MONROVIA, Calif. – Moran’s 20th Century Art + Design auction on May 5 was a resounding success, boasting a high sell-through rate and two auction records. Works from the well-curated collection of Mrs. Donald M. Jones were some of the top lots of the night while mainstays of mid-century design and important works of fine art performed exceptionally well. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

Works from American artists achieved some of the highest prices of the day. The market for the work of artist Doyle Lane, simmering for years, boiled over at the auction. A rare Clay Painting (above), perhaps the only large-scale work to come to auction, inspired a bidding war between two phone bidders who drove the price up from its $4,000-$6,000 estimate to sell for $53,125, a new record for the artist. All prices realized include the buyer’s premium.

A large-scale work from artist Richard Bunkall (below) also set an auction record when it climbed above its $10,000-$15,000 estimate to sell for $37,500.

Moran’s had the pleasure of handling an important collection of ceramics, prints and fine art from the estate of Mrs. Donald M. Jones. Chief among the offerings was a rare large vase from husband and wife team Gertrud and Otto Natzler. Two phone bidders battled for the piece and drove it over its $15,000-$20,000 estimate to sell for $31,250, among the highest prices realized for a Natzler work at auction.

Jones had several collages by American artist William Dole in her collection, including “Crypto” which sold over its $1,000-$1,500 estimate for $5,625. A superb Francis Picabia drawing (below) consigned from the same collection opened strongly and soared past its $15,000-$20,000 estimate to sell for $81,250.

Modernist furnishings and graphic art continue to draw collectors to Moran’s 20th Century Art + Design sale. A rocking chair from master woodworker Sam Maloof sold above its high estimate for $40,625 (estimate: $20,000-$30,000).

 

An immaculate Roy Lichtenstein Water Lily color screenprint sold within its $15,000-$25,000 estimate for $22,500.

Two Brutalist light fixtures sold well above their $600-$800 estimate for $2,250. A pair of beautifully designed “Z” lounge chairs by Poul Jensen for Selig achieved $3,900 at auction (estimate: $1,000-$1,500).

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