Auction Profile Modern Marvels By Sharon Verbeten Photos courtesy of Bonhams New York. Bonhams to Host Sale of Twentieth-Century Decorative Arts “R are” and “notable” are terms auction houses often use to describe their offerings. But in the case of Bonhams New York’s upcoming sale of twentieth-century decorative arts, those adjectives may be most fitting. The Dec. 9 sale will include offerings from no fewer than four noteworthy collections of items as scintillating—and diverse—as From the Martin Davidson collection of contemporary ceramics is this painted and glazed ceramics piece titled “U-20” by Steven Montgomery (American, 1954-). Presale estimate is $5,000 to $7,000. This 1927 tooled, stained leather and silvered-wood cabinet, attributed to Sue et Mare, could bring $70,000 to $90,000 or more at the sale. This cold-painted Franz Bergman Prince & Mandolin Player lamp (c. 1900) is unsigned and impressed “MADE IN AUSTRIA.” Presale estimate on this Vienna bronze is $30,000 to $40,000. Vienna bronzes, Catalin radios, contemporary ceramics and French Art Deco furniture. Frank Maraschiello of Bonhams calls it “a diverse and meticulously chosen selection of furniture and decorative arts representing all facets of twentieth-century design.” Cold-painted Vienna bronzes in the collection of Matt Wyse will be a particular favorite. The 25 pieces encompass one of the largest groupings from of its type to come to market. The well-documented collection includes several pieces from artist Franz Bergman— including the sale’s anticipated highlight, Bergman’s Prince & Mandolin Player lamp. The ca. 1900 piece is estimated to bring $30,000 to $40,000. “It’s just a strong piece visually and… a tour de force of sculpture,” Maraschiello said. “It was beautifully cast…a strong example of what one wants in a bronze.” Another collection Maraschiello anticipates will draw much interest is the Gregory Coster collection of French Art Deco; most pieces hail from the 1920s era. Iconic furniture makers Sue et Mare, Jules LeLeu and Emile Jacques will be represented, with the highlight expected to be a 1927 tooled, stained leather and silveredwood cabinet, attributed to Sue et Mare. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful piece…sure to be the center of spirited bidding,” Maraschiello said. Price realized could hit $70,000 to $90,000 or more. Maraschiello is confident about how the Art Deco offerings at the sale will fare. “It is WANTED WILLIAM JAMIESON Old North American Indian Artifacts Northwest Coast, Eskimo, Woodland and Plains Indian Clothing, Pottery, Weapons, Shields, Blankets, Woodcarvings, Beadwork, Masks, Pipes, Rattles, Totem Poles, Argellite Carvings, Eskimo Ivories & Soapstone Carvings Tribal Artifacts Old South Pacific, New Guinea, African, Egyptian, Indonesian & Pre-Columbian, Wooden Clubs, Carvings, Shields, Masks, Clothing, Ceramics Objects of the Macabre Oddities & Curiosities, Interesting Old Taxidermy Mummys, Shrunken Heads, Circus & Sideshow Memorabilia, Medieval Torture Devices Free Identification Of Material. Discretion Assured. Please phone, email or mail photos to: Billy Jamieson 468 Wellington St. W. Suite 201, Toronto Ontario Canada M5V1E3 Tel: 416.596.1396 Fax: 416.596.2464 Email: goldenc@inforamp.net Page 4, Northeast Antiques, December 2009 www.northeastantiques.com