buyer’s premium), this lot sold to the highest bidder in Italy.
LOT 53: Daum, Tulip vase, circa 1900
Lot 53 was a fine and exquisite Art Nouveau glass vase by Daum, circa 1900. This acid-etched example had delicate and detailed floral decoration painted in enamels and set off with gilt highlights. In spite of its diminutive size, this rare and early example packed a punch on sale day, realising £,1,115 including buyer’s premium.
Lot 9: Fritz Behn, Weib vom panther überfallen,
Lot 9 was a masterful bronze sculpture by renowned 20th Century German sculptor Fritz Behn. Behn, who has several public commissioned sculptures in Germany as well as works in museums worldwide, is widely celebrated for his animal sculptures inspired by trips to Africa. This impressive large-scale bronze, depicting a woman locked in the grip of a panther, garnered much attention from German bidders on the day, finally realising a total of £11,152 including buyer’s premium.
Lot 131: Meret Oppenheim, probably manufactured by Simon International
'Traccia' side table
Surrealism was order of the day, with Lot 131, a ‘Traccia’ table by Meret Oppenheim, and Lot 158, a rug attributed to Salvador Dali, both reaching hammer prices well above top estimate. Lot 131, a wonderful and whimsical gilt side table with bronze bird leg supports, was originally designed by Oppenheim in 1939 for Leo Castelli’s avant-garde Paris Gallery. This example was produced circa 1970 and realised £3,411 with buyer’s premium. Dali’s striking ‘Grand Pavon’ design rug, depicting a stylised bird-like creature flanked by angels, realised £4,198 with buyer’s premium.
Newsletter Signup
Newsletter
