Skinner Achieves Strong Results with Asian Works of Art and Fine Jewelry Auctions Highest Grossing Asian Art Auction in Skinner History;
Fine Jewelry Auction Sets Record Breaking Price for Miriam Haskell Jewelry
News-Antique.com - Dec 13,2010 - Skinner, Inc. today announced impressive results at its December 2010 auctions of Asian Works of Art and Fine Jewelry, underscoring continued momentum in 2010 and market enthusiasm around Skinner’s unique offerings. Skinner’s Asian Works of Art auction grossed over $5.7 million, while Skinner’s Fine Jewelry auction grossed over $3.1 million. These sales were just the latest in a string of highly successful auctions at Skinner, marking the year as one of the most successful in the company’s history.
Skinner’s Asian Arts department has experienced phenomenal growth in the past few years as the market for rare and important Chinese material has exploded. The December 2010 auction of Asian Works of Art surpassed all expectations, far exceeding the pre-auction estimate with a gross of over $5.7 million, making it the company’s most successful Asian Art auction to date, and the second highest grossing auction ever at Skinner. Highlights of the sale include: album leaves from China which sold for $1,227,000.00; a Zhang Daqian modern painting which sold for $424,000.00; a painting album which sold for $154,050.00; a Zhang Ruocheng handscroll which sold for $130,350.00 and a Wu Hufan fan Painting which sold for $88,875.00.
Skinner’s Fine Jewelry auction grossed $3.1 million and set a new world record price for a piece of Miriam Haskell costume jewelry: a vintage Miriam Haskell “Edwardian Revival” tassel necklace, which sold for $13,035.00. The overall collection of rare Miriam Haskell pieces sold well, as buyers responded to the unique opportunity to add an original Haskell piece to their collection. But it was diamonds that stole the show at this sale, just in time for the holidays, capturing the top 5 lots sold including a platinum and diamond solitaire which sold for $207,375.00; an 18k gold, colored diamond and diamond ring which sold for $165,900.00; a Harry Winston platinum and diamond solitaire which sold for $100,725.00, more than double the high estimate; a platinum and diamond solitaire which sold for $95,985.00 and a Van Cleefs and Arpels platinum and heart shaped diamond solitaire, which sold for $77,025.00.
In addition, “We are thrilled at the enthusiasm and energy around our recent Asian Works of Art and Fine Jewelry sales as buyers and consignors alike acknowledge the excitement and satisfaction of buying and selling at auction – whether in person, over the phone, or live online,” said Skinner CEO Karen Keane. “We’re pleased that our integrated auction strategy has paid off with great returns, and we remain dedicated to offering our worldwide audience the chance to bid on the highest quality collections, rare finds, and unique vintage pieces.”
Learn more about Skinner auctions and events at www.skinnerinc.com. For a uniquely personal perspective on the world of auctions, read what Skinner appraisers have to say on Skinner’s new blog at www.skinnerinc.com/blog/index.php.
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions
