CHRISTIES CLARICE CLIFF SALE 23rd OCTOBER 2007 By their own standards, the sale of the 23rd October was disappointing, both in quality and quantity. However, at 147 Lots it was by no means a small sale (when comparing it to the sales of other Auction Houses). And any Clarice sale with two Grotesque Masks, a very rare geometric vase, and a selection of pieces at all price ranges is still an event. I spoke to many of the bidders and everyone was very conscious of the new Commission rates and the devastating effect of VAT on some of the Lots. It was inevitable, that Bidders would be adjusting their bids accordingly. The sale started with an array of Sifters and Clogs. Many of the Sifters struggled and remained unsold, including Coral firs, Autumn and Crocus examples. Most of the Clogs sold, at what I thought were fair realistic prices. Rudyard, Alton, Trees & House and Secrets made £375, £400, £325 and £300 (+VAT) respectively. One Lot, that surprised me, in that it didn’t sell, was the “As you like it” set. This was the first time, that I had seen such an extensive set of the pieces and the Lot also included a small clog in Crocus. It was bid up to £380 in the room, but failed to make its bottom estimate of £550. Had it been in a more desirable pattern, then I think it would have made a lot of money. The sale did have quite a few jam pots. Although many were restored, damaged or had the wrong lid. Notable results were the Applique Avignon at £1125 (currently making its way to Australia) and a Honolulu squat “cream cheese” in nice condition, but unsigned at £500. One of the bargains of the day was a large Dover Jardinière in Sunray, that went for £1000. It did have damage, but was nicely painted. The Masks did very well. A large Flora was sold for £875. The relatively rare Chahar made £1500. Both the Grotesques sold , the one without damage went for £2750 (+VAT) and the restored one ( actually more like dropped and badly glued) went for £750. One of my favourite pieces in the sale was the powder bowl in Honolulu, which went for £562. I was tempted, but in the end couldn’t stop thinking that on display it just looked like a lid on its own. Other rarities included the Bones The Butcher Teapot which failed to sell. There were some quite nice vases in the sale. A shape 358 in Green Autumn (catalogued as Orange Autumn) made £1062 (+VAT), a shape 341 in Red Gardenia made £750 and a superb shape 452 in Windbells made £875 (+VAT). The Lotus jugs did fairly well. Farmhouse, Windbells and Blue Autumn selling for £2000, £1250 (+VAT), £1250 (+VAT) respectively. In the Teaware section, The Bonjour part Coffee Set in Blue Firs failed to sell. In the room it went up to £1300, but didn’t meet its bottom estimate of £2000, no doubt due to the awful condition of the Saucers. The Bonjour Tea for two, did sell at £3125. Strangely, in the Catalogue only the Teapot was photographed. Whereas, in reality the set included a magnificent Conical Sugar, together with Conical Milk, and nicely painted cups etc. Of all the bargains in the Catalogue, the Farmhouse Batchelor Set looked the most promising. However, on inspection it was quite badly scratched. It did however sell at £2000. The final Lot was the very rare Meiping Vase in Geometric Garden. I thought it was painted very well and I liked the banding. Seeing it in the flesh however, I was a little disappointed, as for some reason I had expected it to be much larger ( the full page photo must have tricked my mind). At an estimate of £12,000 to £15,000, it was a lot of money. It did however, just fail to sell, despite the Auctioneer almost begging the telephone bidder to go one more bid. Of the 147 Lots, 57 failed to reach their reserves. It is evident therefore, that Bidders are adjusting their bids to cover the Commission charges and even more so, where the dreaded VAT is relevant. Consequently, a slightly higher than normal non sale rate was the order of the day. Despite, the criticism of the increased commission and the less than wonderful array of Clarice (by Christies own standards), I still feel that the sale was a good sale. Talking to buyers (including Club Members) after the sale, many were thrilled with their purchases. I would like to thank Joy McCall for her hard work in putting the sale together in difficult circumstances. I also feel that, provided Christies can attract some “single owner” collections, that they will bounce back to the forefront of our Clarice year. All prices include Commission, but not VAT were relevant. Colin Mawston. |
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Had it been in a more desirable pattern, it would have made a Kings ransom. | | |
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