GENESEO — A spectacular pair of antique Meissen armorial covered urns sailed past their pre-sale high estimate of $15,000 and went for $201,250 at a Fall Fine Art & Antiques Auction held last weekend by Cottone Auctions.in the event held in Cottone’s gallery, the urns were the top lot in an auction that grossed $2.2 million. Each urn stood 33 inches tall and was intricately decorated with figures, insects, flowers, cherubs, crowns and gold leaf. Only some minor loss and repairs prevented them from realizing even more. Meissen, enormously popular with collectors, was Europe’s first porcelain factory, founded in 1708. Costly to produce, Meissen was originally made solely for the very wealthy. According to a press release, around 200 people per day packed Cottone’s showroom, while another 3,000 or so registered to bid online, via LiveAuctioneers.com and Artfact.com. Phone bidding was brisk, too, with 16 phone lines ringing at once for some items. Hundreds of absentee bids were also recorded. “Our strategy of sticking with fresh, quality merchandise, and offering it without reserve with conservative estimates, has been a winning formula for us, ” said Matt Cottone of Cottone Auctions. “The bottom line is, it’s all about the merchandise, and we’ve been fortunate to have attracted some of the finest estates and collections in the area. This auction was a great example.” The October 4 session was dedicated to sterling silver, Asian objects and fine estate jewelry. According to a press release, the top earners from the Asian category were a Chinese Kylin standing temple censor, cast bronze with cloisonné and gilt highlights, 15 inches tall ($50,600); a 19th century Chinese red lacquer cinnabar scroll case ($39,100); and a carved jade plaque with trees and foliage ($39,100). Cottone Auctions’ next big auction is scheduled for November 15 and 16. The November 15 session will feature antique clocks, while the November 16 will be a mixed merchandise session, packed with fine art, period furniture, art glass, advertising items and collectibles. Cottone Auctions is always seeking quality consignments for future sales. The firm is especially interested in fine art, Oriental rugs, silver, Tiffany, Art glass, Art pottery, folk art, Native American, clocks and stoneware. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call at (585) 243-3100 or, send an e-mail to [email protected]. To learn more about Cottone Auctions please visit, www.cottoneauctions.com.
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