Rie’s Bowl Sells for 10 Times its Estimate in Breathtaking Bidding War!
In a riveting event at the Ceramic Masterpieces sale in Paris on Tuesday, December 6, 2023, a Footed bowl by Lucie Rie (1902-1995) stole the spotlight, executed circa 1980 with inlaid pink radiating lines, turquoise, and manganese bands. The intense bidding war that ensued saw the bowl fetching an astonishing €406,800, nearly 10 times its initial estimate of €40,000-60,000, setting a new world auction record for the renowned artist.
Another standout piece of the auction was a tall white Cycladic form circa 1968 by Hans Coper (1920-1995), which surpassed expectations by selling for €165,500, doubling its high estimate. The entire 15-lot French private collection raked in a total of €884,994.
Claire Gallois, Bonhams’ Director of 20th Century Design in Paris, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Lucie Rie is one of the greatest names in 20th-century British ceramics. This rare bowl was a true masterpiece, and I am not surprised there was such keen bidding in the room, on the phones, and online, with the exciting outcome of a new world auction record for a work by Lucie Rie.”
Gallois continued to highlight the success of the auction, noting that the four vases and vessels by Lucie Rie all surpassed their estimates, emphasizing the persistent strong demand for her work globally. Additionally, Gallois noted the privilege of presenting five exceptional pieces by Hans Coper, which captivated collectors worldwide.
Among the collection’s other highlights were a ‘Thistle’ form circa 1969 by Hans Coper, fetching €108,350 against an estimate of €30,000-50,000, and a 2006 pale and speckled collar vessel by Jennifer Lee (born 1956), which sold for €28,160, surpassing its estimate of €10,000-15,000.
It’s worth noting that Bonhams already holds the world auction record for a work by Hans Coper, achieved with a tall bottle vase with a disc that sold in London on October 4, 2022, for £655,500.
Looking ahead, works by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, and Jennifer Lee will be featured in the Modern Decorative Art + Design auction on December 12 at Bonhams New York, promising another exciting chapter in the world of ceramic art.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.
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