Bronze sculptures by Dylan Lewis to headline Elite Decorative Arts auction, May 19 A pair of life-size bronze sculptures by Dylan Lewis (b. 1954), titled Leopard Crushing Serpent, is the expected top lot at an auction planned for Saturday, May 19, by Elite Decorative Arts in Florida
depicting Joan of Arc entering Orleans with a fan, by the French artist Emmanuel Fremiet (1824-1910). The work, featuring a two-tone gilded design and signed to the bronze base (and mounted on a red marble base) is overall 25 ½ inches tall. It is unique in that Joan of Arc’s head and hand are ivory. It is expected to command $8,000-$10,000.
Headlining the Asian objects category is a rare antique Chinese hand-carved ivory chess set with wooden box (est. $7,000-$10,000). The set, having ivory and tea stained colors in 32 pieces, holds the Qionalong four-character archaic reign mark. The set has emperor and empress pieces for each side, containing mother-of-pearl inlay. All pieces are relief carved throughout.
Also sold will be a pair of large and impressive 18th or 19th century carved ivory emperor and empress figures, with fitted wooden bases (est. $5,000-$7,000). Each piece is an exquisitely carved figure seated on a throne, in relief carved royal robes. Each surmounts an ivory base with fence and 3-panel reticulated screen, with calligraphy dating the pieces to the Qianlong period.
Returning to artwork, an original hand-signed aquatint and carborundum etching by the renowned Spanish artist Joan Miro (1893-1983), titled Sala Gaspar Barcelona, carries a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-$8,000. The etching, hand-signed lower right, measures 41 inches by 26 inches, plus a mat and frame. It also comes with a certificate of authenticity and an appraisal.
Rounding out just some of the day’s top lots is an oil on canvas painting by French artist Jules Ribard, depicting an Arabian cityscape scene with Bedouin figures, signed, 18 inches by 30 inches (est. $4,000-$6,000); and a lovely ladies’ Chinese 22kt yellow gold necklace, 32 ½ inches long, with hoop link wreaths and malachite links connecting each ring (est. $12,000-$16,000).
Previews will be held on Friday, May 18, from 11-5, and Saturday, May 19, the date of sale, from 11 a.m. until the first gavel comes down at 1 p.m. Elite Decorative Arts is located in the Quantum Town Center, at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suites 106-108) in Boynton Beach, a town situated along Florida’s Gold Coast, half-way between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Elite Decorative Arts has two big sales lined up for back-to-back days in June: a fine decorative arts auction on Saturday, June 23, and a sale dedicated to fine bronze, artwork, art glass, porcelain, estate jewelry, silver, ivory, jade, Asian antiques and more on Sunday, June 24. Quality consignments are still being sought for this and all future Elite Decorative Arts auctions.
To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call Elite Decorative Arts at (561) 200-0893; or, you can e-mail them at info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts and the May 19 and June 23-24 auctions please log on to www.eliteauction.com.
