We recently received some follow-up information regarding the Modern Masters Auction that occurred October 21, 2006 at the Sollo Rago Auction house and thought we'd pass it along. Apparently the Modern market is gangbusters right now. A record $6 million dollars was grossed at the event with the Wharton Esherick collection exceeding all expectations.
According to Sollo Rago, the crown jewel, a hand-carved screen from 1927, fetched the highest selling price for any work by Esherick and for the sale overall, selling for $312,000. "In my years of working with mid-century objects it is undoubtedly the absolute best piece I have ever seen," said John Sollo.
Some other auction highlights included:
Lot 309: PHILLIP LLOYD POWELL Exceptional sculpted walnut wall-hanging cabinet, its two hinged folding doors enclosing interior drawers and shelves, its exterior applied with painted iron decoration, and topped with slate slab.
Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000
Sold for $60,000
Lot 433: WHARTON ESHERICK Exceptional walnut three-panel folding screen, extensively chiseled and chip-carved with alternating geometric patterns, depicting a landscape of three birds in ebonized wood flying over sheafs of wheat, 1927.
Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000
Sold for $312,000
Lot 210: NATZLER Exceptional tall bulbous vase covered in a spectacular blue crystalline glaze.
Estimate: $32,500 - 37,500
Sold for $252,000
Lot 609: Richard Pettibone (American, b. 1938) Roy Lichtenstein Tex 1962, 1969; Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas (framed); Titled, signed and dated; 12 1/8" x 14 5/8"
Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000
Sold for $90,000
Lot 500: CHARLOTTE PERRIAND and JEAN PROUVE Bibliotheque with enameled aluminum and pine shelving unit on pine long bench, 1953
Estimate: $40,000 - 60,000
Sold for $84,000
Lot 27A: GEORGE NAKASHIMA Coffee table with exotic burl free-edge top on laurel Minguren I base.
Estimate: $55,000 - 75,000
Sold for $180,000
If you’re interest has been piqued, you can check out the next Sollo Rago Modern auction April. For further information or to order a catalog, you can contact their offices at info@ragoarts.com or toll-free at (866) RAGOARTS.
Photos copyright 2006 Sollo Rago Modern Auction
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