Christie’s launched its Americana Week auctions on January 24′5 with new discoveries and old treasures. One of four circa 1765‱770 chinoiserie decorated porcelain tea bowls newly attributed to South Carolina potter John Bartlam, now regarded as America’s first porcelain manufacturer, went to G.W. Samaha’s paddle for $146,500 ($30/50,000).

A Townsend signature newly discovered on the underside of its top drawer, a Newport mahogany block and shell carved bureau table left the room at $2,210,500 ($700/900,000). Among old favorites was a version of “Penn’s Treaty” by Edward Hicks. It sold to Pennsylvania dealer Philip Bradley for $2,546,500 ($600/900,000). Prices include buyer’s premium.

Christie’s, where preliminary sales reached $10.9 million, continued sales on January 28 with English pottery and Chinese Export art.

Watch for a complete report in a future issue of Antiques and The Arts Weekly.

⁌aura Beach