NEW YORK, NY.- The 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe including Oriental Carpets sale realized $5,640,850/£3,547,704/€4,178,407 and was sold 74% by lot and 80% by value. The top lot of the sale was a pair of George III satinwood, harewood, ebony, tulipwood and marquetry commondes, attributed to Matthew and Ince, circa 1775- 80, realizing $218,500/£137,421/€161,851.

Stefan Kist, Christie's New York, Director of European Decorative Arts, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the 2010 sales of 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe including Oriental Carpets in New York with a combined total of $30 million, a 50% increase from last year. Christie's sales of European decorative arts and Oriental carpets continue to grow and achieve strong results, which is a testament to the effectiveness of the 500 Years strategy. These sales have inspired our clients to buy across the various sale categories that are offered in the sales.”

Will Strafford, International Specialist of European Furniture, said: “500 Years continues to attract and inspire new and established clients from all around the globe. Clients from the Americas and Europe participated strongly, but Asian and Middle Eastern buyers were equally active, indicating a truly international and robust market. Rare examples of European furniture were persistently sought after throughout the sale especially elegant Italian works collected from noted architect John Yeon of Portland, Oregon.”

Melissa Gagen, International Specialist of English Furniture, said: “Neo-classical furniture from the 18th century performed very well, highlighted by the Stansted Park Suite of seat furniture. The suite’s unique history and provenance comprised of some of the greatest collectors of the 20th century captivated buyers, which all together sold for $417,750.”

Melissa Bennie, Senior Specialist of European Ceramics and Glass, said: “A broad international group of private collectors, members of the trade and institutions competed for the European ceramics featured in the sale, breaking tradition and buying across categories. The ‘Tuileries Déjeuner’ by Sèvres artist Gély was a highlight of this category, substantiating the international appeal of rare objects and the amazing reach of international marketing.”