Important Information
CONDITIONS OF SALE
Christie’s Conditions of Sale and Limited Warranty are set out later in this catalogue. Bidders are strongly encouraged to read these as they set out the terms on which property is bought at auction.
ESTIMATES
Estimates are based upon prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality and provenance. Estimates are subject to revision. Buyers should not rely upon estimates as a representation or prediction of actual selling prices. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT. Where “Estimate on Request” appears, please contact the Specialist Department for further information.
RESERVES
The reserve is the confidential minimum price the consignor will accept and will not exceed the low pre-sale estimate. Lots that are not subject to a reserve are identified by the symbol • next to the lot number.
BUYER’S PREMIUM
Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the final bid price of each lot sold at the following rates:
25% of the final bid price of each lot up to and including $100,000, 20% of the excess of the hammer price above $100,000 and up to and including $2,000,000 and 12% of the excess of the hammer price above $2,000,000.
Exceptions:
Wine: 22.5% of the final bid price of each lot sold.
For all lots, taxes are payable on the premium at the applicable rate.
PRE-AUCTION VIEWING
Pre-auction viewings are open to the public free of charge. Christie’s specialists are available to give advice and condition reports at viewings or by appointment.
BIDDER REGISTRATION
Prospective buyers who have not previously bid or consigned with Christie’s should bring:
• Individuals: government-issued photo identification (such as a driving license, national identity card, or passport) and, if not shown on the ID document, proof of current address, for example a utility bill or bank statement.
• Corporate clients: a certificate of incorporation.
• For other business structures such as trusts, offshore companies or partnerships, please contact Christie’s Credit Department at +1 212 636 2490 for advice on the information you should supply.
• A financial reference in the form of a recent bank statement or letter of reference from your bank is required. A deposit may be required at Christie’s discretion dependent upon your financial reference, payment history or other factors.
• Persons registering to bid on behalf of someone who has not previously bid or consigned with Christie’s should bring identification documents not only for themselves but also for the party on whose behalf they are bidding, together with a signed letter of authorization from that party.
To allow sufficient time to process the information, new clients are encouraged to register at least 48 hours in advance of a sale.
Prospective buyers should register for a numbered bidding paddle at least 30 minutes before the sale. Clients who have not made a purchase from any Christie’s office within the last year and those wishing to spend more than on previous occasions, will be asked to supply a new bank reference to register.
For assistance with references, please contact Christie’s Credit Department at +1 212 636 2490 or by fax at +1 212 636 4943.
REGISTERING TO BID ON
SOMEONE ELSE’S BEHALF
Persons bidding on behalf of an existing client should bring a signed letter from the client authorizing the bidder to act on the client’s behalf. Please note that Christie’s does not accept payments from third parties. Christie’s can only accept payment from the client, and not from the person bidding on their behalf.
BIDDING
The auctioneer accepts bids from those present
in the saleroom, from telephone bidders, or by absentee written bids left with Christie’s in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute bids on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the seller. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the seller at or above the reserve. Bid steps are shown on the Absentee Bid Form at the back of this catalogue.
ABSENTEE BIDS
Christie’s staff will attempt to execute an absentee bid at the lowest possible price, taking into account the reserve price. Absentee bids submitted on “no reserve” lots will, in the absence of a higher bid, be executed at approximately 50% of the low pre sale estimate or at the amount of the bid if it is less than 50% of the low pre-sale estimate. The auctioneer may execute absentee bids directly from the rostrum, clearly identifying these as “absentee bids,” “book bids,” “order bids” or “commission bids.” Absentee Bids Forms are available in this catalogue, at any Christie’s location or online at christies.com.
TELEPHONE BIDS
Telephone bids will be accepted for lots with low-end estimates of $1,500 and above, no later than 24 hours prior to the sale and only if the capacity of our pool of staff phone bidders allows. Arrangements to bid in languages other than English must be made well in advance of the sale date.
Telephone bids may be recorded. By bidding on the telephone, prospective purchasers consent to the recording of their conversations.
Christie’s offers all absentee and telephone bidding services as a convenience to our clients, but will not be responsible for errors or failures to execute bids.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
While invoices are sent out by mail after the auction, we do not accept responsibility for notifying you of the result of your bids. Buyers are requested to contact us by telephone or in person as soon as possible after the sale to obtain details of the outcome of their bids to avoid incurring unnecessary storage charges. Successful bidders will pay the price of the final bid plus premium plus any applicable taxes.
PAYMENT
Buyers are expected to make payment for purchases immediately after the auction. To avoid delivery delays, prospective buyers are encouraged to supply bank or other suitable references before the auction. Please note that Christie’s will not accept payments for purchased Lots from any party other than the registered buyer.
Lots purchased in New York may be paid for in the following ways: wire transfer, credit card (up to $50,000), bank checks, checks and cash, money orders or travellers checks (up to $7,500 combined total, subject to conditions)
Wire transfer: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 ABA# 021000021 FBO: Christie’s Inc. Account # 957-107978, for international transfers, SWIFT: CHASUS33.
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and China UnionPay a limit of $50,000 for credit card payment will apply. This limit is inclusive of the buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes. Credit card payments at the NY sale site will only be accepted for NY sales. Christie’s will not accept credit card payments for purchases in any other sale site.
The fax number to send completed CNP (Card Member not Present) authorization forms to is
+1 212 636 4939. Alternatively, clients can mail the authorization form to the address below.
Cash, Money Orders or Travellers Checks is limited to $7,500 (subject to conditions).
Bank Checks should be made payable to Christie’s (subject to conditions).
Checks should be made payable to Christie’s. Checks must be drawn on a US bank and payable in US dollars. In order to process your payment efficiently, please quote sale number, invoice number and client number with all transactions.
All mailed payments should be sent to:
Christie’s Inc. Cashiers’ Department, 20 Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020.
Please direct all inquiries to the Cashiers’ Office Tel:
+1 212 636 2495 Fax +1 212 636 4939
Please note that Christie’s will not accept
payments for purchased Lots from any party
other than the registered buyer.
Payment in full must be received in good, cleared funds before the property will be released.
SALES TAX
Purchases picked up in New York or delivered to locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Texas may be subject to sales or compensating use tax of such jurisdiction.
It is the buyer’s responsibility to ascertain and pay all taxes due. Buyers claiming exemption from sales tax must have the appropriate documentation on file with Christie’s prior to the release of the property. For more information, please contact Purchaser Payments at +1 212 636 2496.
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Buyers are expected to remove their property within 7 calendar days of the auction. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information for purchased lots. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk.
SHIPPING
A shipping form is enclosed with each invoice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to pick up purchases or make all shipping arrangements. After payment has been made in full, Christie’s can arrange property packing and shipping at the buyer’s request and expense. Where Christie’s arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, an administration charge will apply. We recommend that buyers request an estimate for any large items or property of high value that require professional packing. For more information please contact the Art Transport Department at +1 212 636 2480.
We regret that Christie’s staff will not accommodate requests to roll canvases sold on stretchers.
EXPORT/IMPORT PERMITS
Property sold at auction may be subject to laws governing export from the US and import restrictions of foreign countries. Buyers should always check whether an export license is required before exporting. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to obtain any relevant export or import license. The denial of any license or any delay in obtaining licenses shall neither justify the rescission of any sale nor any delay in making full payment for the lot.
Upon request, Christie’s will assist the buyer in submitting applications to obtain the appropriate licenses. However, Christie’s cannot ensure that a license will be obtained. Local laws may prohibit the import of some property and/or may prohibit the resale of some property in the country of importation, no such restriction shall justify the rescission of any sale or delay in making full payment for the lot. If a license is obtained on a buyer’s behalf, a minimum fee of $150 per item will be charged. For more information, please contact the Art Transport Department at +1 212 636 2480.
HANDLING AND COLLECTION
All lots will be handled free of charge for 35 days from the auction date at Christie’s Rockefeller Center or Redstone handling facility. Operation hours for collection from either location are from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, Monday-Friday. (Lots may not be collected during the day of their move to Christie’s Redstone in Long Island City.) Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk and will be sent with your invoice.
ADMINISTRATION AND HANDLING
Charges
Failure to collect your property within 35 calendar days of the auction date from any Christie’s location, will result in handling and administration charges plus any applicable sales taxes.
Charges All Property
Administration (per lot, due on Day 36) $150.00
Handling (per lot/day, beginning Day 36) $12.00
Property can be transferred to Christie's Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS) New York
at any time for environmentally controlled long term storage, per client request.
CFASS is a separate subsidiary of Christie's and clients enjoy complete confidentiality. Contact CFASS New York for details: Tel: + 1 212 974 4570, newyork@cfass.com
Lots will not be released until all outstanding charges due to Christie’s are paid in full. Please contact Christie’s Client Service Center on +1 212 636 2000.
Christie’s Rockefeller Center
20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10020
Tel: +1 212 636 2000
Main Entrance on 49th Street
Receiving/Shipping Entrance
on 48th Street
Hours: 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Monday-Friday except Public Holidays
Christie’s Redstone
Post-Sale
32-23 48th Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel: +1 212 974 4500
Main Entrance on 48th Avenue
Receiving/Shipping Entrance on 48th Avenue
Hours: 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Monday-Friday except Public Holidays
These Conditions of Sale and the Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice contain all the terms on which Christie’s and the seller contract with the buyer. They may be amended by posted notices or oral announcements made during the sale. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these terms.
1. CHRISTIE’S AS AGENT
Except as otherwise stated Christie’s acts as agent for the seller. The contract for the sale of the property is therefore made between the seller and the buyer.
2. BEFORE THE SALE
(a) Examination of property
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any property in which they are interested, before the auction takes place. Condition reports are usually available on request. Neither Christie’s nor the seller provides any guarantee in relation to the nature of the property apart from the Limited Warranty in paragraph 6 below. The property is otherwise sold “as is.”
Our cataloguing practice is explained in the Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice after the catalogue entries. All statements by us in the catalogue entry for the property or in the condition report, or made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied on as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by us of any kind. References in the catalogue entry or the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. Except as set forth in paragraph 6 below, neither Christie’s nor the seller is responsible in any way for errors and omissions in the catalogue or any supplemental material.
(c) Buyer’s responsibility
Except as stated in the Limited Warranty in paragraph 6 below, all property is sold “as is” without any representation or warranty of any kind by Christie’s or the seller. Buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves concerning the condition of the property and the matters referred to in the catalogue entry.
3. AT THE SALE
(a) Refusal of admission
Christie’s has the right, at our complete discretion, to refuse admission to the premises or participation in any auction and to reject any bid.
(b) Registration before bidding
Prospective buyers who wish to bid in the saleroom can register online in advance of the sale, or can come to the saleroom on the day of the sale approximately 30 minutes before the start of the sale to register in person. A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification before bidding. We may require the production of bank or other financial references.
(c) Bidding as principal
When making a bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, including the buyer’s premium and all applicable taxes, plus all other applicable charges, unless it has been explicitly agreed in writing with Christie’s before the commencement of the sale that the bidder is acting as agent on behalf of an identified third party acceptable to Christie’s, and that Christie’s will only look to the principal for payment.
(d) Absentee bids
We will use reasonable efforts to carry out written bids delivered to us prior to the sale for the convenience of clients who are not present at the auction in person, by an agent or by telephone. Bids must be placed in the currency of the place of the sale. Please refer to the catalogue for the Absentee Bids Form. If we receive written bids on a particular lot for identical amounts, and at the auction these are the highest bids on the lot, it will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and we do not accept liability for failing to execute a written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with it.
(e) Telephone bids
Telephone bids will be accepted for lots with low-end estimates of $1,500 and above, no later than 24 hours prior to the sale and only if the capacity of our pool of staff phone bidders allows. Arrangements to bid in languages other than English must be made well in advance of the sale date.
Telephone bids may be recorded. By bidding on the telephone, prospective purchasers consent to the recording of their conversations.
Christie’s offers all absentee and telephone bidding services as a convenience to our clients, but will not be responsible for errors or failures to execute bids.
(f) Currency converter
At some auctions a currency converter may be operated. Errors may occur in the operation of the currency converter and we do not accept liability to bidders who follow the currency converter rather than the actual bidding in the saleroom.
(g) Video or digital images
At some auctions there may be a video or digital screen. Errors may occur in its operation and in the quality of the image and we do not accept liability for such errors.
(h) Reserves
Unless otherwise indicated, all lots are offered subject to a reserve, which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate printed in the catalogue. If any lots are not subject to a reserve, they will be identified with the symbol • next to the lot number. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot below the reserve by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may continue to bid on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve, either by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. With respect to lots that are offered without reserve, unless there are already competing bids, the auctioneer, in his or her discretion, will generally open the bidding at 50% of the low pre-sale estimate for the lot. In the absence of a bid at that level, the auctioneer will proceed backwards at his or her discretion until a bid is recognized, and then continue up from that amount. Absentee bids will, in the absence of a higher bid, be executed at approximately 50% of the low pre-sale estimate or at the amount of the bid if it is less than 50% of the low pre-sale estimate. In the event that there is no bid on a lot, the auctioneer may deem such lot unsold.
(i) Auctioneer’s discretion
The auctioneer has the right at his absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid, to advance the bidding in such a manner as he may decide, to withdraw or divide any lot, to combine any two or more lots and, in the case of error or dispute, and whether during or after the sale, to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the item in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.
(j) Successful bid and passing of risk
Subject to the auctioneer’s discretion, the highest bidder accepted by the auctioneer will be the buyer and the striking of his hammer marks the acceptance of the highest bid and the conclusion of a contract for sale between the seller and the buyer. Risk and responsibility for the lot (including frames or glass where relevant) passes to the buyer at the expiration of seven calendar days from the date of the sale or on collection by the buyer if earlier.
4. AFTER THE SALE
(a) Buyer’s premium
In addition to the hammer price, the buyer agrees to pay to us the buyer’s premium together with any applicable value added tax, sales or compensating use tax or equivalent tax in the place of sale. The buyer’s premium is 25% of the final bid price of each lot up to and including $100,000, 20% of the excess of the hammer price above $100,000 and up to and including $2,000,000 and 12% of the excess of the hammer price above $2,000,000.
(b) Payment and passing of title
Immediately following the sale, the buyer must provide us with his or her name and permanent address and, if so requested, details of the bank from which payment will be made. The buyer must pay the full amount due (comprising the hammer price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes) not later than 4.30pm on the seventh calendar day following the sale. This applies even if the buyer wishes to export the lot and an export license is, or may be, required. The buyer will not acquire title to the lot until all amounts due to us from the buyer have been received by us in good cleared funds even in circumstances where we have released the lot to the buyer.
(c) Collection of purchases
We shall be entitled to retain items sold until all amounts due to us, or to Christie’s International plc, or to any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, have been received in full in good cleared funds or until the buyer has satisfied such other terms as we, at our sole discretion, shall require, including, for the avoidance of doubt, completing any anti-money laundering or anti-terrorism financing checks we may require to our satisfaction. In the event a buyer fails to complete any anti-money laundering or anti-terrorism financing checks to our satisfaction, Christie’s shall be entitled to cancel the sale and to take any other actions that are required or permitted under applicable law. Subject to this, the buyer shall collect purchased lots within seven calendar days from the date of the sale unless otherwise agreed between us and the buyer.
(d) Packing, handling and shipping
Although we shall use reasonable efforts to take care when handling, packing and shipping a purchased lot, we are not responsible for the acts or omissions of third parties whom we might retain for these purposes. Similarly, where we may suggest other handlers, packers or carriers if so requested, we do not accept responsibility or liability for their acts or omissions.
(e) Export licence
Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing, the fact that the buyer wishes to apply for an export license does not affect his or her obligation to make payment within seven days nor our right to charge interest or storage charges on late payment. If the buyer requests us to apply for an export license on his or her behalf, we shall be entitled to make a charge for this service. We shall not be obliged to rescind a sale nor to refund any interest or other expenses incurred by the buyer where payment is made by the buyer in circumstances where an export license is required.
(f) Remedies for non payment
If the buyer fails to make payment in full in good cleared funds within the time required by paragraph 4(b) above, we shall be entitled in our absolute discretion to exercise one or more of the following rights or remedies (in addition to asserting any other rights or remedies available to us by law):
(i)
to charge interest at such rate as we shall reasonably decide;
(ii)
to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to commence legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law;
(iii)
to cancel the sale;
(iv)
to resell the property publicly or privately on such terms as we shall think fit;
(v)
to pay the seller an amount up to the net proceeds payable in respect of the amount bid by the defaulting buyer;
(vi)
to set off against any amounts which we, or Christie’s International plc, or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, may owe the buyer in any other transactions, the outstanding amount remaining unpaid by the buyer;
(vii)
where several amounts are owed by the buyer to us, or to Christie’s International plc, or to any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, in respect of different transactions, to apply any amount paid to discharge any amount owed in respect of any particular transaction, whether or not the buyer so directs;
(viii)
to reject at any future auction any bids made by or on behalf of the buyer or to obtain a deposit from the buyer before accepting any bids;
(ix)
to exercise all the rights and remedies of a person holding security over any property in our possession owned by the buyer, whether by way of pledge, security interest or in any other way, to the fullest extent permitted by the law of the place where such property is located. The buyer will be deemed to have granted such security to us and we may retain such property as collateral security for such buyer’s obligations to us;
(x)
to take such other action as we deem necessary or appropriate.
If we resell the property under paragraph (iv) above, the defaulting buyer shall be liable for payment of any deficiency between the total amount originally due to us and the price obtained upon resale as well as for all costs, expenses, damages, legal fees and commissions and premiums of whatever kind associated with both sales or otherwise arising from the default. If we pay any amount to the seller under paragraph (v) above, the buyer acknowledges that Christie’s shall have all of the rights of the seller, however arising, to pursue the buyer for such amount.
(g) Failure to collect purchases
Where purchases are not collected within 35 calendar days from the date of the sale, whether or not payment has been made, we shall be permitted to transfer the property to our Long Island City facility at the buyer’s expense, and only release the items after payment in full has been made of transportation, administration, handling, insurance and any other costs incurred, together with payment of all other amounts due to us or our affiliates.
(h) Selling Property at Christie’s
In addition to expenses such as transport and insurance, all consignors pay a commission according to a fixed scale of charges based upon the value of the property sold by the consignor at Christie’s in a calendar year. Commissions are charged on a sale by sale basis.
5.
EXTENT OF CHRISTIE’S LIABILITY
We agree to refund the purchase price in the circumstances of the Limited Warranty set out in paragraph 6 below. Apart from that, neither the seller nor we, nor any of our officers, employees or agents, are responsible for the correctness of any statement of whatever kind concerning any lot, whether written or oral, nor for any other errors or omissions in description or for any faults or defects in any lot. Except as stated in paragraph 6 below, neither the seller, ourselves, our officers, employees or agents, give any representation, warranty or guarantee or assume any liability of any kind in respect of any lot with regard to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, size, quality, condition, attribution, authenticity, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, exhibition history, literature or historical relevance. Except as required by local law any warranty of any kind whatsoever is excluded by this paragraph.
6. LIMITED WARRANTY
Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph, Christie’s warrants for a period of five years from the date of the sale that any property described in headings printed in UPPER CASE TYPE (i.e. headings having all capital-letter type) in this catalogue (as such description may be amended by any saleroom notice or announcement) which is stated without qualification to be the work of a named author or authorship, is authentic and not a forgery. The term “author” or “authorship” refers to the creator of the property or to the period, culture, source or origin, as the case may be, with which the creation of such property is identified in the UPPER CASE description of the property in this catalogue. Only UPPER CASE TYPE headings of lots in this catalogue indicate what is being warranted by Christie’s. Christie’s warranty does not apply to supplemental material which appears below the UPPER CASE TYPE headings of each lot and Christie’s is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such material. The terms used in the headings are further explained in Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice. The warranty does not apply to any heading which is stated to represent a qualified opinion. The warranty is subject to the following:
(i)
It does not apply where (a) the catalogue description or saleroom notice corresponded to the generally accepted opinion of scholars or experts at the date of the sale or fairly indicated that there was a conflict of opinions; or (b) correct identification of a lot can be demonstrated only by means of either a scientific process not generally accepted for use until after publication of the catalogue or a process which at the date of publication of the catalogue was unreasonably expensive or impractical or likely to have caused damage to the property.
(ii)
The benefits of the warranty are not assignable and shall apply only to the original buyer of the lot as shown on the invoice originally issued by Christie’s when the lot was sold at auction.
(iii)
The original buyer must have remained the owner of the lot without disposing of any interest in it to any third party.
(iv)
The buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy against Christie’s and the seller, in place of any other remedy which might be available, is the cancellation of the sale and the refund of the original purchase price paid for the lot. Neither Christie’s nor the seller will be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages including, without limitation, loss of profits nor for interest.
(v)
The buyer must give written notice of claim to us within five years from the date of the auction. It is Christie’s general policy, and Christie’s shall have the right, to require the buyer to obtain the written opinions of two recognized experts in the field, mutually acceptable to Christie’s and the buyer, before Christie’s decides whether or not to cancel the sale under the warranty.
(vi)
The buyer must return the lot to the Christie’s saleroom at which it was purchased in the same condition as at the time of the sale.
7. COPYRIGHT
The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material produced by or for Christie’s relating to a lot including the contents of this catalogue, is and shall remain at all times the property of Christie’s and shall not be used by the buyer, nor by anyone else, without our prior written consent. Christie’s and the seller make no representation or warranty that the buyer of a property will acquire any copyright or other reproduction rights in it.
8. SEVERABILITY
If any part of these Conditions of Sale is found by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part shall be discounted and the rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. LAW AND JURISDICTION
The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the auction is held. By bidding at auction, whether present in person or by agent, by written bid, telephone or other means, the buyer shall be deemed to have submitted, for the benefit of Christie’s, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that country, state, county or province, and (if applicable) of the federal courts sitting in such state.
Explanation of
Cataloguing Practice
For Furniture and Objects of Art
A louis xv kingwood commode
mid-18th century
This heading printed in capital letters, with the inclusion of the date in capital letters, means that in Christie’s opinion the piece is essentially of the period, has not been significantly altered or restored.
A louis xv kingwood commode
This heading printed in capital letters, without the date included, means that in Christie’s qualified opinion the piece is essentially of the period and has been significantly restored or altered.
A louis xv STYLE kingwood commode
This heading printed in capital letters, with the word “STYLE” included in capital letters, means that in Christie’s qualified opinion the piece is an intentional copy of an earlier design.
Christie’s does not accept liability for failing to describe any alteration or addition to a Lot which is concealed by upholstery, gilding or painted decoration and could only be detected by physically dismantling the Lot.
For Sculpture
Terms used in this catalogue have the meanings ascribed to them below. Please note that all statements in this catalogue as to Authorship are made subject to the provisions of the CONDITIONS OF SALE and LIMITED WARRANTY.
1. AUGUSTE RODIN
(artist’s first name or names and his last name)
In Christie’s opinion a work by the artist. In the case of a bronze or other multiple, the work has been cast with the artist’s consent or that of his estate either during his lifetime or shortly thereafter. In the case of a marble, wood or other hand carved medium, the work has been carved by the artist or by his studio under his supervision.
2. Attributed to AUGUSTE RODIN*
In Christie’s qualified opinion, a work of the period of the artist which may be the work of the artist as described previously.
3. After AUGUSTE RODIN*
In Christie’s qualified opinion, a later unauthorized copy after a work by the artist and not directly connected in any way with the artist, his studio or estate.
*This term and its definition in this Explanation of Cataloguing Practice are a qualified statement as to Authorship. While the use of this term is based upon careful study and represents the opinion of experts, Christie’s and the consignor assume no risk, liability and responsibility for the authenticity of authorship of any lot in this catalogue described by this term.
CLOCKS
Prospective purchasers are reminded that the items in the catalogue are sold ‘as is’. Where possible, significant damage is mentioned in the description of the Lot although this does not include all faults and imperfections or restoration. No warranty is made that any clock is in working order and nothing in the catalogue description of any Lot should be taken as implying such. Neither should the description of any Lot be taken as indicating the absence of restoration or repair or to be a statement as to the condition of the Lot or the state of conservation. Not all clocks are sold with pendulums, weights or keys; please refer to the catalogue text for details of what is sold with each lot.
For European Porcelain, Pottery and Glass
1. A WORCESTER PLATE
circa 1780
In Christie’s qualified opinion a plate made at the Worcester factory towards the end of the 18th Century.
2. A WORCESTER PLATE
In Christie’s qualified opinion a plate made at the Worcester factory but of uncertain date or 19th or 20th Century.
3. A WORCESTER-STYLE PLATE
In Christie’s qualified opinion a plate not made in the Worcester factory but an imitation of Worcester plate.
4. A MEISSEN FIGURE
modelled by ...
In Christie’s qualified opinion made at the factory during the lifetime or shortly after the death of the modeller.
5. A MEISSEN FIGURE
after the model by ...
In Christie’s qualified opinion made at the factory some time after the lifetime of the modeller.
For Silver
A GEORGE II SILVER CUP AND COVER
Mark of Paul de Lamerie,
London, 1735
In Christie’s opinion either made in the workshop of the master or struck with his sponsor’s mark prior to retailing and hallmarked at the London Assay Office between May 29, 1735 and May 29, 1736. The date letter has usually, but not always, changed since the early 18th century on, or around, May 29. Prior to the 18th century, the date letter changed on various dates ranging from May 8 to August 3. Since 1975, the date letter has run from January 2 to January 1 of the subsequent year.
Other countries and English, Irish and Scottish provincial offices have varying dating systems.
A GEORGE II SILVER CUP AND COVER
circa 1735
In Christie’s opinion made during the specified monarch’s reign and unmarked or struck with illegible marks.
A GEORGE II SILVER CUP AND COVER
Bearing transposed marks for London, 1735, with the mark of Paul De Lamerie
In Christie’s opinion made during the specified monarch’s reign and, in all probability, in the workshop of, or sponsored by, the maker cited, but with marks transposed from a previously hall marked object. In some instances the catalogue may note that these transposed hall marks have been cancelled to bring them into conformity with modern English hallmaking laws.
Please note that the ounce weights given in this catalogue are troy ounces.
PICTURES
NAME(S) OR RECOGNISED DESIGNATION OF AN ARTIST WITHOUT ANY QUALIFICATION
In Christie’s opinion a work by the artist.
*“Attributed to …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion probably a work by the artist in whole or in part.
*“Studio of …”/“Workshop of …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision.
*“Circle of …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion a work of the period of the artist and showing his influence.
*“Follower of …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil.
*“Manner of …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but of a later date.
*“After …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist.
“Signed …”/“Dated …”/
“Inscribed …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist.
“With signature …”/“With date …”/
“With inscription …”
In Christie’s qualified opinion the signature/
date/inscription appears to be by a hand other than that of the artist.
The date given for Old Master, Modern and Contemporary Prints is the date (or approximate date when prefixed with ‘circa’) on which the matrix was worked and not necessarily the date when the impression was printed or published.
ANTIQUITIES
The following expressions with their accompanying explanations are used by Christie’s as standard cataloguing practice. Our use of these expressions does not take account of the condition of the lot or of the extent of any restoration.
“5th Century B.C.”
In our opinion this object dates from the 5th Century B.C.
“Probably 5th Century B.C.”
In our opinion this object most probably dates from the 5th Century B.C., but there remains the possibility that it may be dated differently.
“Possibly 5th Century B.C.”
In our opinion this object could be dated to the 5th Century B.C. but there is a strong element of doubt.
A lot left undated
In our opinion this object may not be of ancient date.
“After the Antique”
In our opinion this object was made relatively recently (approximately in the past two hundred years) as a decorative copy in an ancient style, but not a deliberate forgery made with the intention to deceive.
With respect to Vases:
“Attributed to …”
This vase has been attributed by a recognised authority in the field to the hand of a particular painter or workshop.
“Signed by …”
This vase bears the signature of the named painter (or maker).
Labels
Wording on labels may be specified as part of the catalogue description.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
CHRISTIE’S INTEREST IN PROPERTY CONSIGNED FOR AUCTION
From time to time, Christie’s may offer a lot which it owns in whole or in part. Such property is identified in the catalogue with the symbol ∆ next to its lot number.
On occasion, Christie’s has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale, which may include guaranteeing a minimum price or making an advance to the consignor that is secured solely by consigned property. Where Christie’s holds such financial interest on its own we identify such lots with the symbol º next to the lot number.
Where Christie’s has financed all or part of such interest through a third party the lots are identified in the catalogue with the symbol ºu. When a third party agrees to finance all or part of Christie’s interest in a lot, it takes on all or part of the risk of the lot not being sold, and will be remunerated in exchange for accepting this risk based on a fixed fee if the third party is the successful bidder or on the final hammer price in the event that the third party is not the successful bidder. The third party may also bid for the lot. Where it does so, and is the successful bidder, the remuneration may be netted against the final purchase price. If the lot is not sold, the third party may incur a loss. Please see http://www.christies.com/ financial-interest/ for a more detailed explanation of minimum price guarantees and third party financing arrangements.
Where Christie’s has an ownership or financial interest in every lot in the catalogue, Christie’s will not designate each lot with a symbol, but will state its interest in the front of the catalogue.
ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE
CONDITION REPORTS
Christie’s catalogues include references to condition only in descriptions of multiple works (such as prints, books and wine). Please contact the Specialist Department for a condition report on a particular lot.
Condition reports are provided as a service to interested clients. Prospective buyers should note that descriptions of property are not warranties and that each lot is sold “as is.”
PROPERTY INCORPORATING MATERIALS FROM ENDANGERED AND OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES
Property made of or incorporating (irrespective of percentage) endangered and other protected species of wildlife are marked with the symbol ~ in the catalogue. Such material includes, among other things, ivory, tortoiseshell, crocodile skin, rhinoceros horn, whale bone and certain species of coral, together with Brazilian rosewood. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit altogether the importation of property containing such materials, and that other countries require a permit (e.g., a CITES permit) from the relevant regulatory agencies in the countries of exportation as well as importation. Accordingly, clients should familiarize themselves with the relevant customs laws and regulations prior to bidding on any property with wildlife material if they intend to import the property into another country. For example, the U.S. generally prohibits the importation of articles containing species that it has designated as endangered or threatened if those articles are less than 100 years old.
Please note that it is the client’s responsibility to determine and satisfy the requirements of any applicable laws or regulations applying to the export or import of property containing endangered and other protected wildlife material. The inability of a client to export or import property containing endangered and other protected wildlife material is not a basis for cancellation or rescission of the sale. Please note also that lots containing potentially regulated wildlife material are marked as a convenience to our clients, but Christie’s does not accept liability for errors or for failing to mark lots
containing protected or regulated species.
Recent changes to imports of elephant ivory and other wildlife material into the USA
The USA has recently changed its policy on the import of property made of or containing elephant ivory. Only Asian Elephant ivory may be imported into the USA, and imports must be accompanied by DNA analysis and confirmation the object is more than 100 years old. We have not obtained a DNA analysis on any lot prior to sale and cannot indicate whether the elephant ivory in a particular lot is African or Asian elephant. Buyers purchase these lots at their own risk and will be responsible for the costs of obtaining any DNA analysis or other report required in connection with their proposed import of such property into the USA.
The USA is also currently requiring all imports of property made of or containing wildlife material to be accompanied by a scientific confirmation of species and in some cases an additional confirmation of age. We have not obtained such confirmations prior to sale (unless specifically indicated) and buyers will be responsible for the costs of any such additional confirmations or opinions required for their proposed import into the USA.
A buyer’s inability to export or import any lot containing elephant ivory or other wildlife material is not a basis for cancelling the purchase.
The Exceptional Sale 2014
New York
AUCTION
Thursday 11 December 2014
at 10.00 am
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
AUCTION CODE AND NUMBER
In sending absentee bids or making enquiries, this sale should be referred to as MERODE-3459
AUCTIONEER
Jussi Pylkkänen (#1351667)
VIEWING
Saturday 6 December 10.oo am – 5.00 pm
Sunday 7 December 10.oo am – 5.00 pm
Monday 8 December 10.oo am – 5.00 pm
Tuesday 9 December 10.oo am – 5.00 pm
Wednesday 10 December 10.oo am – 5.00 pm
CONDITIONS OF SALE
This auction is subject to Important Notices, Conditions of Sale and to Reserves
BUYING AT CHRISTIE’S
For an overview of the process, see the Buying at Christie’s section.
This auction features CHRISTIE'S LIVE
Bid live in Christie’s salerooms worldwide
register at www.christies.com
becky macguire
Senior Specialist
bmacguire@christies.com
+1 212 636 2211
New York
JEANNE SLOANE
Deputy Chairman
jsloane@christies.com
+1 212 636 2250
New York
Andrew mcvinish
Regional Director of Sales, Decorative Arts
amcvinish@christies.com
+1 212 636 2199
MAX Bernheimer
International Senior Specialist
MBernheimer@christies.com
+1 212 636 2247
New York
Doug Escribano
Specialist
describano@christies.com
+1 212 636 2322
New York
MELISSA GAGEN
International Specialist,
Furniture
mgagen@christies.com
+1 212 636 2201
New York
John Hays
Deputy Chairman
jhays@christies.com
+1 212 636 2225
New York
DONALD JOHNSTON
International
Head of Sculpture
djohnston@christies.com
+44 (0)20 7389 2331
London
Tom Lecky
Specialist, Head of Books and Manuscripts
tlecky@christies.com
+1 212 636 2666
ELISABETH PARKER
International Head of
Rugs & Carpets
New York
eparker@christies.com
Casey Rogers
Specialist Head of
19th Century Furniture
New York
crogers@christies.com
will russell
Specialist Head of Furniture and Sculpture
wrussell@christies.com
+1 212 636 2525
WILLIAM STRAFFORD
Senior International Specialist
wstrafford@christies.com
+1 212 636 2348
New York
JODY WILKIE
International Head of
European Ceramics & Glass
jwilkie@christies.com
+1 212 636 2213
New York
Christina woody
Sale Administrator
cwoody@christies.com
+1 212 636 2416
Services
Absentee and
Telephone Bids
Tel: +1 212 636 2437
Fax: +1 212 636 4938
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INSURANCE
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Catalogues Online
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Payment
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Fax: +1 212 636 4939
Consignors
Tel: +1 212 636 2350
Fax: +1 212 492 5477
ART TRANSPORT
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handling and Collection
Tel: +1 212 636 2495
Fax: +1 212 636 4939