Art Luminaries Supported ‘Cat Project,’ Yogi’s Ring Hits $160K at Auction, and More Fresh News

Ralph Steadman (English, b. 1936-), ‘Cats Always Do This When They Like You…Have You Noticed?,’ mixed media on paper, signed and dated 7 August 2000. Size 19 x 32½ in. (framed). Est. $400-$600. Image courtesy of Quinns Auction Galleries
Ralph Steadman (English, b. 1936-), ‘Cats Always Do This When They Like You…Have You Noticed?,’ original mixed media on paper, signed and dated 7 August 2000. Size 19 x 32½ in. (framed). Est. $400-$600. Image courtesy of Quinns Auction Galleries

 

News and updates from around the arts and auction community:

  • Ralph Steadman, R. Crumb, Al Hirschfeld and Ray Bradbury are among the many artists and writers who created feline-centric artworks years ago for the ‘Cat Project.’ Utah artist and teacher Patrick Eddington planned to exhibit, then publish the art in a book. Sadly, Eddington died before achieving his dream, but now the original artworks are being auctioned, on Nov. 12. [Take a sneak peek at the auction catalog on LiveAuctioneers]
  • The 1953 World Series Championship ring that belonged to beloved New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra has sold at auction for nearly $160,000. The ring is especially coveted by sports memorabilia collectors because of the diamond-studded “5” on it, signifying it was the fifth time Berra had played on a World Series-winning team. [Read more from NBC NY]
  • Phillips has a wall-filling, 6ft 6in wide Gerhard Richter painting of a jet in its November contemporary art auction. The highest-estimated of the 18 or more Richters entered in various semiannual contemporary art auctions around New York next month, it’s rumored to have been consigned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. [Read more from Art Market Monitor]
  • The word “antique” was officially defined in 1930 by the U.S. Customs Office for the purpose of collecting duty on items brought into this country. But do you know the technical difference between an “antique” and “vintage” item? [Read more from the Greensburg Daily News]

For more news and updates, follow LiveAuctioneers on Twitter and Facebook.

Rare finds cross Kaminski auction block in October

Rare Matteo Ricci derivative maps. Price realized: $24,000. Kaminski Auctions image
Rare Matteo Ricci derivative maps. Price realized: $24,000. Kaminski Auctions image

 

BEVERLY, Mass. – It’s the story antique hunters dream about: Rare maps found in garage sell for $24,000. Two dark, ripped images in poor condition in Kaminski Auctions’ Oct. 1 sale turned out to be just that. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

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Clars experiences staggering prices for Chinese works of art

his Chinese Longquan Guan-type vase sold for $84,700. Clars Auction Gallery image
his Chinese Longquan Guan-type vase sold for $84,700. Clars Auction Gallery image

 

OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery’s Oct. 15-16 sale was anticipated to be particularly strong in the Asian works that were to be offered but the result far exceeded expectations. A small collection of Chinese brush washers, censers, bowl and vases from a private estate that together achieved $275,000. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

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Collector turning up the volume on antique phonographs

This Victor Talking Machine Co., phonograph, Victor Style VII, is offered for sale in a Nov. 6 auction. Rich Penn Auctions image
This Victor Talking Machine Co., phonograph, Victor Style VII, is offered for sale in a Nov. 6 auction. Rich Penn Auctions image

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (AP) – Ed Fearing placed a shellac composite record on his 1905 Victor phonograph. He cranked the handle, and Poet and Peasant Overture began, at first a little slow and distorted, then quickly catching up to normal speed. The music boomed into his living room.

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LeRoy Neiman print stolen off wall at Muhammad Ali Center

The stolen Leroy Neiman print of Muhammad Ali. Image courtesy of Louisville Metro Police Department.
The stolen LeRoy Neiman print of Muhammad Ali. Image courtesy of Louisville Metro Police Department.

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Artwork showing Muhammad Ali in a classic pose, in white trunks and red boxing gloves, was stolen from an exhibit while it was open to the public at the Muhammad Ali Center. Surveillance cameras recorded the brazen theft, and a manhunt was under way for a suspect.

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$312,500 Gallé lamp first of many bright spots in Rago design auction

Rare Gallé floor lamp, France, early 20th century, acid-etched and wheel-polished glass, blown glass, patinated metal, three sockets, shade signed Gallé, 70 1/2 x 24 inches. Price realized: $312,500. Rago Arts and Auction Center image
Rare Gallé floor lamp, France, early 20th century, acid-etched and wheel-polished glass, blown glass, patinated metal, three sockets, shade signed Gallé, 70 1/2 x 24 inches. Price realized: $312,500. Rago Arts and Auction Center image

 

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – Rago Arts and Auction Center’s Design Auction brought in $6,423,688 over the course of its three days, Oct. 14-16. The “top lot” was lot 532, a Gallé allium form floor lamp, which sold for $312,500. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

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