Timeless Taxco achieved stellar prices realized for the most important collection of Mexican silver to come to market

Timeless Taxco achieved stellar prices realized for the most important collection of Mexican silver to come to market

• Outstanding jewels from Matl resonated with buyers
• The top Taxco silversmiths achieved strong prices
• Jewelry and Pre-Columbian works were among the top sellers of the night

MONROVIA, CA – The buyers were out in force on a rainy Sunday at Moran’s Timeless Taxco: The Collection of Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh auction event. Collectors were astounded by the selection of rare finds filling the auction leading up to the sale, leading to robust bidding throughout the day. A curated selection of pieces from the Hodosh collection will be featured in future sales, poised to perform just as well as Sunday’s items.

Among the many success stories of the day was the off the chain performance of Matl. One of the top female silversmiths working in Taxco during the golden era, several top examples of Matilde Poulat’s work more than tripled their high estimates when they hit the block. Among the best works was a dramatic branch coral necklace won by a determined floor bidder for $8,750 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A dove-themed turquoise and silver necklace charmed everyone at the preview and brought $6,250. A whimsical set of fish-themed jewelry swam to an impressive $9,375 at the block, the top price paid for jewelry at the auction. A pair of copper candlesticks caused a bidding war when they hit the block, selling to an avid phone bidder for $2,000.

Tablewares from Taxco’s most coveted silversmiths stole the show at the auction. A pair of ebony salad servers from William Spratling, designed in the clean geometric aesthetic so prized in his Third Design Period, flew past their $1,500 high estimate to bring $6,250. The eagle, a national symbol of both Mexico and America was a fitting design for American-born Taxco silversmith William Spratling. His “Eagle” pitcher with its carved wood handle soared past its $1,200-1,800 estimate to bring $6,250. One of the top selling lots of the night was a stunning “Nautilus” flatware service from Antonio Pineda which brought $12,500 after a protracted bidding war.

Jewelry and stonework from the Pre-Columbian era to the present were among the top lots of the day. A carved stone Olmec figure was one of the most highly anticipated lots, making it no surprise when it brought $13,750 at the block. A rare gold necklace from William Spratling centering carved jade sold for $8,750. A wonderful set of jewelry from Los Castillo soared past its $600-800 estimate to bring $3,437.50. A stunning Fred Davis necklace with rows of silver beads suspended from a Pre-Columbian influenced necklace brought $6,250.

Moran’s has grand plans for the spring auction season. Moran’s March 15th Art of the American West auction is filled with fresh to market pieces from local collections including textiles, jewelry, and basketry from the Hodosh collection. March 29th will see a fine selection of Continental furnishings in The Traditional Collector auction. April will host the highly anticipated California & American Fine Art auction with a selection of turn of the century furnishings and design at the California Living auction.

For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through bid.johnmoran.com; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee, or in person.

Consignment inquiries are always welcome.