John Moran Auctioneers’ California Living auction achieved strong prices for a variety of art and objects
• Fine art performed well throughout the sale
• Art pottery and glass were among the top lots of the day
• Jewels from Mexican masters were among the hottest lots during the auction
MONROVIA, CA – John Moran Auctioneer’s November 17th California Living auction brought out the collectors and achieved strong prices throughout the sale. Fine art, stellar décor, and enviable jewelry shone bright during the sale and proved the enduring demand for quality examples across design styles. Moran’s is already looking forward to another California Living auction in the spring which is filling up fast. Consignment inquiries are always welcome.
Fine art from American painters performed well throughout the sale. The apropos Autumn from Mary De Neale Morgan places the viewer in a relaxed rolling hill landscape and unsurprisingly brought $3,750 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A welcoming view of Devonshire from Walter Elmer Schofield soared past its high estimate to achieve $5,625 at the block. No doubt a fan of both The Crown and artist Banksy couldn’t resist Di Faced Tenner in the auction, which brought $1,500 during the sale. Alfred R. Mitchell’s dreamy Spring Flowers is a wonderfully impressionistic work from the artist and soared to $3,125 thanks to a determined online bidder.
Art pottery and glass were the hottest items of the sale. The distinction of top lot went to a triumphant Newcomb College landscape vase which started a bidding war when it hit the block and ultimately brought $7,500. An unusual Teco vase no doubt appealed to collectors and brought $2,000. A beautifully made Tiffany Favrile lamp with damascene shade was one of the most popular lots heading into the sale and achieved $6,875. A delightful Tiffany-style leaded glass vase with whimsical dragonfly-motif shade and lily pad base flew away with a lucky phone bidder for $1,500.
“No doubt a fan of both The Crown and artist Banksy couldn’t resist Di Faced Tenner in the auction, which brought $1,500 during the sale.”
Jewelry from the esteemed Hodosh Collection continues to appeal to collectors. A stellar set of serpent jewelry from the famed Margot de Taxco slithered past its high estimate to bring $3,125. Two “Vindobonensis” bracelets from master designer William Spratling went home with a determined online bidder for $1,750. A classic chain necklace and matching bracelet also by William Spratling, will no doubt complement any outfit in the buyer’s wardrobe and brought $2,375. An ever-popular Aztec-motif was the inspiration for a stunning necklace from Margot de Taxco which brought $1,250 at the block.
Moran’s fall auction season will continue through December with Fine Jewelry & Timepieces together with Studio Jewelry as well as Traditional Collector. The winter auction season begins in January with the Studio auctions and continues to February with Made in Mexico, featuring works from Mexico’s top artists and artisans. Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously, as such, all previews for the auction will be by appointment only and the sales will be held online without a live audience.
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 our website; bidding is also supported by telephone or absentee.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.