Picasso pottery pitcher sets new record at $24,130
The original artist’s proof of a unique bird-form pitcher, circa 1953, set a new record for this type of Picasso pottery when it commanded $24,130 during Palm Beach Modern Auctions’ Feb. 4-5 sale.
.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Modern Auctions’ Feb. 4-5, 2017 modern and contemporary art auction held appeal with many collectors. Many were drawn to the sale for its significant offerings of Picasso pottery, and a collection of Studio 54 images.
Bird-Form Pitcher Tops Picasso Pottery Offerings
Celebrities depicted in Manning’s silver gelatin prints included Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson,
Brooke Shields, Diana Ross, John Travolta, Sylvester Stallone, and many others. A candid portrait of a young, smartly dressed David Bowie leaning back, taking in the surroundings sold for $3,175. An artistic shot of a free-spirited couple on the dance floor made $4,763. All prices quoted are inclusive of 27 percent buyer’s premium.
The eight pieces of Picasso pottery in the sale saw a global response. Among those vying for the desirable ceramics were representatives from two different museums in France. The lot garnering the greatest interest ahead of the sale is a bird-form vessel known as “Pichet Anse Prise (Pitcher with Seized Handle).” The actual artist’s proof for a small 1953 edition of 200, it was originally held in the private collection of Picasso’s close friends Georges and Suzanne Ramie, owners of the Madoura studio where Picasso pottery was made. It sold for $24,130 – a world auction record for the form.
Bertoia's Beryllium Copper and Brass Sculpture Tops $58,000
The top lot of the sale was a sculpture by Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978) titled Sonambient. Made of beryllium copper and brass, and accompanied by a COA from the artist’s son, Val Bertoia, it settled near the top of its estimate range at $58,420. Angel Botello’s (Puerto Rican, 1914-1986) bronze titled Girl Dancing sold for $35,560.
For more information about PBMA and its upcoming sales, visit modernauctions.com. To discuss consigning to a future sale, call 561-586-5500 or e-mail info@modernauctions.com.
