LYNBROOK, N.Y. – A white earthenware two-handled vase by Pablo Picasso, executed in 1952 as one in an edition of 400, sold for $37,200 at an auction held Jan. 29 by Weiss Auctions, online and in the firm’s gallery at 74 Merrick Road in Lynbrook. The vase was the top lot in a sale that grossed over $350,000, with more than 1,000 people combining to bid live and via the internet.

The vase was vintage Picasso, painted in black, white and grey patina, in the master’s inimitable style, with knife engraving and partial brushed glaze. The 15-inch-tall vase was inscribed in black, “Edition Picasso,” with Edition Picasso and Madoura Plein Feu pottery stamps on the interior of the underside. Limited-edition vases by Picasso are hugely popular with collectors.

The auction showcased an eclectic mix of merchandise, pulled from prominent local estates and collections. Offered were original artworks and lithograph prints from noted, listed artists; Asian objects; pottery pieces by renowned and highly collectible makers; Hummel figurines and other collectibles; plaques by KPM, Steuben and other famous makers; decorative items and more.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted are inclusive of a sliding scale buyer's premium, which differed depending on how the winning bid was placed. Internet bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and Proxibid.com.

An outstanding and important KPM plaque (Berlin, Germany, circa 1880) showing artwork after Peter Paul Reubens’s painting The Rape of the Daughter of Leucippus, 12 inches by 14 ¾ inches, changed hands for $8,050; while a Steuben plaque, etched and signed Steuben, depicting a city scene and in nice overall condition, 9 inches by 5 inches, went to a determined bidder for $3,020.

One lot consisting of two Asian-style hand-painted porcelain plaques with bronze frames, overall 18 ½ inches by 13 inches in the frame and the sight image about 14 inches wide, knocked down for $4,802. Also, a lithograph from 1916 by George Bellows, titled Splinter Beach, signed and titled by the artist and numbered (#9 of 70), 15 ¾ inches by 20 images (sight), brought $11,100.

An important and handsome Martins Brothers salt-glazed tobacco jar, a dog model dated 1895, 12 inches tall, gaveled for $18,080. Also, a circa 1930 Clarice Cliff demitasse set in a bizarre sunburst pattern of brown, red and tallow geometrics, went for $2,340. The English Art Deco pottery set consisted of a conical teapot, six cups and saucers, a sugar bowl and cream pitcher.

Original oil paintings were a big hit with bidders. Featured lots included a 30 inch by 40 inch work by Senaka Senanayake (b. 1951), signed lower right ($5,175); a 16 inch by 24 inch work by Robert Kipniss (b. 1931), signed lower right ($2,400); and a work by Charles Henry Seaforth (1801-1872), signed lower right and dated 1862, measuring 14 inches by 31 ½ inches ($3,120).

A wonderful New York City seascape painting by Edward Moran (1829-1901), showing Castle Williams on Governor’s Island in the background to go with boats and sailors, signed lower left “Moran”, breezed to $5,750. Rounding out just some of the day’s top earners, a Hummel Apple Tree Boy and Apple Tree Girl pair of figurines, both 32 inches tall on their base, made $5,880. 

Weiss Auctions has two big sales planned for March, both in the Lynbrook gallery. The first is slated for Saturday, March 4th and will feature several large estate comic collections. As many as 50,000 comics will come up for bid, including a Golden Age Action run (several graded), Silver Age key books, group lots of Silver Age and Golden Age books, and bulk lots of newer issues.

Also up for bid will be a great selection of sports and non-sports cards, including graded tobacco cards, a collection of autographed diamond stars, 1933 Goudey cards and complete sets of Allen and Ginter N2 cards. A large collection of vintage football programs, yearbooks and related items will also cross the auction block, as will a nice collection of 19th century sporting prints.

Comic and animation art will include more great pieces from the Joe Kubert collection, an original Hal Foster Prince Valiant page, fresh-to-the-market Peanuts strips by Charles Schulz, original paintings that were used as artwork for magazine covers, vintage animation and more.

Then, on Wednesday, March 22nd, a sale with stamps, coins, postcards, ephemera and more will be held, highlighted by a Great Britain 1 Penny black, plate 5, strip of 7 (unused, without gum).

Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731; or, you can send an e-mail to Philip Weiss at Phil@WeissAuctions.com. For more information about Weiss Auctions and the big auctions planned for March 4th and 22nd visit www.WeissAuctions.com. Updates are posted often.

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