Spratling flatware tops $34K at Moran’s Made in Mexico sale

A William Spratling ‘Amarres Disco’ sterling silver flatware service, price realized: $34,062. Moran’s image

MONROVIA, Calif. – John Moran Auctioneers’ Made in Mexico auction boasted a 95% sell-through rate, cementing the popularity of fine and decorative art from Mexico on the world stage. Robust online and phone bidding could be seen throughout the day as many pieces soared over their high estimates. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

The hottest items in the sale were superb tabletop pieces from throughout Mexico. The top lot of the day was a beautifully designed set of “Amarres Disco” sterling silver flatware from designer William Spratling. The timeless design soared past its $15,000 high estimate to bring $34,375 after a fierce bidding war (above). All prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium.

A pair of modern candlesticks from Antonio Pineda that showcased the artist’s minimalist styling easily brought $11,250. A gorgeous silver and gem-set figure of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a symbol of Catholic Mexico, created a sensation. Such figures from Matl rarely come for auction, which accounts for the intense bidding war that caused the figure to sail past its $2,000 high estimate to bring $25,000, the highest price paid for Matl at auction (below).

A Matl Virgin of Guadalupe silver santos figure, price realized: $25,000. Moran’s image

Works by Mexico’s leading artist captured attention at the sale. A bright and colorful untitled abstract from Rodolfo Nieto realized $15,000. Another eye-catching work from Rodolfo Nieto, Personaje, sold for $11,875.

Rodolfo Nieto (1936-1985, Mexican), untitled abstract, pastel on paper, price realized: $15,000. Moran’s image

A wonderfully executed portrait of a man with a cap and beard from Rafael Coronel is a soulful example from the artist and sold for $4,062. An introspective carved black marble statue of a woman resting by the incomparable Felipe Castañeda brought $4,063 (below).

Felipe Castañeda (b. 1933, Mexican) ‘Mujer En Reposo,’ 1982, carved black marble, price realized: $4,062. Moran’s image

Jewelry from the famed collection of Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh once again realized robust results. A stunning gem-set dove-motif necklace from Matl was the top jewelry lot of the day, realizing $5,000.

A Matl gem-set necklace, price realized: $5,625. Moran’s image

A gorgeous pair of obsidian and jade bracelets from Mexico City-based Fred Davis were one of the more popular lots heading into the sale, bringing $2,812. A delightful mixed-media “Tree of Life” brooch from William Spratling endeared itself to the buyer, who took home the gem for $2,812 (below).