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Sotheby’s to host first European Ceramics & Silver sale in a decade


Sotheby’s is set to host its first dedicated sale of European Ceramics, Silver and Objects of Vertu in almost a decade.
The auction, ‘From Earth to Fire’, will focus on "the creation of pieces born from the earth and transformed through the kiln into exquisite works".

In total, 265 lots are set to cross the block, with estimates ranging from £2,000 up to £70,000.

"This highly curated sale was put together in response to popular demand from the market," said Alice Bleuzen, Sotheby’s Specialist in Silver and Vertu.

"Ceramics, silver and objects of vertu have performed extremely well over the past several years and collectors from around the world are eager for more. We hope that the great quality and diversity in this sale will appeal to an even wider group of collectors and we look forward to presenting these magnificent works of art in London next month."

Amongst the most notable lots in the silver section are a pair of Victorian silver table centre dessert bowls by the celebrated maker Paul Storr, dated 1838 and valued at £50,000-£70,000; aGerman parcel-gilt silver Musician’s cup and cover  circa 1625, probably by Christoph Gretzinger, estimated at £20,000-£30,000; and The Dodding Tankard – a Charles II silver tankard made in London circa 1671, estimated at £15,000-£20,000.

Historic treasures in the ceramics section will be include a remarkably rare English opaque-white glass vase and a cover, made circa 1760. Believed to be one of the largest pieces in this class of English opaque-white glass to have survived, the vase is expected to sell for £7,000-£10,000.

Further highlights will include a rare Dutch ‘Black Delft’ figure of Budai Heshang made circa 1700-1710, one of less than 70 surviving pieces of Black Delft ware, estimated at £12,000-£18,000; an important agate cup and cover with jewelled and made in Paris by Jean-Valentin Morel circa 1836-40, estimated at £40,000-£60,000; and a gold and enamel Imperial portrait snuff box featuring a portrait of Empress Josephine, made in Paris circa 1809 and valued at £15,000-£20,000.

‘From Earth to Fire’ takes place in London on Tuesday May 10.


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