Rago Arts and Auction Center's 20th /21st C. Design sale achieved $5.3 million on March 2 and 3, 2013.

"The market has been coming back steadily since the thin days of 2009, but at no point prior to this sale has the middle market been remotely buoyant," says David Rago. "This was a surprisingly solid auction, particularly the middle range, which not only sold at its highest percentage in years but also consistently hammering at or above estimate ranges.  The sale for all three sessions averaged 85% sold and the total sale, including buyer's premium, hit the high estimate."

Bidders in-house: 116

Absentee bidders: 172

Bidders on phone: 309

Bidders online: 568 (Saturday); 996 (Sunday)

Number of lots: 1124

Percent sold: 85%

Saturday, March 2, 2013: Early 20th C. Design/Arts & Crafts and Studio Ceramics

Hammer: $ 2,044,575

Hammer + 25% buyer's premium: $ 2,555,719

Low Estimate: $ 1,712,750

High Estimate: $ 2,383,550

Percent sold: 85%

1% of online bidders outside the U.S.: Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, South Africa, Russia.

Arts and Crafts Highlighted Lots:

21  Fritz Albert, Teco, Massive Vase with Iris Blossoms $ 212,500

34  Frederick H. Rhead, Santa Barbara, Tile Panel with Fish $ 118,750

150 Martin Brothers, Bird Tobacco Jar $ 93,750

130 Arthur Hennessey, Sarah Tutt, Marblehead, Vase with Roses $ 43,750

133 Roseville, Tall Della Robbia Vase $ 43,750

372 Tiffany Studios, Pair of Turtleback Glass Wall Sconces $ 38,750

377 Tiffany Studios, Early Electrolier $ 38,750

1     George Kendrick, Grueby, Rare Seven-Handled Vase $ 37,500

100 George Ohr, Large Vessel  $ 37,500

326 Lalique, "Picardie" Vase of Opalescent Glass  $ 31,250

238 Henrietta Bailey, Newcomb College, Rare Tea Set for Two $ 25,000

14   George Ohr, Bisque-Fired Vessel $ 20,000

Studio Ceramics Highlighted Lots:

427  Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Massive Bowl $ 32,500

430  Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Large Folded Vase $ 21,250

459  Hans Coper, Large Composite Form with Disc Top  $ 15,000

475  Robert Turner, Dome Vessel  $ 7,500

537  Cliff Lee, Fine Carved Porcelain Cabbage Vase  $ 7,500

481  Studio Ceramic, Tall Stoneware Totem of Owls  $ 6,875

485  Harrison McIntosh, Stoneware Covered Jar $ 5,938

546  Hideaki Miyamura, Two Large Porcelain Vases  $ 5,313

462  Toshiko Takaezu, Stoneware Moonpot  $ 4,688

Sunday, March 3, 2013: 20th/21st C. Design

Hammer: $ 2,261,800

Hammer + 25% buyer's premium: $ 2,827,250

Low Estimate: $ 2,041,400

High Estimate: $ 2,882,100

Percent sold: 85%

11% of online bidders outside the U.S.: Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, South Africa.

Modern Design Highlighted Lots:

600 Wharton Esherick, Cherry Sideboard  $ 118,750

680 Phil Powell and Paul Evans, Rare Collaborative Cabinet $ 68,750

665 Paul Evans, Directional, Deep Relief Cabinet, USA, 1960s  $ 56,250

609 Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Dining Table $ 35,000

824 Pablo Picasso, Madoura, Ceramic Charger $ 33,750

605 Wharton Esherick, Two-Tiered Table  $ 31,250

704 Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder, Pair of Lounge Chairs $ 22,500

638 George and Mira Nakashima, Six Conoid Dining Chairs $ 26,250

667 Paul Evans, Deep Relief Wall-Hanging Cabinet  $ 26,250

777 Felix Agostini, Pair of Wall Sconces $ 26,250

903 Harry Bertoia, Sonambient Sculpture   $ 26,250

Consignments are now being accepted for the next 20th C. Design auctions, June 8/9, 2013: 609.397.9374 or info@ragoarts.com.

TO THE EDITOR

High resolution images/more information available on request.

About Rago Arts and Auction Center

Since 1994, Rago's has served thousands of sellers and buyers with a singular blend of global reach and personal service. Originally specialists in 20th century design, today Rago's expertise covers centuries of fine art, decorative arts, furnishings, jewelry and ethnographic property. It is a world-class venue through which to buy and sell. It is also a destination for those who seek to learn and share knowledge about art, antiques and collecting, offering free valuations for personal property (from a single piece to collections and estates), appraisals and auction exhibitions in house and online. Rago's, the largest and leading auction house in New Jersey, is located midway between Philadelphia and New York.

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