Sotheby’s has announced that the upcoming Hong Kong Autumn Sale series will take place on October 1-5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The sale will encompass Chinese works of art, fine and classical paintings, Modern and Contemporary Asian art, Contemporary ink, as well as Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary art. Jewelry, watches, and wines will also be on offer throughout the five-day sale.The first day of the Autumn sale series will kick off with the Sotheby’s Wine auction “The Classic Cellar II,” featuring a large collection of Château de Pétrus. Overall, the sale is expected to raise a total of HK$19-26 million (US$2.4-3.3 million). This will be followed by the auction of a unique crystal Magnum decanter of Special Louis XIII Cognac and “The Connoisseur’s Cellar.”The following two days will be dedicated to the auction house’s Asian art auctions, with the Modern and Contemporary Asian Art Evening sale on October 2. The main highlights of this sale include Wang Huaiqing’s “Six Tables,” which is estimated at HK$5-7 million (US$645,000-905,000); Zeng Fanzhi's “Society No. 3,” expected to fetch HK$12-18 million (US$1.54-2.31 million); and Indonesian artist Affandi's “Reclining Nude,” estimated at HK$3-5 million (US$387,000-644,000). The sale will also feature experimental avant-garde artists such as Dansaekhwa artist Lee Ufan and Shiraga Kazuo from the Gutai Group.The Modern Asian Art Day Sale on October 3 will offer a work by Sanyu as its main highlight lot, estimated at HK$160,000-220,000 (US$20,600-28,460). The Contemporary Asian Art Day Sale on the same day will auction off oil-based paintings by Ding Yi (HK$1.5-2.5 million), Kim Whanki (HK$700,000-900,000), and Yoshihara Jiro (HK$300,000-500,000). Also on the agenda is K-Pop singer T.O.P’s curated art sale “#TTTOP.” Details of the event are to be released later this month.An important sale of Chinese works of art from the “Collection of a Parisian Connoisseur” will take place on October 5, with “an extremely fine and rare Wucai ‘Mythical Beast’ jar” expected to sell for HK$8-12 million. The auction house will additionally be selling early Buddhist bronzes from the collection of Japanese dealer Sakamoto Gorō.A comprehensive 50-year-old collection of jade stones and porcelain by London-based art dealer Roger Keverne will also be on offer, presenting a White Jade “Mandarin Ducks and Rockwork” Group estimated at HK$1-1.5 million (US$130,000-190,000).The Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sale Series 2016 will take place on October 1-5 at Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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Sotheby’s Announces Details of Hong Kong Autumn Sale Series 2016
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Top Auction Houses of 2016: Africa and the Middle East
Although the art market remained robust this past year, there has been a marked shift in the global landscape. According to the 2016 Art Market Report, produced by Dublin-based economist Clare McAndrew and released under the aegis of the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), there was a 7 percent decline in sales worldwide, from $68.2 billion in 2014 to $63.8 billion in 2015, with much of that decline coming as a result of a contraction in the Chinese economy. Despite the drop, sales in the United States rose 4 percent, to a record $27.3 billion, confirming the nation’s primacy as the global market leader, with a 43 percent share of the market. Sales held steady in the United Kingdom, landing it in second place at 21 percent; this may change, however, as the market responds to the contentious Brexit vote this past June. China came in third at 19 percent, with sales in the Asian nation dropping some 23 percent, from $15.4 billion in 2014 to $11.8 billion last year.Overall, sales at auction accounted for 47 percent of the 2015 art market total, with the remainder coming from private sales by dealers and other agents. Postwar and contemporary works commanding more than $1 million continued to dominate, though they represented less than 1 percent of lots sold. The $1 million–plus segment of the market grew a staggering 400 percent, while the market for works selling for $10 million or more saw growth of more than 1,000 percent. In its August issue, Art+Auction profiled 250 auction houses around the globe, providing information on key personnel and sale locations. (It is important to note that the listings include only salesrooms, not regional offices or representatives.) For this edition, art world insiders also shared their insights into regional market developments and where global commerce may lead us in the months ahead.In the upcoming days, ARTINFO will publish the auction house profiles and stories from Art+Auction’s August issue. Here, we present the magazine’s selection of the top auction houses of Africa and the Middle East.To find all our coverage of the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide, as well as ARTINFO’s top picks for the best in visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, lifestyle, and culture and travel, visit our Top Lists page at blouinartinfo.com/toplists.Africa and Middle East ArmeniaAbraham Anna AuctionYerevanKey Personnel:Armine Beglaryan (Executive Director)Established:2005Specialties:Fine and contemporary artNotable Lots:Jean Jansem (Hovhannes Semerdjian), Nude, date unavailable, $15,300, April 19, 2014. Krikor Bedikian, Beach, date unavailable, $6,700, April 19, 2014. Tigran Asatryan, Woman with a Parrot, 2011, $1,880, April 19, 2014.Contact:aaauction.aminfo@aaauction.am+374 60 52 72 99IsraelEgozi GalleryTel AvivKey Personnel:Yariv Egozi (Owner)Established:1983Specialties:Israeli and international art, Judaica, antiques, jewelry, collectiblesNotable Lots:Bernard Reder, The Trumpets of Jericho, 1960, $2,715 (est. $4,200–4,600), May 9, 2016. Tiffany & Co., 18-karat-gold necklace, 20th century, $2,715 ($5,500–6,000), May 31, 2016. Painting of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italian School, 17th century, $2,345 (est. $3,500–4,000), June 7, 2016.Contact:egozigallery.comegoziart@gmail.com+972 3 5277282Kedem Auction HouseJerusalemKey Personnel:Meron Eren (Cofounder), Avishai Galer (Cofounder)Established:2008Specialties:Books and manuscripts, Judaica and Israeliana, Israeli and international artNotable Lots:Letter by Rebbe Avraham of Ciechanów to his son Rebbe Ze’ev Wolf of Stryków, 1848, $104,550 (est. $15–20,000), December 2, 2015. Raphael Neckarsulm, Passover Haggadah illuminated manuscript with appliqués, Germany, 1796, $73,800 (est. $20–30,000), December 2, 2015. Small Torah scroll in original case with finials, Iraq, 1932, $13,530 (est. $7,000–13,000), December 2, 2015.Contact:kedem-auctions.comoffice@kedemltd.com+972 77 5140223Matsart Auctioneers & AppraisersJerusalem; Tel AvivKey Personnel:Lucien Krief (Owner and ceo), Stella Costa (Senior Director)Established:2006Specialties:Impressionist, Israeli, modern, and contemporary artNotable Lots:Bernard Buffet, La Tour Eiffel, 1955, $996,300 (est. $550–650,000), February 16, 2016. Camille Pissarro, Pommiers en fleurs, Eragny, ca. 1900, $593,000 (est. $480–600,000), October 13, 2015. Marc Chagall, L’Inspiration du peintre, ca. 1970, $509,000 (est. $280–350,000), October 13, 2015.Contact:matsartauctioneers.co.iloffice@matsart.net+972 2 6251049Tiroche Auction HouseHerzliya PituachKey Personnel:Dov Hazan (Cofounder and Managing Director), Orna Hazan (Managing Director)Established:1992Specialties:Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art; Judaica; fine and decorative arts; antiquesNotable Lots:Reuven Rubin, Portrait of Nechama Gur, 1926, $207,000 (est. $150–200,000), January 30, 2016. Nachum Gutman, Picking Oranges in Neve Tzedek, 1967, $161,000 (est. $130–160,000), January 30, 2016. Moshe Castel, Figures in Safed, 1931, $92,000 (est. $20–30,000), June 27, 2015.Contact:tiroche.co.ilart@tiroche.co.il+972 9 9509893NigeriaArthouse ContemporaryLagosKey Personnel:Kavita Chellaram (Founder), Nana Sonoiki (Manager and Specialist)Established:2007Specialties:Traditional, modern, and contemporary African artNotable Lots:Ben Enwonwu, Obitun Dancers, 1990, $265,956 (est. $90,000–111,000), May 9, 2016. Ben Enwonwu, Untitled, 1976, $135,828 (est. $48–60,000), November 2, 2015. El Anatsui, Zata, 2015, $92,967 (est. $91,000–109,000), May 11, 2015.Contact:arthouse-ng.comlagos@arthouse-ng.com+234 1 774 0909QatarAlBahieDohaKey Personnel:Corinne Lefebvre (Director), Alexandra Bots (General Specialist)Established:2016Specialties:Islamic art, Middle Eastern modern and contemporary art, Orientalist art, European antiques, carpets and rugs, jewelry, watches and clocks, motor carsNotable Lots:Frederick Goodall, Bedouin family in front of pyramids, undated, $9,500 (est. $12–14,000), April 5, 2016. Serge Sauvage, Mosquée a Tunis, undated, $8,000, (est. $9,800–12,000), April 5, 2016. Albert Aublet, Jeune femme au voile, 1884, $7,500 (est. $9,500–12,500), April 5, 2016.Contact:albahie.cominfo@albahie.com+974 4408 0534South AfricaStephan Welz & Co.Cape Town; JohannesburgEstablished:1968Specialties:Fine art, photography, jewelry and timepieces, furniture, carpets, silver, ceramics and glassware, books and maps, classic carsNotable Lots:Vladimir Tretchikoff, The Hindu Dancer, 1951, $91,564 (est. $79,000–105,000), May 10, 2016. Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, Cottages Near Struisbaai, undated, $56,199 (est. $45–60,000), October 20, 2015. Irma Stern, North African City, 1948, $48,494 (est. $26–39,000), March 1, 2016.Contact:stephanwelzandco.co.zact@stephanwelzandco.co.za+27 21 794 6461Strauss & Co.Cape Town; JohannesburgKey Personnel:Vanessa Phillips (Joint Managing Director), Bina Genovese (Joint Managing Director), Ann Palmer (Director Emerita), Susie Goodman (General Manager, Johannesburg)Established:2008Specialties:South African and international art, decorative arts, jewelryNotable Lots:Alexis Preller, The Creation of Adam I, 1968, $529,500 (est. $212–282,000), November 9, 2015. Kees van Dongen, Dolly au collier d’argent, undated, $463,246 (est. $285–367,000), June 1, 2015. Irma Stern, Still Life of Fruit and Lilies in a Jug, 1962, $340,131 (est. $299–449,000), October 12, 2015.Contact:straussart.co.zajhb@straussart.co.za+27 11 728 8246TurkeyArtam Antik A.S.IstanbulKey Personnel:Nurcan Artam (Cofounder), Turgay Artam (Cofounder), Olgaç Artam (ceo)Established:1981Specialties:Turkish, Russian, Orientalist, and European art; Ottoman antiques; calligraphy; books and maps; clocks and watches; classic cars; wineNotable Lots:Erol Akyavas¸, Fallen City II, 1982, $680,000 (est. $200–250,000), March 14, 2016. Fahr El Nissa Zeid, The Reverse, 1964, $565,000 (est. $300–350,000), March 14, 2016.Contact:artamonline.comantik@antikas.com+90 212 236 2460Bali MuzayedeIstanbulKey Personnel:Hakan Bali (Cofounder), Serkan Bali (Cofounder)Established:1968Specialties:Turkish art and antiquesContact:balimuzayede.com+90 212 258 6162Beyaz MuzayedeIstanbulKey Personnel:Aziz Karadeniz (Founder and Director)Established:2006Specialties:Modern and contemporary Turkish artContact:beyazart.cominfo@beyazart.com+90 212 290 7050Nisantası MuzayedeIstanbulKey Personnel:Zeynep Ulukaya (Owner)Established:2005Specialties:Turkish, Ottoman, and European art; manuscripts and Korans; Ottoman jewels; textiles and embroidery; porcelain; French, British, and Russian silverNotable Lots:Fatih Gürbüz, Atlar, undated, $15,734, May 4, 2016. Ozdemir Altan, Soyag˘acı, 2003, $15,734, May 4, 2016. Adem Genç, Seyler Niçin Oldukları Gibidirler, 2009, $7,692, May 4, 2016.Contact:nisantasimuzayede.cominfo@nisantasimuzayede.com+90 212 225 2890
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Top Auction Houses of 2016: ArtHouse Contemporary
The following Q&A appeared in Art+Auction’s August issue, which profiles the world’s top auction houses of 2016. ARTINFO will be publishing the articles from this issue over the next few days. Click here to see related stories from the issue. To find all our coverage of the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide, as well as ARTINFO’s top picks for the best in visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, lifestyle, and culture and travel, visit our Top Lists page at blouinartinfo.com/toplists.ArtHouse ContemporaryHeadquarters: Lagos, NigeriaKavita ChellaramFounderIn 2007, Indian-born, London-educated art collector Chellaram founded Arthouse Contemporary, an auction house based in Lagos that focuses on modern and contemporary art from West Africa. Since then, the house has held auctions twice yearly, selling art worth more than $6.5 million dollars and achieving some record-breaking prices. We recently caught up with Chellaram, a trustee of the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts and a member of the African Acquisition Committee of Tate Modern, to discuss Africa’s nascent art market and its potential for growth. Could you tell us about the current market in Africa, and Nigeria in particular?The art market in Nigeria is steadily growing, and our auctions attest the viability of modern and contemporary African art as an investment. When we launched, there was very little transparency in terms of pricing and structure in the art market, so our goal was to provide a platform that could monitor and evaluate such a market. We achieved a 90 percent selling rate at our first auction, and since then our sales have consistently provided positive results—even during the global economic crash, during which we still sold 70 percent by lot. With more global opportunities available for artists in Africa to get on the international radar, such as Okwui Enwezor’s 2015 Venice Biennale, Tate Modern’s focus on African art, the launch of the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, and dedicated sales such as Bonhams Africa Now, to name just a few, the interest continues to grow. In terms of the global art market, modern and contemporary African art is still largely affordable. This allows for a great opportunity for new collectors and investors to develop serious collections. Arthouse Contemporary recently launched a new project aimed at emerging collectors, titled the Affordable Art Auction. A yearly supplement to our biannual auctions of modern and contemporary art, it allows first-time buyers an entrance into collecting. It is important for us to create a new collector base that can expand the opportunities in the market.Has the collector base grown with the local economy, or is demand for African contemporary art still largely driven by European collectors?Collectors in Africa are increasingly becoming the buyers of African art, lessening our reliance on a European clientele. This is incredibly rewarding, as it creates an indigenous group of collectors who can build the appre-ciation of art and local artists, particularly here in Nigeria. In this country, being Africa’s largest economy and largest oil producer, a new class of collectors is emerging with an interest in art as an asset and its potential as an investment. You have expanded your operations to include more support for local artists. Tell us about that.We recently launched Arthouse—The Space, which organizes exhibitions of works by contemporary artists such as Yusuf Grillo, George Osodi, Emeka Udemba, Eva Obodo, and Victor Ekpuk. We also established the Arthouse Foundation, a nonprofit program in Lagos that offers artists three-month residencies.And the dates of your upcoming sales?Arthouse Contemporary, which inaugurated its online platform in June, will host its 17th auction on November 21, and the second edition of the Affordable Art Auction will take place in February 2017.
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Top Auction Houses of 2016: AlBahie
The following Q&A appeared in Art+Auction’s August issue, which profiles the world’s top auction houses of 2016. ARTINFO will be publishing the articles from this issue over the next few days. Click here to see related stories from the issue. To find all our coverage of the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide, as well as ARTINFO’s top picks for the best in visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, lifestyle, and culture and travel, visit our Top Lists page at blouinartinfo.com/toplists.AlBahieHeadquarters: Doha, QatarCorinne LefebvreDirectorOn April 5, AlBahie made its debut in the Qatari capital with an offering of Orientalist and Islamic works, establishing a permanent auction forum in a Persian Gulf state that until now had hosted only occasional pop-up sales held by international houses. Lefebvre, a native of Canada and veteran of Heffel Fine Art in Montreal, spearheaded the launch of AlBahie, founded by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with local businessman and entrepreneur Ashraf Abu Issa. She recently spoke with Art+Auction about the challenges and rewards of being the first in a region relatively new to auction culture.What led to the launch of AlBahie?Although Christie’s and Sotheby’s have had sales in Doha over the years and the latter has a representative here—Christie’s is a bit more entrenched in the region with a salesroom in Dubai—they have tended to hold auctions as isolated events. We felt it was the right time to establish a homegrown, local house that would offer regular monthly sales. I must say it did take quite a bit of work to establish the legal framework in which to operate and to begin sourcing consignments.You’ve mentioned before that part of AlBahie’s mission is to cultivate an auction culture locally. What exactly does that entail?Education is a huge part of it. One of the things that people here tend to find confusing is the many different ways one can bid—in the room, by absentee, on the phone, or online—and that one must register to bid. And then there is a preview where you cannot yet buy what is seemingly on offer. Part of our task has been to explain the machinations of the auction world to them—not only the bidding process but the valuation process and how we establish estimates. We have a marvelous location within the Katara Cultural Village—with a reference library, bookshop, and coffee shop, much like the Dorotheum in Vienna—where potential buyers can learn more about art and collecting. All these elements have been part of our concept for the house since the beginning.Have your sales yielded solid results?Our inaugural sale, of Orientalist and Islamic works, was about 35 percent sold by lot, with 86 of the 240 lots finding buyers. Our May Oriental carpets sale had a far higher sell-through rate, with 60 out of 90 lots finding takers. The latter had an amazing atmosphere with a lot of local people bidding in the room. We were quite pleased with the result.Can you tell us about your upcoming sales this fall?In September we will be offering jewelry and watches; in October we hold our second sale of Islamic and Orientalist art, which we plan to offer twice yearly; and in November we will have a sale of contemporary and modern Middle Eastern art.
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Top Auction Houses of 2016: Latin America
Although the art market remained robust this past year, there has been a marked shift in the global landscape. According to the 2016 Art Market Report, produced by Dublin-based economist Clare McAndrew and released under the aegis of the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), there was a 7 percent decline in sales worldwide, from $68.2 billion in 2014 to $63.8 billion in 2015, with much of that decline coming as a result of a contraction in the Chinese economy. Despite the drop, sales in the United States rose 4 percent, to a record $27.3 billion, confirming the nation’s primacy as the global market leader, with a 43 percent share of the market. Sales held steady in the United Kingdom, landing it in second place at 21 percent; this may change, however, as the market responds to the contentious Brexit vote this past June. China came in third at 19 percent, with sales in the Asian nation dropping some 23 percent, from $15.4 billion in 2014 to $11.8 billion last year.Overall, sales at auction accounted for 47 percent of the 2015 art market total, with the remainder coming from private sales by dealers and other agents. Postwar and contemporary works commanding more than $1 million continued to dominate, though they represented less than 1 percent of lots sold. The $1 million–plus segment of the market grew a staggering 400 percent, while the market for works selling for $10 million or more saw growth of more than 1,000 percent. In its August issue, Art+Auction profiled 250 auction houses around the globe, providing information on key personnel and sale locations. (It is important to note that the listings include only salesrooms, not regional offices or representatives.) For this edition, art world insiders also shared their insights into regional market developments and where global commerce may lead us in the months ahead.In the upcoming days, ARTINFO will publish the auction house profiles and stories from Art+Auction’s August issue. Here, we present the magazine’s selection of the top auction houses of Latin America.To find all our coverage of the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide, as well as ARTINFO’s top picks for the best in visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, lifestyle, and culture and travel, visit our Top Lists page at blouinartinfo.com/toplists.Latin America ArgentinaGaleria ArroyoBuenos AiresKey Personnel:Manuel Ramon (Director), Augusto Mengelle (Director)Established:1989Specialties:Argentine, modern, and contemporary artNotable Lots:Luis Seoane, Tres Figuras, 1968, $84,161 (est. $37,400), October 22, 2015. Miguel Carlos Victorica, Naturaleza muerta, 1951, $70,134 (est. $29,000), September 30, 2015. Roberto Aizenberg, Torre, undated, $59,614 (est. $26,000), October 22, 2015.Contact:galarroyo.cominfo@galarroyo.com+54 11 4325 0947BrazilBolsa de ArteRio de Janeiro; São PauloKey Personnel:Marga Pasquali (Director), Egon Kroeff (Director)Established:1971Specialties:Brazilian, modern, and contemporary art; photographyNotable Lots:Pablo Picasso, Le Peintre et Son Modèle, 1933, $745,380 (est. $279–359,000), August 13, 2015. Alberto da Veiga Guignard, Vaso de flores, undated, $2,152,433 (est. $1.6–2.4 million), August 13, 2015. Milton Dacosta, Construção sobre Fundo Negro, 1956, $1,981,036 (est. $1.8–2.2 million), August 13, 2015.Contact:bolsadearte.comrio@bolsadearte.com+55 21 2522 1544James LisboaSão PauloKey Personnel:James Lisboa (Owner)Established:1986Specialties:Fine and contemporary artContact:leilaodearte.comlisboa@leilaodearte.com+55 11 3061 3155Soraia Cals Escritorio de ArteRio de JaneiroKey Personnel:Evandro Carneiro (Auctioneer)Established:2003Specialties:Fine and contemporary artNotable Lots:Emiliano Di Cavalcanti, Mulata na Janela, 1958, $96,800 (est. $90,000), April 26, 2016. Manabu Mabe, Terra e Vida, 1989, $26,000 (est. $22,000), March 16, 2016.Contact:soraiacals.com.brcontato@soraiacals.com.br+55 21 2540 0688MexicoMorton SubastasMexico City; HoustonKey Personnel:Luis C. López Morton (CEO)Established:1988Specialties:Antiques, modern art, books, jewelry, wine, classic carsNotable Lots:Rodolfo Morales, La Plaza de los Sueños, undated, $170,240 (est. $109–134,000), October 8, 2015. David Alfaro Siqueiros, Estudio Para Panel Mural Del Polyforum, Marcha De La Humanidad, 1967, $235,025 (est. $250–330,000), Nov-ember 12, 2015. Angel Zarraga, San Miguel, 1939, $196,350 (est. $167–238,000), November 12, 2015.Contact:mortonsubastas.comatencion.clientes@mortonsubastas.com+52 55 52 83 31 40UruguayCastellsMontevideoKey Personnel:Juan Castells (Director)Established:1835Specialties:Uruguayan, modern, and contemporary art; antiques; jewelry; collectiblesNotable Lots:José Gurvich, Kibutz Carta al Hombre, 1967, $141,000, June 10, 2015. José Cuneo Perinetti, Luna de los troperos, troperos en la noche, 1953, $135,000, May 20, 2015. María Freire, Pintura Concerta, 1956, $125,000, January 15, 2016.Contact:castells.com.uycastells@castells.com.uy+598 2900 7300VenezuelaOdalysCaracas; MadridKey Personnel:Odalys Sánchez de Saravo (Director)Established:1992Specialties:Latin American and colonial art, Old Masters, modern and contemporary art, works on paper, designContact:odalys.comodalys@odalys.com+58 212 9795942
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Top Auction Houses of 2016: Morton Subastas
The following Q&A appeared in Art+Auction’s August issue, which profiles the world’s top auction houses of 2016. ARTINFO will be publishing the articles from this issue over the next few days. Click here to see related stories from the issue. To find all our coverage of the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide, as well as ARTINFO’s top picks for the best in visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, lifestyle, and culture and travel, visit our Top Lists page at blouinartinfo.com/toplists.Morton SubastasHeadquarters: Mexico CityVivian GorinsteinStrategic PlannerSince joining Morton almost 10 years ago, Gorinstein has been involved in several aspects of the house, from marketing and communications to the modern and contemporary art department, which she headed for five years. She recently took on the oversight of Morton’s strategic planning department, where she is charged with advancing and aligning the house’s many operations and initiatives—both digitally and on-site.How has Morton’s business strategy evolved since the house was established in 1988?Morton continually modifies its strategy in accordance with the behavioral trends of the art market. Cutting-edge technology and the needs of an advanced client base prompted the launch of our strategic planning department, which oversees the business systems that secure growth in every department. Our marketing department has become indispensable to our advertising campaigns and catalogues, which are fundamental to sales. We have also pushed the growth of our digital marketing department and our social media presence. Visits to our site are proof of our success in this respect, as the site receives 2,500 to 4,500 daily hits and we have 128,500 community members on Facebook. In 2014 we opened to the global market by delving into online auctioneering through the LiveAuctioneers platform, and soon we will further narrow the gap for international clients with the launch of the Morton app.Has use of social media shaped your marketing?We are developing specific digital tools to keep ourselves in touch with our customers and offer greater content across all categories. The result has been an increase in the number of young people who participate in our auctions. We have garnered more knowledge of our clientele than ever before with a tool kit of digital catalogues, mailings, online auctions, social networking, and soon, our own mobile app. The means of participation available to clients can be online and over the phone in addition to on-site.How are the purchasing habits of younger collectors at Morton different from those of the older generation?In recent years we have seen an increase in frequency of young people coming to the auction house interested in starting a collection. The subjects are varied. There are those more inclined toward modern art or antiques; others are drawn to watches or wines. Breaking with the traditional models of auction attendance, the new generation of art buyers favors absentee bidding. The absentee bidding department has witnessed the rise of the online model and is busy with the influx of young buyers.What was the most surprising sale in 2015? What made it a surprise?It was a year full of surprises for every one of our departments. However, in May’s Latin American art auction we witnessed the exciting sale of a 1960 room divider panel by David Alfaro Siqueiros that was part of a theater scenography. The piece had remained outside the art market for years and was reunited with the rest of the original set after it was reclaimed by the National Treasury. The full work is now available on display for the Mexican public. This auction also saw sales of works by some of the most important Mexican and Latin American artists, including a large-format landscape by Mexican Impressionist artist Joaquín Clausell and a record-breaking work for Luis Nishizawa.Which categories have the most potential for growth in the upcoming year, and why?If we take into account results for auctions globally, we can foresee a sales increase in contemporary art and photography, a category that is yet to grow in our country. We have also observed greatly increased interest in Latin American art domestically and abroad, which foreshadows good results for these sales next year. Last, there is definitely an opportunity to accomplish more in the books and manuscripts department, which we have run for years now, and in which we have begun to see revived interest.Which category at Morton is the strongest?Over the past five years the modern and contemporary art department has produced the largest portion of the company’s revenue, grossing 48 percent of total income. The department has also been responsible for putting the most valuable pieces up for auction due in part to global market tendencies, specialized sales promotion strategies, and the quality of consignment. The antiques department follows, with 30 percent of the total income.
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Datebook: ‘Japanese Art and the Prints of Paul Jacoulet’ Auction at Eldred’s
When: Japanese art and prints will be auctioned by Eldred’s Auction Gallery in East Dennis, Massachusetts on August 16-17.What: The auction will include a selection of ceramics, wooden items, netsuke, tsuba and weaponry, enamel and metalware, paintings, lacquer, textiles, furniture, and prints by Paul Jacoulet. Some highlights of the sale are:- A pair of Namban porcelain plates from the Meiji Period, adorned with the design of a black ship surrounded by Dutchmen, flowers, and ship cartouches. The exterior, with a flowering vine pattern, has a diameter of 8.6 inches. (Estimate: $300-500)- An Imari porcelain sake bottle from the Meiji Period, with a design of figures and florals. The height of the bottle is 11.3 inches or 29 cm. (Estimate: $500-600)- A studio porcelain vase from the 20th century in seed form, with a pink flower and gourd design, dotted with honeybees. It is marked with calligraphy on the base. The height of the vase is 16 inches or 40.6 cm. (Estimate $300-400)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: ‘Objects of Desire’ at Auctionata, New York
What: Auction of erotic artworks at Auctionata, New York, August 15Why: A selection of sizzling artworks that includes Andy Warhol’s private polaroids of the torsos of young men, sensual etchings by Surrealist Hans Bellmer and erotic works from Japan, Persia and China, as well as other piquant pieces. Among the highlights:-“Beach 98,” a 36-by-54-inch, signed oil on canvas by Taiwanese-American photorealist Hilo Chen in excellent condition (est. $9,000).-Pair of 4½-by-3 5/8-inch Polaroids of nude male torsos by American Pop artist Andy Warhol (est. $9,000).-“Wet Kiss,” a 40-by-29¾-inch inframed Chrommogenic print on Plexiglas support by American painter and photographer Marilyn Minter (est. $20,000)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the auction.
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Datebook: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers presents ‘Marketplace’
What: ‘Marketplace’ sale at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Chicago, August 17 and 18; previews August 14 through 16 Why: Novelty items and artworks, vases, paperweights, table lamps, and more. Highlights include:—Silver-plated 13¾-inch-high floriform vase with ruffled rim and bulbous base (est. $80-120) — Group of one Austrian and seven Czechoslovakian glass vases, the tallest 17½ inches high (est. $300-400) — Five circular 20th-century glass paperweights with millefiori and floral decoration, the largest havin a diameter of three and a half inches (est. $100-200)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the auction.
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Sotheby’s NY to Auction Roy and Marilyn Papp Collection of Traditional Chinese Paintings
Sotheby’s will auction off traditional Chinese paintings from the renowned Roy and Marilyn Papp Collection, described as “one of the finest private collections of Chinese paintings remaining in the United States.” The sale will take place on September 14 in New York.The 122-lot sale is estimated to raise a total of $10-15 million, owing to the works’ established provenance and the fact that they have been off the market for over 25 years. The collection includes a diverse range of Schools and styles, from as far back as the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as a vast variety of subjects and mediums, ranging from hanging scrolls, handscrolls, albums, and fans to landscapes and paintings of figures and animals.A particular highlight of the sale involves a rare scroll that was part of a 12 handscroll masterpiece from the 17th-18th century, titled “The Kangxi Emperor’s Southern Inspection Tour, Section VI” by Wang Hui – a highly-esteemed painter from that period. The entire piece documents the Kangxi Emperor’s visits to economic and strategic sites in the southern regions of China. Sotheby’s NY will be auctioning the sixth scroll from the entire piece; 10 scrolls in total have been restored. The scroll to be auctioned also happens to be one of the longest and best-preserved portions, and is estimated at $4-6 million.Another highlight is a two-part handscroll titled “Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Moon in the Bamboo Villa” by Shen Zhou, who was a scholar, poet, calligrapher, and painter. It illustrates three men seated beside a riverbank, and it is accompanied by a poem about the mid-autumn festival composed by the artist. The piece is estimated at $1.8-2.5 million.The late L. Roy Papp was a distinguished banker, businessman, and philanthropist from Phoenix, Arizona. He began developing a taste for Asian art in the 1970s, after relocating to Manila from 1975-77 as the US Director of the Asian Development Bank. It wasn’t until his return to the United States that he started buying Chinese paintings with his wife Marilyn.“Roy and Marilyn Papp had immense foresight assembling their extensive collection of Chinese paintings in the 1970s and 1980s, far before much of the rest of the world began researching and appreciating the field,” said Rongde Zhang, Sotheby's Head of Sales for Classical Chinese Paintings, in a statement.Parts of the Collection have been exhibited extensively throughout Arizona, particularly at the Arizona State University and the Phoenix Art Museum. A selection of the Collection still remains in these institutions to this day.The Roy and Marilyn Papp Collection of Chinese Paintings will be auctioned on September 14 at Sotheby’s New York.
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Ashish Anand of DAG Modern Gives India a New Auction House
New Delhi-based DAG Modern, the gallery at the forefront of research and business of modern Indian art, today announced the launch of an eponymous auction house. The first DAG Modern auction will be held in New Delhi on August 21. Ashish Anand, Managing Director and CEO of the company, said the DAG auctions will stand out in their attempt to broad-base the Indian art market. “Right now, the Indian art market is a minuscule part of the international art market, with a share of less than 0.5 percent of the global market. Last year, a Picasso painting sold for about $179 million, which is just about the total size of the Indian art market. As much as 95 percent of Indian buyers are based in Delhi and Bombay with hardly any art buying activity in Tier-II cities and smaller towns. We want to reach out to as many buyers as possible. We will have previews not just in Delhi and Mumbai but also in other cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata, to name a few.”The upcoming auction will feature 70 lots by 65 artists, covering an arc of 100 years, from the Early Bengal style of the 19th century to the cutting-edge modern art from the late 20th century. Kishore Singh, President of DAG Modern and well-known art critic, said that the lots were drawn from DAG Modern’s collection, which made the upcoming auction a curated one. “Unlike other auctions, where the consignments are invited, we have been able to pick the very best of each artist — and include a big number of artists — as the works come from the gallery’s own collection,” he said. That broad-bases the field on offer, which implies that there are not just works by auction favorites such as MF Husain, SH Raza, FN Souza to name a few, but even by those artists who have not been celebrated yet despite their genius. These include artists such as PT Reddy, Radha Charan Bagchi, Kanwal Krishna, Nikhil Biswas, Shyamal Dutta Ray, Dhanraj Bhagat, SG Thakar Singh and more.Another highlight of the DAG auction is that it will not have any buyer’s premium. All auction houses charge a buyer’s premium, which is borne by the buyer. By removing buyer’s premium, the works bought at DAG auctions will be less expensive than at any other auction. The lots at the upcoming auction range from as low as Rs 100,000 to about Rs 1 crore. The most expensive lot on offer is a 1973 acrylic on canvas by MF Husain (1913-2011). Titled “Padmini Mohini Shankhini,” it is estimated at $149,300 - $ 223,900 (Rs 1 crore - Rs 1.5 crore). In this painting, Husain portrays women as described in the Vedic texts. The posture of the women is from the Indian tradition of the tri-articulated body, the tribhanga. According to catalogue notes, Padmini refers to lotus-like women who are very rare, beautiful, pious, graceful and voluptuous. Shankhini refers to intelligent, sharp, smart and balanced women, while Mohini refers to the mysterious seductress, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu.Singh informs that the price points at the upcoming auction are 30-40 percent lower than the price for the same canvas in the gallery. The works, therefore, are going to be available at the auction at a more affordable rate. Those not sold will return to the gallery and will be available at the gallery rate.Beginning with the upcoming auction, DAG hopes to conduct four-five auctions annually. Right now, the ones that are planned are slated for December 2016 and April 2017. — The inaugural DAG Modern auction will be held at New Delhi’s Imperial Hotel on August 21. Entry is by invitation only. The preview will be held at the gallery in Hauz Khas on August 20 and 21, 11am - 7pm.
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Atmospheric Polaroids by Andrey Tarkovsky to Go to Auction
Rare Polaroids photos by iconic Russian filmmaker Andrey Tarkovsky are coming to auction the first time this fall. This week, Bonham’s auction house in London announced “Nostalgia: Before and After – Important Polaroids by Andrey Tarkovsky.” Set for October 6, the auction will feature 257 Polaroids by the late director, divided into 29 lots of nine and 10 pictures each. The lots are estimated to go for between $26,000 and $50,000 each. The majority of the photos have never been seen by the public before. The majority of the shots we taken while Tarkovsky was shooting “Nostalgia” (1983) in Italy and Russia in the late 70s and early 80s. They feature the same stark sense of atmospherics that that film — indeed all of Tarkovsky’s films — captured so well. Not to mention a sense of nostalgia itself — a reflection on time gone by. 'These pictures are a surprising glimpse of Tarkovsky, who throughout his life was obsessed with the passing of time,” said Daria Chernenko, Head of Bonhams's Russian Art department, in a statement. “The dream-like compositions are reflective of his filmmaking. They've never been on the market before and now his family are selling the collection in its entirety. There has already been a significant amount of interest in these one-off works, both from museums and film institutes.' Shots range from lush landscapes of the Italian and Russian countryside, to intimate portraits of the filmmaker’s friends and family, to playful shots of his dog, and pensive still-lives of the places he stayed. Unlike most instant film, beloved for its candid imperfections, Tarkovsky’s shots look meticulously staged. And it was no accident: the director, a notorious perfectionist, would burn immediately burn his Polaroids if he didn’t like the outcome.
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Datebook: Eldred's Presents 'Contemporary Art at Auction'
When: Auction of contemporary artworks by Eldred’s, East Dennis, on August 24 from 6:30 pm onwards.What: The auction will offer artworks by artists including Neil Mcauliffe, Michael Graves, Aleta Rossi Steward, Arthur Cohen, Arthur Vidal Diehl, Curtis Rosser, James Maddocks, Jane Lincoln, Jean Daumier, Jerome Howes, and a host of other top artists.Highlights:- A painting by contemporary artist Neil McAuliffe of Massachusetts. The painting is of a Rose-covered picket fence along a Cape Cod harbor filled with catboats. It was painted using oil on canvas. The framed painting is signed by the artist. (Estimate: $400- $600)- A Michael Graves (b. 1952) painting named “Light in the Valley." Signed by the artist, it is an oil on board piece. The size of the framed artwork is 11" x 13". (Estimate: $400- $600)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: James D. Julia’s 'Spectacular' August Auction
When: James D. Julia’s Spectacular Annual Summer Fine Art, Asian & Antique Auction from August 24-26, 2016.What: The auction featuring items worth $6 million is one of the most highly anticipated auctions of the year. The sale offers a wide selection of fine, decorative, and nautical art, antiques and Asian articles, historical items, and many rare one-of-a-kind collectibles as well.Highlights:- Edward Willis Redfield’s River Decorations (Estimate: $80,000-$120,000)- Two remarkable works by Andrew Wyeth, River Greys and By The Lower Dam (Estimate: $20,000-$40,000)- A Wilhelm Kuhnert’s Resting Circus Lion Couple (Estimate: $30,000-$50,000)- The Fitz Henry Lane’s New Bedford Harbor, an unsigned oil on canvas housed in a fabulous Eli Wilner & Co. frame (Estimate: $300,000-$500,000)- A monumental Le Funi urn by Gio Ponti, only one of three examples known (Estimate: $50,000-$100,000)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: Classic Works of Art at Auctionata, Berlin
When: “Classic Works of Art - Paintings of the 16th-20th Century” at Auctionata, Berlin on August 26, 2016.What: The auction will showcase large collection of artworks including finely painted portraits and great atmospheric cityscapes from the 16th-20th centuries. Highlights:- A painting of princess Pauline of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach by artist Elise Hugel. The painting is an oval shaped oil-on-canvas portrait in the dimension of 51 x 43 cm. The starting bid for the painting €1100, and as per Auctionata experts, the price can go as high €2,200.- A male bust by Aimé-Jules Dalou, a French sculptor. The bust is made of bronze and dates to approximately 1895. The dimensions of the bust are 37.5 x 21 x 23 cm. The starting bid for the bust is €8500, with experts estimating a figure of €17,000.- A townscape by Dutch painter Bartholomeus-Johannes van Hove. The dimensions of the painting are 66 x 80 cm. The starting bid for the townscape is €8000 and the price can reach as high as €16000.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: Mossgreen Auctions Fine Australian and International Art
When: Fine Australian and International Art auction by Mossgreen in Melbourne on August 29-30, 2016.What: Mossgreen will auction some of its finest artworks under the Australian and International Art category. The 2015 auction in the same category created a record with The Peter Elliott Collection stealing the limelight. Highlights:- A painting titled “The Rain Cloud” by artist Ethel Spowers in the dimension of 20.5 x 25.5 cm. (Estimate: $4000-6000)- A painting titled “The Story Teller” by artist Eveline W Syme created using pencil, watercolor, and gouache on paper. (Estimate: $1500-2500).- A sketch titled “The Fruit of the Farm" by artist Hilda Rix Nicholas. Drawn with pencil and pastel, the artwork is 43 x 29 cm. (Estimate: $6000-9000)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Korean Masters, Blue-Chip Western Artists at Sotheby’s #TTTOP Sale Curated by T.O.P
Sotheby’s HK has recently released details of the works to be sold at the “#TTTOP” autumn auction — the anticipated sale guest-curated by Korean pop star T.O.P — to be held on October 3 in Hong Kong. Estimated at approximately HK$90 million (US$11.5 million), this sale will offer blue-chip Western artists as well emerging and established Asian artists. According to the auction house, the diverse selection of works, aiming to unite various generations, cultures, styles, and schools of thought, reflects not only T.O.P’s aesthetic taste but also the global taste of young Asian collectors. “#TTTOP embodies Asia’s vibrant art scene, driven by a group of energetic young collectors including T.O.P himself,” said Evelyn Lin, Head of Contemporary Asian art, in a statement.Out of the 25 lots on offer, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Infantry” painting from 1983 will lead the sale, estimated at HK$30-40million (US$3.85-5.1 million). Renowned Japanese art collector and fashion mogul Yusaku Maezawa consigned the piece as a friendly gesture in support of T.O.P’s curatorial debut. The two collectors are allegedly good friends and collect art together. Maezawa is also remembered for having spent an obscene amount of money – US$98 million to be exact – in two days this May during the Christie’s and Sotheby’s Spring Sales. His most jaw-dropping purchase was an untitled painting by Basquiat for US$57 million.Other crowd-pleasers in the international section include Andy Warhol, George Condo, Rudolf Stingel, and Sigmar Polke, as well as two paintings by emerging artist Jonas Wood. Additionally, a rare and significant series by Keith Haring will be offered, from photographer David LaChapelle’s art collection.“Top-grade museum quality works” by Korean post-war masters are the highlights of the Asian section. These include Park Seobo’s “Ecriture No 222-85,” estimated at HK$8-12 million (US$1.03-1.54 million), and Lee Ufan’s pivotal large-scale piece “With Winds,” which is expected to garner between HK$6.5-8.5 million (US$769,000-1,090,000).Chung Sanghwa’s largest white monochrome paintings are also on offer, in addition to works by Nam June Paik and Kim Whanki. Art by rising stars from China, Japan, and Korea, such as Gokita Tomoo and Saito Makoto, will also be featured. And last but not least, T.O.P has specially commissioned works by his artist friends such as Takashi Murakami and Nawa Kohei.The K-Pop star’s desire to support emerging Asian artists is emphasized through his intention to donate a portion of the proceeds to the non-profit foundation Asian Cultural Council (ACC).A touring exhibition of the art on sale will first be shown in Seoul, Korea at Shilla Hotel on September 21-22, followed by Hong Kong from September 30 through October 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC).The #TTTOP sale will take place on October 3 at the HKCEC, Hong Kong.
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Datebook: Important and Rare Art Auction by International Art Centre NZ
When: The International Art Centre in Auckland, New Zealand auctions important and rare art on August 24, 2016.What: The selection boasts artworks by artists such as Peter Siddell and Nigel Brown, among others. The auction has a total lot of 113 art items.Highlights:- Acrylic on paper artwork by New Zealand artist Nigel Brown titled "Auckland Escape Plane" (estimate: $2,500-3,500)- New Zealand artist Darryn George's 2006 painting "Rawiri, Poutama" (estimate $7,000-9,000)- Garth Tapper's languid yet beautiful oil on board painting from 1976, titled "Racecourse" (estimate $15,000-20,000)- "Te Anau Impression II," Tim Wilson’s scenic rendition of New Zealand (estimate $15,000-20,000)- Pat Hanly's visually intense 1963 work "New Order 28 Part II" (estimate $16,000-22,000)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: Lyon & Turnbull Auctions Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps, and Photography
When: Auction by Lyon & Turnbull in the city of Edinburgh on August 31, 2016.What: Lyon & Turnbull brings a collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs under the hammer for bidding.Highlights:- "The Islamic book: A Contribution to its Art and History" from the VII-XVIII century, Pegasus Press. (Estimate: £200-300)- A number of art reference books and auction catalogues, in 8 boxes, in the form of hardback and paperback. (Estimate: £200-300)- A catalogue of the Sassoon Chinese Ivories describing and illustrating the finest and largest private collections of Chinese ivories of its time. The collection was made in Peking between 1915 and 1927. (Estimate: £1500-2500)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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Datebook: Post 1900 Avant-Garde Art at Auctionata, Berlin
When: “Dawn of the Avantgarde: Art after 1900” auction at Auctionata, Berlin on August 26, 2016.What: The exhibition offers drawings and paintings dated after 1900. Drawings from German artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Otto Pankok among others are part of the auction. Impressionist masterpieces and a number of Russian oeuvres will also be featured in the auction.Highlights:- The Impressionist masterpiece by Émile Bernard, "La Sicilienne au Bouquet de Fleurs," 1922 (Estimate: €14,000)- A beautiful Richard Bloos (1878-1956), "Corpus Christi Procession," Oil, 1922 (Estimate: €11,000)- Dirk Smorenberg (1883-1960), "Water Lilies," oil, circa 1925 (Estimate: €5,600)- The painting "Composition à la Théière," circa 1920 by Nikolai Isaev (Estimate: €2,800)- Vladimir Naiditch (1903-1980), "Studio Interior," Oil, circa 1930 (Estimate: €4,500)Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek of the auction.
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