LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – Rago Arts and Auction Center’s 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design Auction on March 1-2 generated total sales of $5.63 million March 1 and 2. Leading the way was a Martin Brothers triple bird tobacco jar that sold for $111,750.

Internet live bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

“Both auctions, all four sessions, were fairly solid across the board. We sold over 80 percent of the lots and hammered well into the estimate range,” said David Rago. “This is probably our strongest March sale ever. The Martin ware performed unusually well, as did some of the American art pottery. The Modern ceramics sale did similarly well, with most pieces selling in the estimate range and the occasional fireworks, this time from the rare Schreckengost charger at $93,750.”

Early 20th C. Decorative Arts Highlighted Lots:

• 18 – Martin Brothers triple bird tobacco jar, $111,750
• 100 – Mary Sheerer/Newcomb College oil lamp, $93,750
• 17 – Martin Brothers frog tobacco jar, $87,500
• 435 – Tiffany Studios Favrile glass Jack-in-the-Pulpit vase, $62,500
• 1 – John Dee Wareham / Rookwood Black Iris vase, $31,250
• 42 – University City glazed porcelain gourd vase, $26,250
• 443 – Tiffany Studios fine desk lamp with turtleback shade, $26,250
• 139 – John Bennett vase painted with clematis, $23,750
• 167 – Gustav Stickley early trapezoidal grandfather clock, $20,000
• 346 – Roseville Della Robbia vase with daisies, $20,000

Modern Ceramics Highlighted Lots:

• 500 – Viktor Schreckengost charger, Lady Godiva, $93,750
• 509 – Otto and Gertrud Natzler bottle-shaped vase, $17,500
• 516 – Peter Voulkos stoneware rice jar, $16,250
• 604 – Claude Conover vessel with engobe decoration, Hogzah, $10,000
• 600 – Wayne Higby raku-fired covered vessel, $8,125

The Modern design session had an exemplary selection of Nakashima, Evans, and other studio modernists. “Prices were consistently in or above estimate range for nearly every lot. There was more competition than usual for this session, perhaps because we intentionally kept the number of lots close to 500, raising the bar to focus on pieces mostly at $2,000 or above,” said Rago.

Modern Design Highlighted Lots

• 980 – Albert Paley dining table, $59,375
• 719 – Paul Evans / directional deep relief cabinet, $53,125
• 711 – George Nakashima wall hanging cabinet, $50,000
• 971 – Harry Bertoia stainless steel willow sculpture, $46,875
• 728 – Wharton Esherick sculpture, Cat with Snake, $45,000
• 722 – Paul Evans important steel patchwork sculpture , $43,750
• 709 – George Nakashima, six rare laurel conoid chairs, $37,500
• 718 – Paul Evans, pair of lounge chairs, $37,500
• 700 – George Nakashima rosewood double pedestal desk, $36,250
• 969 – Phil Powell floor to ceiling headboard/panel, $23,750

For details contact Rago auctions: 609-397-9374 or info@ragoarts.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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