GLEN COVE, NY.- Roland Auctions NY in Glen Cove, NY hosted their highly successful two-part auction on May 20th and 21st, with the combined auction bringing in $2 million dollars, marking Roland’s highest grossing sale so far this year.
The main attraction in the auction event was a superb collection of Chinese decorative arts from the Estate of Sysco Foods co-founder Herbert Irving and his wife Florence Irving, world-renowned collectors of all things Asian, and founders of the Asian Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Also taking much of the spotlight was the unique collection of well-known Palm Beach socialite June Hirsch Jones, a former upper East side gallery owner who sold high-end post-war art, Chinese art, and antiquities. In the early 1960's she even “dated” actor Rock Hudson for a time, traveling with him through southern France and Italy when he needed to be seen with an attractive woman for the paparazzi.
The auction focused largely on Asian art, Asian decorative items, and antiquities, along with a selection of exquisite high-end jewelry, contemporary art, Dale Chihuly glass pieces, Peking rugs and contemporary furnishings.
Heated bidding surrounded many highly-anticipated items, including a Imperial Pale Celedon Mei Ping Vase, Yun Chen period vase,. Purchased from Rare Arts. Original invoice states from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Marked with 6-digit character mark. From the Estate of June Hirsch Jones, which sold for $187,500, Japanese Ink Drawings, Set of eight Japanese reproduction ink drawings. [13" H x 19" W], selling for $225,000, four Alabaster and Hardstone Objects, Lot comprised of two carved hollow cylinders, a small bowl and a solid alabaster cube. From the Estate of Florence and Herbert Irving. [Largest: 9 3/8" H], which sold $137,500, an exquisite Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Bridal Box, Qian Long Period Chinese carved bridal box in peach shape, circa 1736-1795. Comes with original invoice from Royal Phoenix, NY. From the Estate of June Hirsch Jones. [16" H x 17" Diam.], which went high for $125,000 and Two Similar Chinese Jade Bi-Form Circlets, non-calcified. In presentation box. Provenance: Estate of Florence and Herbert Irving. [Largest: 3 1/2" Diam.; Box: 1 3/4" H x 9" W x 5 1/4" D], selling for $31,250.
In the musical arena, Roland featured a rare 17th Century Harpsichord, 17th century Harpsichord, thin case carved in Georgian manner, with all over Chinoiserie decor, interior paint of landscape, and birds and flowers on soundboard. Circa 1689. From the Estate of Florence and Herbert Irving. [38" H x 35" W x 77" Long], which sold for $68,750 and a Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano - Model B, Steinway & Sons black concert grand piano, with tapered legs and bench. Model B. Circa 1982. Serial # 480732. [83" Long], selling for $40, 625.
Contemporary art was also well represented, with a Robert Natkin: "Blue Still Life" Acrylic Painting, Robert Natkin "Intimate Lighting Series", depicting faint slopes and cloud forms, on blue/green ground. Stamped on verso "Robert Natkin 1980 / 002A". Comes with Gimpel Weitzenhoffer, Ltd., NYC receipt, 1978, and 1980 and 1992 appraisals. [Art: 36" H x 82" W; Frame: 37" H x 83" W], selling for $46,875.
Impressive jewelry selections included a round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, Round brilliant cut 3.68 ct. diamond, in a platinum engagement ring setting. J color, VS1 clarity; diamond measures 10.03 x 10.17 x 6.03mm; 3.00 ct. . Platinum weight 2.8 dwt. Comes with GIA Certificate. Size 7. diamond and setting separate, which sold for $28,125 and a vintage Bulgari 18K Gold & Stones Triple Strand Necklace, having gold reticulated links and semi-precious stones separators. 93.7 dwt. inclusive. Longest strand 18" L, selling for $12,500.
After more than four decades based in Manhattan, Roland Auctions relocated to Long Island’s North Shore, the historic “Gold Coast” in 2018 where they also do auction consignments and offer appraisals.
