Three auctions with African Art in March

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Two smaller secret auctions, one in Brussels, one in Paris with some good provenance pieces at affordable price this month of January 2012.

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“We no longer do the same job” was the comment from a dealer speaking about the African art sales that took place in Paris- the capital market for tribal arts- days after the auctions from Christie’s, December 13,2011 and the one at Sotheby’s on the 14th.  Why did he say this? Well as explained in the video below because of the  ...

Africa 15 – Auction in Zurich early december 2011

Preview:

Zurich: 26. Nov. – 04. Dez. 2011

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Mid November 2011 I spotted an interesting Auction with some nice objects with reasonable estimates for African Art in Netherland.

See a few images below of objects and if you login in the members section you will get details about the auction . See below the images of objects I like and selected for you. For the estimates please see the official site. ( below the images find the link in the members section)

lot 3468 Kabinda h. 15 en 13,8 cm.

Lot 3497 Bembe ex Michel Gaud h. 30,5 cm.

lot 3524 , Yaka,  h. 58,5 cm.

lot 3548 ikoko Pende H. 7 cm.

lot nr 3557 Lega h. 25 cm

lot 3587 Teke h. 16,2 cm

lot 3599B – Ubangi – 40cm

lot 3606 Monvu “Ufo” H. 45 cm

To bid on these objects and see more and larger images please login and go to the online catalog at:

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During the second half of June, I found a little auction in Switserland, in this general auction you will find with African and Pre-columbian art & among them a nice  Mende Mask estimated 800-1.200€ :

{{silver}}}  lot 354

21 june 2011 – Lots 305 > 403

CATALOG: hotel des ventes catalogue principal pdf or lot per lot on auction.fr

HOTEL DES VENTES
HDV Hôtel des Ventes SA
51, rue Prévost-Martin 1205 Genève
Tel + 41 22 320 1177 Fax +41 22 320 1474

GENEVA.- Hôtel des Ventes’ summer auctions will be held on Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd June with a global estimate of 2,000,000-3,000,000 Swiss francs. The books department will open the sale with a specialised session featuring the personal library of eminent Vaudois historian Jean-René Bory. Tuesday’s sale will also be dedicated to pre-Colombian Archaeology dating from the 1st millennium BC to the Spanish Conquest. The distinguished Jewellery and Watches sale on Thursday will notably feature an important 12 carat Ceylon sapphire (non-heated) and diamond ring. A blue bear hide, long considered a yeti skin, will no doubt form one of the great curiosities and major attractions of the auction.

Following a tradition established in 1978, Hôtel des Ventes will present a variety of specialist antiques to tempt and seduce all collectors during this one-week of auctions: Silver, Tribal and Primitive Art, Leather Goods, Antique and Contemporary Furniture, Paintings, Photographs and Works of Art. With the constant objective to democratize auctions and make them more accessible for all, Hôtel des Ventes offers over 500 quality lots this June at less than 300 Swiss francs.

The Private library of Jean-René Bory: an incredible collection sold without reserve prices
The auction held on Monday 20th June at 7 pm will present antiquarian and modern books illustrated by painters and originating from Jean-René Bory’s library. All lots will be sold without reserve prices.

Almost 7,000 works from the personal library of celebrated Vaudois historian Jean-René Bory, founder of the “Suisses de l’étranger” museum at Coppet castle and later at Penthes castle in Geneva, will go under the hammer at Geneva’s Hôtel des Ventes without reserve prices. The collection consists of a rich compilation of bound antiquarian hand-illustrated books on Switzerland and Swiss regiments abroad, multiple original editions by Madame de Staël and Jacques Necker and incredible documentation on the Kings of France and the Palace of Versailles. Hundreds of engravings and toy soldiers complement this particular topic, not to mention the numerous historical and architectural publications connected to his wife Monique Bory’s family who worked in architecture and restoration and to the passion held by this couple for Switzerland.

This extensive library is presented alongside other rare works from the 15th to 18th centuries belonging to other bibliophiles, such as Robert de Vaugondy’s Atlas Universel dated 1757, consisting of 108 maps and estimated at 15,000-20,000 Swiss francs, and precious illustrated limited editions signed by modern artists Georges Barbier, Edgar Degas, Paul Jouve, Aristide Maillol, and Kees Van Dongen. Some of these books possess impressive bindings signed by Durvand and Blanchetière such as the two works illustrated by Etienne Dinet, each estimated at 4,000-6,000 Swiss francs. Among the children’s books, first edition works by Jules Verne from Maison Hetzel and two Tin-Tin comic books are to name but a few of the top-notch works on offer.

The global estimate for the books featured in the separate sale catalogue prudently stands at 160,000-220,000 Swiss francs.

Luxury within everyone’s reach
The auctions taking place on Thursday 23rd June at 2pm and 7 pm present a wide choice of almost 500 pieces of jewellery and over 100 watches with estimates varying from 1,000 to 80,000 Swiss francs.

Exceptional gemstones
With such a variety of jewellery on offer, the sale of 23rd June promises an array of sparkling beauty. The precious stone enthusiasts will appreciate the magnificent 4.6 carat solitaire diamond estimated at 60,000-80,000 Swiss francs, as well as a wide choice of white and fancy diamonds, for example a black diamond of approximately 22 carats (estimated at 4,000-6,000 Swiss francs). With large blue sapphire and diamond rings currently being at the height of fashion, many will be tempted by a 12 carat Ceylon sapphire (non-heated) complete with its SSEF certificate (Swiss Gemmological Institute). Set in a ring and surrounded with diamonds, this jewel is estimated at 20,000-30,000 Swiss francs.

Prestigious jewellery houses
Designer jewellery in summer tones by Dior Joaillerie, Chanel, Cartier, Benoit de Gorski, Bulgari, Chopard, and Van Cleef & Arpels will fulfill every summertime whim. An emblematic pair of pink coral Pré Catalan Rose earrings and ring by Victoire de Castellane for the house of Dior – inspired by the rose gardens of Monsieur Dior himself – will definitely catch a few eyes. Creations from the Deux Epices, Belle de nuit, Miss Dior and Mitza collections promise not to disappoint. For other jewellery enthusiasts, there is the celebrated Van Cleef & Arpels gold and mother-of-pearl Alhambra sautoir (estimated at 2,000-3,000 Swiss francs) or the pendant from the Frivole collection. Bernard Piguet comments: “In this sale, we offer jewellery that has hardly ever been worn at almost 80% less than the shop price. It’s such a veritable bargain enthusiasts will not let it pass them by.”

Luxury watches a plenty
The elegance of Chanel highlights this session with the ceramic and diamond J12 watch (estimated 2,000-3,000 Swiss francs). Enthusiasts will be seduced by a variety of Chopard’s Happy Diamonds collection, while others may prefer creations by Blancpain, Breguet, Panerai, Parmigiani, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rolex or Vacheron Constantin. This selection includes watches at prices that defy all others selling prestigious watches, for example a Patek Philippe Nautilus estimated at 3,000-5,000 Swiss francs or the classic model by watchmaker Parmigiani with a lapis lazuli face (estimated 4,500-6,000 Swiss francs) or the sportier Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner (estimated 3,000-5,000 Swiss francs).

Classic and vintage models for the “Prestigious Bags & Accessories Sale”
Starting earlier in the day (2pm), the sale titled “Maroquinerie de prestige” will pass around 50 items under the hammer by Chanel, Vuitton and Hermès amongst others.

For every Fashionista, having a beautiful watch on one’s wrist is just as important as a stylish bag on one’s shoulder. With important French brands being the highest in demand, a variety of classic models by Chanel will be on sale as well as many examples of the revered Kelly by Hermès. From the same fashion house, three models of the practical and stylish Herbag, the sought-after Masai and a Picotin will also be auctioned. This section of the sale will culminate in the auctioning of two vintage Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunks from the late 1940s and 50s – a must for any enthusiast and a staple for many interior designs.

Archaeology: treasures from 1st millennium BC to the Spanish Conquest
With a steady one to two archaeology sales per year, Geneva’s Hôtel des Ventes continues to forge its name among collectors. At the sale to be held on Tuesday 21st June, the spotlight will shine upon pre-Columbian Art. Almost 150 lots of pottery, jewellery, textiles, votive and religious objects dating from 1st millennium BC to the Spanish conquest will be exhibited in new cold-lit cabinets, perfectly adapted to these ancient materials. These objects are estimated between 200 to 5,000 Swiss francs and originate from long-standing Swiss private collections.

The most notable pieces are a Mayan stucco fragment featuring the profile of a dignitary in relief (3,000-5,000 Swiss francs), a wooden Chimú carved and mother-of-pearl inlaid baton (1,500-2,500 Swiss francs), an imposing polychrome Jama Coaque terracotta statue of a shaman (3,000-5,000 Swiss francs) and a figurative Chimú gold goblet (1,000-2,000 Swiss francs).

Through these objects originating from a dozen different cultures, visitors to the exhibition will discover the multifaceted arts of the New World, from Mexico to Peru, via Costa Rica and Colombia.

On the Yeti’s trail… From the Himalayas to Geneva!
On Wednesday 22nd June, Hôtel des Ventes will sell the back fur of an extremely rare specimen known as the Tibetan blue bear Ursus arctos pruinosus which many crypto zoologists and conservationists have concluded is the most likely candidate in identifying the infamous Yeti. Collected during a Himalayan expedition, this particular pelt was first sold in 1978 by Christie’s London during a time when a lot of interest surrounded the mystery of the yeti or abominable snowman. Various sightings, hair samples and footprint recordings were being investigated. The hype surrounding the sale of this seldom-seen bear hide reached Switzerland and enticed a Swiss collector to participate in claiming a piece of yeti history and the opportunity has now represented itself…

According to media accounts surrounding the 1978 sale, this particular pelt adorned the throne of a religious chief in a monastery in the northern region of Bhutan. Commonly known in this area as “Migou” (wild man), each country in the Himalayan region has its own name for the Yeti varying from “man-bear” to “snow-man”. Cryptid or not, this creature had obviously infiltrated the Sherpa culture. In 1954, the English explorer John Angelo Jackson photographed symbolic paintings of the Yeti at the Tengboche monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Throughout most of the 20th century, interest surrounding the existence of the Yeti steadily increased. Having adopted the more dramatic and westernised name Abominable Snowman in the 1920s, popular culture soon caught on to this infectious curiosity. Even the beloved cartoon character Tintin encountered the Yeti in the 1960’s adventure comic book Tintin in Tibet after author Hergé became intrigued with the Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

During his successful expedition along side the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953 to reach Mt Everest’s summit, Sir Edmund Hillary was also drawn in by the elusive Yeti. In 1960, he mounted an expedition to solve the mystery behind this cryptid. A number of pelts and samples were purchased and borrowed for laboratory testing. The results were conclusive. All furs related to either the blue bear or other recognised species inhabiting the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India and Tibet.

There still remains a slight doubt surrounding the attribution of footprints and the host animal of some unknown parasites discovered in so-called Yeti feces. This said, even the Bhutanese King who was shown the blue bear throne fur apparently declared that the great yeti and the blue bear were one and the same animal.

Could it be then, that this shy and rare blue bear has built itself a reputation in certain Sherpa clan culture over the centuries to the point of being one of the numerous demons believed to inhabit the mountains? Or has western curiosity and sensationalism turned an indigenous bear that often walks upright like a biped into a mythical legendary creature? Whatever the judgment, the relationship of this mythical creature to the Tibetan blue bear continues to fascinate us.

An auctioneering tradition since 1978
Geneva’s Hôtel des Ventes grand summer sales will bring together over 2,500 lots of silver, antique and contemporary furniture, rugs and carpets, photographs, paintings, primitive art, as well as Asian art, jewellery and watches…

For this autumn’s auctions, Bernard Piguet promises fine wines and haute couture.

Founded in 1978, Geneva’s Hôtel des Ventes was taken over by Bernard Piguet who proceeded in building a team of 20 or so collaborators, 12 of which are capable of valuing any object within the 300 to 300,000 francs range. He also specialised in all matters concerning estate and inheritance.

The auction house organises four sales a year each including 2,500 lots. At the last auction back in the spring, Hôtel des Ventes managed to achieve a number of record prices, notably for a Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup which sold for 365,000 Swiss francs.

Public exhibition: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June from 12 noon to 7pm non-stop.

Auction calendar:
Monday 20th June at 7pm: Antiquarian and modern books including the library of Jean-René Bory

Tuesday 21st June at 2pm: Primitive and pre-Columbian art

Tuesday 21st June at 7pm: Art Nouveau, Art Déco, Decorative arts and Silver

Wednesday 22nd June at 9.30am: Collectables and Asian art

Wednesday 22nd June at 2pm: Furniture, Rugs and Carpets

Wednesday 22nd June at 7pm: Paintings and contemporary art, photographs

Thursday 23rd June at 2pm: Designer bags and accessories, Jewellery and Watches

Thursday 23rd June at 7pm: Jewellery and watches

During the Bruneaf, an event that has been bringing together
for many years a special number of amateurs and professionals,
The dealer will also receive some strong concurence from three
auctions ! Not sure this to be so good for dealers, unless those
who brought pieces in ?? One of them is a new auction house, as if
there aren’t enough existing ones.

See the links to the catalogs and details in the members section below:
1) Pierre Berger ...

Benin Ivory Rare, Newly Re-Discovered Masterpiece of African Art NOT to Be Sold at Sotheby’s London in February 2011

Ivory pendant mask, Edo people, Kingdom of Benin, Nigeria. Estimate: £3,500,000-4,500,000. Photo: Sotheby’s.

Fact is that a controversy started around this object quite fast and that the Edo State Government requested a cancellation of the auction through the United Nations. Also some Facebook group requested to Stop The Sale of Stolen 16th Century Benin Mask and got more than 500 fans quite fast

SOTHEBY’S STATEMENT REGARDING CANCELLATION OF BENIN SALE

“The Benin Ivory Pendant Mask and other items consigned by the descendants of
Lionel Galway which Sotheby’s had announced for auction in February 2011 have
been withdrawn from sale at the request of the consignors.”

LONDON.- On 17th February 2011, Sotheby’s will sell a rare, newly re-discovered, 16th century ivory pendant mask depicting the head of the Queen mother from the Edo peoples, Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria along with five other rare works from Benin collected at the same time.

Only four other historical ivory pendant masks with related iconography of this age and quality are known – all of which are housed in major museums around the world1. All of the ivory masks are widely recognized for the quality of their craftsmanship, for the enormous scale of Benin’s artistic achievement and for their importance in the field of African art. Produced for the Oba (or King) of Benin, these ivory pendant masks are testament to the Kingdom of Benin’s golden age when the kingdom flourished economically, politically and artistically.

The masks rank among the most iconic works of art to have been created in Africa. The mask to be sold at Sotheby’s in February is estimated at £3.5-4.5* million. It had been on public view in 1947 as part of a loan exhibition at the Berkeley Galleries in London entitled ‘Ancient Benin’, and then again in 1951 in ‘Traditional Sculpture from the Colonies’ at the Arts Gallery of the Imperial Institute in London.

read more inside about the mask and an article about the Planned Sales Of Stolen Benin Artefacts: EDSG Urges UN Intervention

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Luba Caryatid Stool Achieves Record for a Work of African Art at Sotheby’s: $7.1 Million

A Masterpiece of African Art , Luba female caryatid stool by the “Master of the Buli”, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Height 51 cm ; diam. 30,5 cm (20 in, 20 in). Collected by Harry Bombeeck between 1896 and 1899. Brought back to Belgium in 1899. Sold for 5,440,750 €. Photo: Sotheby’s.

PARIS.- A packed saleroom at the Galerie Charpentier for the sale of African & Oceanic Art witnessed fierce competition between collectors (mainly from Europe or America) present at the auction or bidding by telephone. The sale ultimately brought nearly €12m, one of the highest ever totals in the field.

‘What joy for this century to have brought to light the splendours of Ancient African sculpture, whose reign has only just begun’ wrote Paul Guillaume in 1920, in the third issue of Action: Cahier de Philosophie et d’Art. Guillaume was one of the first to anticipate the tremendous upsurge in interest for the arts of Africa and Oceania in the 20th century, and the recognition their masterpieces would enjoy today, now considered as among the world’s greatest historic art treasures.

The sale’s top price will remain in the annals of the history of the African Art market:

€5.4m ($7.1m) for the Luba caryatid stool of the Master of the Buli. The staggering price for this caryatid stool reflects the tremendous esteem in which the the greatest African artists are held, with the Master of the Buli one of the chief among them. The last time a work by the Master appeared at auction was at Sotheby’s London in 1979; it was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art for for, 240,000 £, an international record for a work of African art at the time.

The stool sold in Paris was acquired by Harry Bombeeck in 1896, and brought back to Belgium in 1899. It is considered one of the most towering achievements of the Master of the Buli, due to its exquisite proportions and carving, especially to the majestic head, and by the care lavished on the details of the forward-leaning torso; the inclined, open palms; the four fingers posed delicately on the seat; and the outspread thumb touching the hair. It is probably the finest stool from the Master’s entire known body of work.

The sale opened with a New York Collection that totalled €3.3m ($4.3m), to be 81.6% sold by lot and 92% by value. The sale of this ensemble in Paris concluded a century-old story uniting a handful of men on either side of the Atlantic, for whom securing recognition for African Art was a lifelong goal.

Among the masterpieces in the collection was the Fang head which Paul Guillaume lent to the MoMA for the exhibition of African Negro Art in 1935. The Paul Guillaume Fang Head duly posted the collection’s highest price of €912,750 ($1.2m).

Next, on €198,750 ($$260.800), came a rare, powerful, 11th/12th century Dogon Djennenke torso from Mali – one of a small group of archaic ancestor figures with ‘arms raised in communion with the supreme being’ (Hélène Leloup, 1994).

The 40-lot Lionel Sergent Collection yielded €819,675 ($10.6m) to be 81.6% sold by volume and 94.9% by value – a fitting tribute to the eye of this passionate enthusiast for the art and culture of the peoples he encountered on a daily basis during his 28 years in West Africa. Collectors were especially quick to assess the importance of his Senufo figure from Mali, which almost trebled its high estimate on €294,750 ($386.800).

In the members area you can find pdf files with more details about buyers at this auction , the top prices list, and a video about the master of Buli ...

Starting often at 5$ this little estate auction in Ohio has many interesting pieces (online auction bidding ending November 21, 2010):

the estate of prominent Cincinnati physician Dr. Roland Shirley and respected Cincinnati artist, Rosemary Shirley. The Shirley’s, close friends of Charley and Edie Harper, were avid collectors of the artwork of both Charley and Edie, in addition to other mid 20th century artists, antique African art, Japanese swords and decorative arts, Pre Columbian artifacts, Native American decorative arts, mid century furnishings and antiquities. Highlights of the sale include 5 original paintings by well listed Cincinnati, Ohio artist Charley Harper, original and serigraph artwork by Charley, Edie and Brett Harper as well as a number of other listed artists, including Hideo Hagiwara, Kiyoshi Saito, Frank Webb, Calvin Burnett, Kaarou Kamano, Kaiko Moti, Ikki Matsumoto, Jun’ichiro Sekino, and Don Baker. The Shirley’s were also avid collectors of fine decorative arts from Japan, Africa, Pre-Columbian societies, the United States and Europe. Japanese decorative arts highlights feature 15th – 20th century Japanese swords, 18th, 19th and 20th century ivory and wooden netsukes, a variety of ivory figures, lacquered Inro boxes, a framed piece of carved ivory panels with monkeys playing, 19th century Japanese furniture, and more.

African decorative arts highlights include a wide range of carved antique tribal masks, a Nupe door fragment, Senofu bronze pieces, Ashanti figural and geometric gold weights, jewelry, Maasai spears and a shield, and more. The Pre Columbian collection includes wonderful stone effigies and amulets, as well as pottery figures from the Jalisco, Mezcala, Huetar, Chupicuaro, Colima, Narino, Xochipala, Manabi-Bahia, and Chorotega cultures, many include certificates of authenticity from various galleries and museum collections.

The American collection includes a rare earl to mid 19th century Cherokee effigy pipe, Cherokee amulets, Tlingit cane and carvings, and Inuit carvings, late 19th century and vintage toys including Schoenhut, cast metal toys, wind up tin toys, mohair toys, an enormous late 19th century Beaux Arts Bronze-wash Spelter Marcel Debut Newel Post Lamp and more.

The European collection includes a variety of Danish and Swedish mid century modern pieces, rare militaria, including a Napoleonic Wars era Irish made coconut canteen, inlaid with pewter and glass and with scrimshaw style decoration, a circa 1750, probably French, burl wood powder flask, a World War One era inlaid box, made by a German prisoner of war, in an English POW camp, fine mid 20th century German China, a selection of German and Spanish inlaid and carved boxes. The sale also includes a nice selection of fine jewelry, including Victorian and modern pieces, also includes fun antique trade bead necklaces, Japanese and Chinese jewelry, African jewelry, hand cast modern jewelry and more. There is simply too much to list …

details and links to the auction : ...

Auction African & Oceanic Art – 4 – 10 November 2010

Our inaugural sale of Tribal Art will be held in November 2010.  This sale will include “pre-contact” figures, masks and jewellery from Africa, Oceania and South America.  All items will be on view on our website and in our Kensington gallery. Found some very  interesting lots ith low estimates and good quality . The expert is the well known book author  ...

Famous New York Dealer Chooses New Zealand auction house

Is the world smaller or are New Zealand collectors more wealthy?  (The answer is below- TIP internet has something to do with it)

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Christies will sell the Kahane Collection in Paris

At the end of the month of November there will be a new episode in the battle between Sotheby’s and Christies to dominate the world of Tribal Arts on his highest level.  Sotheby’s is moving most of the Tribal Art auctions from New York to Paris since it seems that more new European clients are interested, and the American market still is in a deep crisis despite Obama efforts .

While Christies was sluggish the last years in his Tribal art auctions against Christies, they reorganised the Tribal Art departement completly, and are now focusing on higher end masks and statues in the hope to attract those clients willing to pay hundred of thousands of euros for the African Art, and got in association with a french auctioneer and got a new curator Charles – Wesley Hourdé that you will hear about in the upcoming auctions.

At Christies they found an impressive collection in Switserland: ” The Kahane collection” with a stuning iconic Baule mask that will make hundred of thousands and an impressive Fang estimate more than 700,000€, curious to see if they will get it.  The Kahane Collection of African Art is a revelation. Six masterpieces demonstrate Isidor Kahane’s keen eye and astute intuition for works of art of exceptional quality, regardless of category. Acquired over 50 years ago over the course of thirteen years, these works have lived together, quietly, in tranquil existence overlooking a glorious Swiss lake and its surrounding mountains. More details expalantions and a link to the images slideshow below in the members sections.

At Sotheby’s they are selling in Paris a 50 lots New York collection.

The recognition of African sculpture as art dates to the beginning of the 20th century, when a handful of men from both sides of the Atlantic brought about a decisive change in our perception of these important sculptures.

If it was in Paris that Modern artists discovered what was then termed ‘Negro Art’, it was in New York, in 1935, that it was first presented as art to the general public. In 1935, African Negro Art, one of the most groundbreaking exhibitions of its time, opened at the recently founded Museum of Modern Art.

James Johnson Sweeney, Director of MoMA, solicited the collaboration of the renowned Parisian dealer, Charles Ratton, in selecting the objects from both French and American collections.

From 1935 to the present, the connections between New York and Paris have continued to link Modern and African art. The dynamic relationship between the two fields is at the core of this exceptional New York Collection.

The 50 sculptures at sales in Paris from Sotheby’s were selectively acquired in New York and Paris over the last 30 years and have lived side by side in this collection with the collection of Modern drawing and Indian sculptures.

The most iconic African object in the Sotheby’s collection is a Fang Reliquary Guardian Head from Gabon , exhibited at MoMA in 1935 and formerly in the collection of Paul Guillaume.

Many sculptures from the collection, including the exceptionally dynamic form of the Mumuye figure, directly link to the vocabulary of Cubism and are intimately connected with the development of Modern Art movements.

In the members section there is also a video from Christies explaining more about the Kahane collection and a discussion of both auction’s results.
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Terre d Afrique-Prunier 17 octobre 2010

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