Made In Mexico presented by Moran’s
Post-Sale Results!
MONROVIA, CA – As demonstrated in Tuesdays sale (February 9, 2021), Moran’s Made in Mexico is becoming a fan favorite. Collectors were eager to bid on many items that had never before been brought to auction from the private collection of Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh.
Lot 129: An Antonio Pineda Silver and Lapis Lazuli Bracelet $800-$1,200 SOLD: $2,500
Several pieces of eye-catching jewelry from the Hodosh collection found new owners and most of it came in above estimated values like the Antonio Pineda Silver and Lapis Lazuli Bracelet. The eight Lapis Lazuli beads in a stunning blue color further enhances this cross-link bracelet. Lapis Lazuli is a mixture of three different minerals, but it’s the Lazurite mineral that reacts with sulfur atoms to create the brilliant blue pigment that the stone is known for. The Pineda bracelet sold for $2,500 despite it’s $800-$1,200 estimate.
A Los Castillo Silver and Azure-Malachite Diving Trophy made quite the splash at auction. Also from the Hodosh collection, this truly unique piece features a diving figure in action set on a rosewood base. The trophy sold for $2,400, blowing its $200-$400 estimate right out of the water.
“This William Spratling River of Life Silver Cuff Bracelet is a prime example of his design style incorporating waves and Aztec inspired rings. ”
Lot 148: A William Spratling River of Life Silver Cuff Bracelet $600-$800 SOLD: $1900
Even though Made In Mexico took place virtually, the excitement in the room had to register with our online audience as we watched bidders compete for Figuras (Aguateras – Water Sellers), an oil painting by Guatemalan artist, Roberto González Goyri (1924-2007). Goyri was a painter, sculptor and muralist. His work appeared at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and he was associated with the Generación del 40 (“Generation of 1940”) Movement. Already a favorite with the staff here a Moran’s, the painting was on display and positioned behind the auctioneer for the duration of the sale. Even though it was estimated in the $2,000-$3,000 range, the price realized was $14,000.
The excitement kept rolling with Mexican Silversmith Antonio Pineda’s Rosewood and Sterling Silver Flatware Service in his signature modern style. Born in Taxco, Mexico, Pineda was part of a small and selective group of silversmiths that were world-renowned during the 1940s-1970s. He studied briefly with contemporaries William Spratling and Valentin Vidauretta before developing the technically intricate and bold craftsmanship that he is known and celebrated for. This Flatware Service was realized at $16,000, more than double the $5,000-$7,000 estimate.
Since we are already at the table, we have to talk about the adorable William Spratling Frog Salt Spoon. The sale opened with this delightful piece and quickly hopped from the $100-$200 estimate all the way to $650. William Spratling was known as the Father of Mexican Silver, even though his design roots sprouted from architecture and the state of Alabama. He graduated and taught architecture at Alabama’s Auburn University, and for three summers William taught colonial architecture at the National University of Mexico. In 1931, after the Mexican Revolution, he was motivated to move to Taxco, Mexico and help reestablish their silver industry. His designs were derived from Pre-Columbian ornamentation and he hired local goldsmiths to fabricate them in silver. This William Spratling River of Life Silver Cuff Bracelet is a prime example of his design style incorporating waves and Aztec inspired rings. It was estimated to bring $600-$800 at auction, but brought $1,900 instead.
– Angela Bryant, John Moran Auctioneers
Upcoming Auctions
While our next Made in Mexico sale isn’t until Fall 2021, select offerings from the Hodosh collection will appear in both our upcoming California Living and 20th Century Art + Design auctions. In the meantime, Moran’s Spring season will bring installments of Winter Modern & Contemporary Art, California & American Fine Art and Traditional Collector. 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 and 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.
Consignments are always welcome
Auction Highlights
