News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Matthew Weigman
Kristin Gelder
212 606 7176
SOTHEBY’S TO OFFER CARPETS FROM THE ESTATE OF VOJTECH BLAU
ON DECEMBER 14, 2006
RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTORS TO ACQUIRE THE LAST CARPETS FROM BLAU’S COLLECTION
New York, New York – On December 14th, 2006, Sotheby’s will offer Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, one of the most knowledgeable carpet and tapestry dealers in New York. The sale, which is estimated to bring $1.8/2.6 million*, will include an exceptional group of rugs and carpets from Mr. Blau’s collection, including colorful and graphic, abstract examples of tribal and village rugs from the Caucasus and Turkey, alongside the very formal, more finely woven rugs from the cities of Persia and India. This is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire the last carpets from Mr. Blau’s Collection; going forward, the business, which continues to thrive under the direction of Mr. Blau’s daughter Simona, will focus on tapestries alone. The rugs and carpets in this collection are a testament to his highly developed eye and the depth of his art-historical knowledge and taste, representing a variety of weavings that were produced in many places under differing circumstances at varying times.
Mary Jo Otsea Director of Sotheby's Rugs and Carpets department said: “Sotheby’s is proud to offer this collection of rugs and carpets from an unparalleled dealer and remarkable man, Vojtech Blau. This is a unique opportunity for aficionados to acquire a carpet from such an illustrious source, marking the end of an era in the carpet world.”
A Holocaust survivor
With 15 years of experience in the field, a discerning eye and a keen business sense, yet few tangible assets, he founded Vojtech Blau Inc. After six years of trading, he had built up his business and opened a gallery in the former Parke Bernet building at 980 Madison Avenue in New York, establishing a close working relationship with Sotheby’s predecessor, Parke Bernet galleries. Over the years Mr. Blau earned an unrivalled reputation in the field and many considered him the most knowledgeable carpet and tapestry dealer in New York. His pre-eminence in the field was acknowledged by his peers with his appointment to Vice President of the Art and Antique Dealers League of America of which he was a member for over 30 years. Mr. Blau, dediand tapestries as serious works of art, was passionate and generous in sharing his deep knowledge. This enthusiasm earned him the respect and loyalty of clientele such as the Rockefellers as well as prestigious institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the U.S. Department of State and the White House. In the 1990s Mr. Blau and his daughter, Simona, moved the company to the Fuller Building, and in keeping with both their interests, chose to focus the business on tapestries. The company of Vojtech Blau Inc. continues to thrive under the direction of Simona and has an extensive inventory of 16th to 18th century tapestries as well as those of 20th century design
