Some eye-watering numbers featured in the third of four auctions selling the art collection of Gisborne-born Professor Jack Richards.
“We had some very strong bids last night both from international and local bidders,” a spokeswoman for Mount Eden-based Webb’s auction house said yesterday.
The collection included a selection of jewel-toned silk robes from China, South Korea and Japan, as well as vibrant ukiyo-e style woodblock prints from the French artist Paul Jacoulet.
The collection also included four Lalique pieces — iconic glassware designed by celebrated French designer René Lalique. Prof Richards sold the bulk of his Lalique collection in August last year at a white glove sale, which means every item was sold. realising more than $1 million.
Some highlights from Sunday’s auction included a René Lalique Dahlias Plafonnier. estimated at $1500-$2500, realising $3585 on the day, and a 19th century Chuba robe from Tibet, estimated at between $5000 to $10,000. There were 11 bids for this piece, and it eventually sold for $53,775.
