Date: Fri 03-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

GoFish

Full Text:

Go Fish

w/4 cuts

BOSTON, MASS. -- A Minton majolica fish-form teapot and cover led a successful

auction of fine ceramics at Skinner on May 30.

Conservatively estimated at $1/1,500, the piece had engendered such interest

before the auction that it opened at $16,000, ultimately selling for $32,200

to Charlie Washburne, the largest dealer of this level of majolica in the

country.

The auction attracted wide national and international interest; those present

at the sale found themselves competing with a substantial number of absentee

bidders as well as a full bank of telephone lines.

The sale opened with more than 100 lots of majolica. Additional highlights

included a Holdcroft majolica fish platter selling for $2,185 and a Wedgwood

majolica cheese stand and cover for $1,840. A cheese stand and cover

attributed to Thomas Forester and Sons sold for $1,725, and a Wedgwood

majolica hound handled serving dish reached $1,380, following stiff

competition between an absentee an a telephone bidder.

From the Harriet Carlton Goldweitz collection of Staffordshire a lead glazed

creamware landscape teapot and cover sold for $8,050, a dated white salt

glazed stoneware enamel decorated plate and a green glazed teapot and cover

sold for $4,313 each, and a solid agate cream jug and cover fetched $1,610.

Other highlights included an early Nineteenth Century Yorkshire-type cow and

maiden figure group that sold above estimate at $2,530, and a Royal Worcester

handpainted two-handle vase that sold high at $2,185. An extensive assembled

ironstone partial dinner service in various Japanese patterns more than

doubled expectations at $2,990, and a Chelsea porcelain dessert plate, circa

1775, went beyond its estimate of $3/500, selling on the telephone for $3,450.

The auction closed with a selection of Wedgwood lustre and Fairyland lustre,

led by an "Imps on a Bridge" plate that opened mid-range at $3,500 and sold

for $5,750. An octagonal bowl sold for $3,738; an "Amherst Pheasant" imperial

bowl brought $3,220; and a "Castle on a Road" vase realized $3,105.

Consignments are currently being accepted for Skinner's next auction of fine

ceramics on Saturday, December 12, at the Boston gallery. For information,

978/779-6241.