Lambertville, NJ - Rago will offer for sale property from the Estate of Hellen and Joe Darion on Saturday April 14, 2019.

Though best known as the lyricist behind the Tony Award winning musical “Man of La Mancha”, Joe Darion and his wife, professional dancer Hellen Darion, were also avid collectors of Indian and Persian manuscripts, Asian decorative objects and fine art, much of which they gathered during their many adventures across South Asia. Notable examples in the Darion’s collection have been sourced by museums for exhibition and scholars for dissertations. Rago Auctions is pleased to offer bidders the opportunity to purchase art and antiquities from their personal collection, all fresh to market, in a 115 lot auction dedicated to the adventuring spirit of this inspired couple.

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Lot 1001 - Indian Manuscript Illustration

Portrait of a prince with falcon, Kishangargh, late 18th c.; Gouache and ink with gilt details on paper (framed); 9" x 5 3/4" (sight)

$3,000 – 4,000

One of dozens of fine Indo-Persian manuscript pages on offer in this sale, this late 18th century example hails from the region associated with the former Indian State of Kishangargh and references the practice of falconry, one of the greatest pastimes of Persian royalty.

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Lot 1106 - Sculpture of a Minotaur

Patinated brass, enameled steel, carved signature "NATALIA"; Overall: 80" x 36" x 24"

$600 – 900

This dramatic brass and steel sculpture of the Minotaur exemplifies the Darions' attraction to cultural story-telling and world mythologies. It stands nearly 7' tall, presenting with no breaks or repairs and an even, warm patina.

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Lot 1082 - Khmer Head of a Boddhisattva

Four-faced Boddhisattva, each surmounted by two Dhyani Buddhas, red sandstone, 12th c.; 15"

$10,000 – 15,000

This finely carved sandstone figure depicts a rare four-faced manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist deity of compassion. Despite being a later Khmer carving, the sculpture still maintains many features of the earlier style in its distinctive visages and heavily jewelled crowns and earrings. The double ushnisha (top knot) is an unusual element with its multiple images of seated Buddha Shakyamuni.

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Auction Exhibition/Preview/Bidding

Saturday, April 6 - Thursday, April 11, 12–5 p.m. Friday, April 12, 12-7 p.m. Doors open 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 - 14. Also, by appointment.
Rago is located midway between NYC (1 hr. 15 min) and Philadelphia (50 min). Directions online at ragoarts.com.
For those unable to attend, telephone/absentee bidding available at 609.397.9374. Online bidding available at www.bidsquare.com.

Catalogue

Printed catalogues will be available for $20 at the auction house, by calling 609.397.9374 or by emailing a request to info@ragoarts.com
View a complete online catalogue with color images at www.ragoarts.com and www.bidsquare.com, online on April 1.

NOTES FOR THE EDITOR

High-resolution images available on request.

About Rago Auctions: Rago is a leading U.S. auction house with $35 million in annual sales. It serves thousands of sellers and buyers yearly with global reach, personal service and competitive commissions for single pieces, collections and estates. Rago's expertise encompasses 20th/21st century design; fine art; American, European, English and Asian decorative arts and furnishings; fine jewelry and coins/currency. An internationally known venue through which to buy and sell, it offers free valuations for personal property (from a single piece to collections), as well as USPAP compliant estate and appraisal services. Rago is located midway between Philadelphia and New York with satellite offices in Westchester/Connecticut.