On November 22, 2019 Rago Auctions held a small 43-item sale of exceptional items entitled Masterworks of American Craft. Following are a few results.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about modern crafts, including the top lot of the sale, #26, a 1959, 40½” tall, Peter Voulkos glazed stoneware sculpture entitled Snake River. It soared past its pre-sale estimate of $50,000 – $70,000, realizing $250,000, including buyer’s premium. It could have sold for $250 and I wouldn’t have known the difference. Another example of knowledge is power.
I do know about Tiffany Studios items, so I wasn’t surprised by the strong result for lot #1, a 6″ long crab and lobster box. All Tiffany Studios enamel on copper items are rarities and this box was no exception. It easily swam past its pre-sale estimate of $30,000 – $50,000, realizing $87,500, including buyer’s premium.
Tiffany Studios occasionally worked with the Grueby Faience Pottery to make lovely Arts & Crafts lamps. The example pictured above, lot #6, combines a Tiffany 16″ diameter Acorn shade with an important Kendrick-designed Grueby base. It sold for its low estimate of $30,000 ($40,000 including buyer’s premium).
For the complete results of the sale, click here.
