Tag: Auction Results

Historic Dalai Lama Sale at Bonhams Breaks Records with Krishna Kanwalโ€™s Watercolors and Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s Archive

The Dalai Lama on the Throne

Discover the remarkable story behind Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s historic collectionโ€”featuring exclusive artworks, rare photographs, and personal artifacts from Tibetโ€™s most pivotal moments. From Krishna Kanwalโ€™s evocative watercolors capturing the enthronement of the young Dalai Lama to Gouldโ€™s intimate archive of images and memorabilia, this auction offers a rare glimpse into a transformative chapter of Tibetan history. Uncover the full story of this extraordinary sale and the figures who shaped itโ€”an event that achieved nearly a million pounds in just one day.

London Watch Auction Sets New Records with Iconic Brands and Rare Timepieces

Bonhamsโ€™ recent watch sale in London achieved over ยฃ1.6 million, featuring masterpieces from Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, and F.P. Journe. The standout was F.P. Journeโ€™s platinum Chronomรจtre ร  Rรฉsonance, selling for ยฃ140,100, while the Cartier Crash broke records at ยฃ114,700. The auctionโ€™s diverse collection drew global collectors, emphasizing the strong demand for both vintage rarities and innovative designs, setting a new benchmark for luxury watch collecting.

Rare Gandhi Portrait Achieves ยฃ152,800, Tripling Its Estimate

Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by Clare Leighton

Discover the extraordinary story behind a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi that recently shattered auction records. Created by Clare Leightonโ€”an artist who personally met Gandhi during a pivotal moment in historyโ€”this painting is more than just a work of art; itโ€™s a unique glimpse into a legendary leaderโ€™s life. From its remarkable journey through history to its astonishing sale price, uncover the fascinating details that make this portrait a true treasure for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Dive into the full story to learn why this artwork captivated the world and what it reveals about Gandhiโ€™s enduring legacy.

Banksyโ€™s British Cool Mickey Snake Triumphs at Bonhams, Selling for ยฃ330,600

Banksyโ€™s Mickey Snake, a rare sculpture from the artistโ€™s infamous Dismaland exhibition, stunned the art world this week by more than doubling its estimate at Bonhams. With its unsettling blend of pop culture and dark satire, the piece drew intense interestโ€”and an even higher final bid. Here’s how this unexpected result is reshaping conversations around contemporary British art.

Whistlerโ€™s First Portrait Commission Sells for Five Times Estimate, Fetching $495,000

When a long-hidden portrait by James McNeill Whistlerโ€”his very first commissioned workโ€”resurfaced after nearly six decades in private hands, it sparked a frenzy that few in the art world saw coming. Auctioned for over five times its estimate, the paintingโ€™s dramatic return to the spotlight is more than just a story of numbers. Behind the canvas lies a deeply personal connection between the young artist and the Ionides family, early patrons who helped shape his rise to fame. From its quiet presence in Victorian homes to its record-breaking moment at Bonhams, this extraordinary work carries with it a rich legacy waiting to be uncovered.

Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at Bonhams

A legendary pioneer of Op Art, Bridget Riley just made headlines againโ€”this time with a dazzling canvas from her Egypt series that ignited a bidding war at Bonhams. At 93, Riley isnโ€™t just relevantโ€”sheโ€™s setting records. Discover why Myrrh, a work painted four decades ago, became the crown jewel of the evening and what it says about the enduring power of colour, perception, and artistic legacy.

Reception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 Million

A long-lost masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis, A Reception in the Harem, has emerged from obscurity after more than 60 years, stunning collectors and experts alike. The extraordinary watercolour, once hidden away in a private collection, shattered expectations when it fetched almost $1.5 million at Bonhamsโ€™ prestigious 19th Century & Orientalist Paintings auction in London. With its vivid colours and intricate detail, this rediscovered gem is one of the most significant discoveries in the art world this year.

African Artist Sekoto Shatters Expectations at Auction, Selling for Over Half a Million USDโ€”Four Times the Estimate

The late South African artist Gerard Sekoto has once again proven his lasting impact on the art world, with his masterpiece The Artistโ€™s Brother selling for an astonishing ยฃ406,000 ($528,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Modern & Contemporary African Art saleโ€”more than four times its original estimate of ยฃ100,000-150,000 ($130,000-195,000).

Rare Qianlong ‘Dragon’ Vase Stuns at Auction, Sells for $3.7 Millionโ€”Over Six Times Its Estimate

A breathtaking imperial vase, once expected to sell for a fraction of its final price, has stunned collectors at Bonhams New York, igniting a fierce bidding war and shattering estimates. This extraordinary piece, with its intricate dragon and cloud motif, is so rare that only one other example existsโ€”housed in the prestigious Beijing Palace Museum. With the market for Chinese antiquities surging, this sale marks a defining moment for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Rare Antique Book Collection Sells Out Completely at Bonhams New York Auction

In a historic moment for bibliophiles and collectors, Bonhams New York achieved a white glove resultโ€”100% soldโ€”at its December 17 auction of The Complete Kelmscott Press Collection of Joseph Mark Van Horn. The auction marked the first time in half a century that a complete collection of books from the renowned Kelmscott Press, founded by 19th-century designer and visionary William Morris, had been offered at auction. The collection included all 53 works published by the press during its seven-year existence, a remarkable feat of artistic craftsmanship and fine printing.