Photo Tour: Bonhams & Butterfields Media Preview of Fall Auctions
I headed to the Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles location with one mission, see the hat. After all, there are only so many chances in life to see a striking blue hat covered with opals and expected to sell in the six figures. But there was a lot more to see, the preview was actually a three auction media preview with examples of exotic opals, 20th Century design, historic first edition books, maps, manuscripts, and photographs.
One of the most amazing parts of the preview (aside from the hat of course) was the display of a one-of-a-kind Tented Room designed by the late designer Tony Duquette and Hutton Wilkinson. The room was originally assembled for a California home in the late 1990s and reproduced here. According to Jason Stein, Specialist 20th Century Decorative Arts, Bonhams & Butterfields, this is the first time that a complete Duquette/Wilkinson creation of this type has been offered at public auction. The pieces will be sold consecutively during the auction on October 5 at Bonhams & Butterfields. Items of note include four Indian peacock mixed metal chairs inspired by the Peacock Throne of Shiva in Jaipur (estimated at $5,000-$8,000); four octagonal Indian painted wood side tables (estimated at $800-$1200) and eight black painted metal and hubcap sunburst wall decorations being sold in pairs at $3,000 to $5,000 per set. Click through for more highlights from the auction preview.
Shown above is Dale Chihuly's three-piece pink Macchia seaform sculpture which goes on sale October 5. it is estimated at $15,00 to $18,000.
The incredible opal hat.
Close up detail of the opals in their settings.
This Tony Duquette Studios wrought iron and petrified wood table is estimated at $3,000 to $5,000.
This Allan Adler sterling silver mouse cover dates to the late 1980s and is estimated at $300-$500.
Above is a Frank Lloyd Wright mahogany and upholstered sectional sofa for Heritage Henredon, 1950s with original fabric. It is estimated at $1,800 - 2,500.
This Dale Chihuly four-piece Macchia seaform, 2002, is estimated at $12,000 - 18,000.
This massive Dale Chihuly Vibrant Yellow and Blue Persian Wall Installation, 1997 is estimated at $40,000 - 60,000.
This charming whale is an Arthur Court aluminum Whale tureen from the Sealife series, 1979 and is estimated to sell for $1,000 - 1,500.
This Bill Biggs (American, work late 20th Century) Rocking Chair, designed 1972 is made of bubinga wood and estimated at $1,500-$2,000.
This Gered Mankowitz photo-painting of a young Paul McCartney is estimated at $2,000 - 2,500 and is part of the November 2 Bonhams & Butterfields photo auction.
Books for sale on October 4 include an album containing 71 gelatin silver prints by George S. McComb, titled: "Photographic Souvenirs of the San Francisco Fire and Earthquake / Geo. S. McComb, S.F. Cal.," estimated at $4,000 - 6,000.
