John Moran Auctioneers’ Traditional Collector auction brought strong prices for world-class decorative and fine art
John Moran Auctioneer’s final Traditional Collector auction of the year realized strong prices on a variety of décor, silver, and fine art. Buyers clamored for gorgeous pieces from around the globe with classic designs taking center stage. Moran’s is already busy consigning more finds for our Spring Traditional Collector auction and always welcome consignments.
A silvered and gilt model of the American paddle steamer Harlan, price realized: $50,000
Silver from Buccellati shone brightly in the auction, with several fine examples fetching high prices. A wonderfully modeled octopus centerpiece from the famed Italian maker caused a stir when it hit the block, realizing $10,000 after two phone bidders battled for the prize (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium. A cased set of dominos is sure to add pizazz to any game and sold to a lucky online bidder for $2,812. A gorgeous centerpiece made to resemble three falling leaves was one of Moran’s favorite pieces in the auction and realized $5,625. An “Empire” lidded ice bucket brought a cool $9,375 after a short bidding war.
Fine art from around the world demanded attention during the auction. A portrait of Anne Henriette of France with her violoncello in the style of Jean-Marc Nattier soared past its high estimate to bring $8,125. A serene sculpture of a peasant woman and her baby sold to a contented phone bidder for $3,000. A fantastic terracotta bust after La Belle Florentine was one of the most popular lots leading into the auction, it unsurprisingly brought $1,625 after a short bidding war. A Spanish Colonial painting of Saint Mark the Evangelist is a wonderfully painted work and brought $3,125 at the block.
“A wonderfully modeled octopus centerpiece from the famed Italian maker caused a stir when it hit the block”
A Buccellati Sterling Silver Octopus Centerpiece, price realized: $10,000
Furniture and décor from quality makers brought some of the highest prices of the day. The honor of top lot went to an incredibly detailed model of a paddle ship, with working wheels and musical feature, caused a bidding war when it hit the block, sailing off with a determined phone bidder for $50,000. A large Persian rug with unusual cool-toned color palette brought out the collectors, selling for $8,125. A beautifully made marquetry vitrine with skillfully painted panels and velvet lining was a hit with the auction audience and was snatched up by an online bidder for $6,875. A finely modeled clock depicting the birth of Venus was one of the most spectacular clocks Moran’s had in the sale, it brought $3,750 to a lucky online bidder.
January brings a round of Studio Fine Art as well as Studio Decorative Art auctions. Later in the Spring season, Moran’s will bring installments of Made in Mexico, Winter Modern & Contemporary Art, California & American Fine Art, Traditional Collector, and much more. 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.
Auction Highlights
