The top selling lot in the sale was Ernest Trova’s (American.1927-2009) 16-inch-tall “Standing Man,” which brought $9,960. The nickel-plated bronze sculpture features multiple appendages that can be adjusted by key and was #5 of an edition of 8. Replicas of these sculptures are given as awards to Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc., (CFDA) designers, including Ralph Lauren, YSL, Giorgio Armani and Marc Jacobs ($10/20,000).
Review by Madelia Hickman Ring, Photos Courtesy Akiba Antiques
DANIA BEACH, FLA. – On March 31, Akiba Antiques offered approximately 450 lots in a sale titled, “Eclectic Collections from Estates Worldwide,” which offered a diverse variety of fine and decorative arts of all vintages. The online-only sale was about 75 percent sold, a sell-through rate that co-owner Alexander Anapolsky said was in line with most of their sales.
“We had a very good sale. When this pandemic started, a lack of interest was a concern, but people are still spending money and buying. We saw an increase of 15 to 20 percent in online bidders and we had lots of new buyers.” He explained that the sale had been conducted without any bidders in the audience and a small staff handling the sale from the saleroom. “We are doing previews on tables outside so clients can see what they need to. We do what we have to do to get the job done.”
Ernest Trova (American, 1927-2009) was the marquee name with six lots on offer, including the highest estimated work in the sale, which did not sell, and the lot that brought the top price, “Standing Man,” that realized $9,960. Jewelry and fine art did well, with a Patek Phillip 18K diamond watch selling for nearly its high estimate, at $6,000, a Chopard 18K gold, sapphire and diamond necklace and earring set exceeding expectations to fetch $4,080.
Highlights of fine art included an idealized untitled landscape by Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977), that made the low estimate and brought $5,040. A whimsical pencil drawing by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara (b 1959) depicting a dog in a box fetched $3,840.
All prices quoted include buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house.
Akiba Antiques is at 3 North Federal Highway. For information, www.akibaantiques.com, email info@akibaantiques.com or 305-632-5563.
