Post-Auction, Online Only Decorative Arts Auction at Pook & Pook!

Pook and Pook Auctioneers and Appraisers in Downingtown, Pennsylvania has been holding online only auctions since 2014. Those years of experience has provided a “business as usual” approach in these trying Covid-19 times. There was no panic on how their auctions were going to proceed, there was no learning new systems, there was no starting from scratch or scrambling to come up with a plan to meet clients’ needs. It was indeed, business as usual. This proven system has been delivering exceptional results over the years and their April 29th and 30th 2020 Online Only Decorative Arts Auction did not disappoint. There were an astounding 2,632 registered bidders online. Seven Hundred lots offered over the course of two days covered a wide gamut, from artwork, pottery, and furniture to quilts, ephemera, and iron. The wide array of material has always been a staple for every Pook and Pook auction. This sale featured some of the Collection of Linda and Dennis Moyer (the bulk of which will be sold in a single owner auction later this year), as well as local estates, and a portion of items from a Lancaster County collection that was being downsized.

Lot 1019, Toshiko Takaezu studio ceramic vase

It didn’t take long for bidding to heat up across the internet as a Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) studio ceramic vase soared past its conservative estimate of $400-700 to settle at $3,438. (all prices reflect the buyer’s premium). The closed form had an enchanting deep blue color. Her works can be found in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Honolulu Museum of Art, just to name a few. A pleasant surprise was a collection of early wool, homespun, and linen clothing which wore out the bid button as 62 bids were placed, finally selling for $3,188. International bidders got into the fray as they battled over an oil on canvas portrait of a woman. The final price of $2,938 will have her seated on a plane heading home as soon as she can. Lot 1121, a Charles Grant Beauregard (American/Canadian 1856-1919), oil on canvas sunset landscape, sold for $1,175 and is moving back towards the Canadian border. Three Greg Shooner redware lamps lit up the keyboards and sold for $1,750. This was one of several lots of redware by one of the foremost redware potters in the country, and all exceeded expectations. Someone is possibly going to make some quilts while staying at home, as a group of tin quilt patterns from the Moyer collection sold for $1,313. There was a nice group of local Pennsylvania ephemera, ledgers, and books included in the auction. Three constable ledgers from the 19th century locked up a winning bid of $538. A group of sleigh bells rang out selling for $1,050. Day two of the auction continued with some strong results as well.

Lot 1509, Painted pine drysink, 19th c.

The star of the day was a painted Pennsylvania drysink which was hammered down to the trade for $5,625. The conservative estimate of $400-700 was never in play as 83 bids were placed. Why did it bring so much? Jamie Shearer of Pook and Pook responded, “That’s an easy answer – it’s blue!” With a great old dry blue surface with great wear, this was a standout piece. In good times and bad, standout items very much stand out. A terrific folky oil on canvas portrait of two children flanking a bird cage with a black cat at their feet had just the right look. Signed and dated, Bury 1966. Bidders did not relent and $2,938 was needed for the adoption to give it a new home. A pair of carved Santos figures sold for $1,625 against an estimate of $300-500. A wooden artist mannequin struck a pose for $1,075. Pook and Pook has always set the standard on American redware and lot 1438 lived up to the task, the estimate of $300-400 was smashed as it sold for $1,813 to a local collector. A great form with a folky sgrafitto bird led to the crock flying above the initial valuation. A William Aurbach Levy (American/Russian 1889-1964), oil on canvas street scene bearing the artist label on the verso, sold for $1,813. Someone called in a crow decoy for $1,000, and not to be outdone the grouse family oil on canvas panting by Howard Hill brought the same amount of $1,000. Birds of a different feather may indeed flock together. Lot 1492 was an unusual tin lantern, it lit up the lucky buyer for $875. Pook and Pook Auction will be having another online only decorative arts sale, this one just one day on May 20th, 2020 with 500 lots. What surprises will be found? Check out the catalog on Bidsquare to see.

Pook and Pook Auction is always interested in quality consignments, call 610-269-4040 or email info@pookandpook.com for a confidential consultation.