This week's two-day Sotheby's auction of property and jewelry from the estate of Brooke Astor took in $18.8 million. We previewed the sale earlier this month. On the first day, after just the first of four sessions, the sale had already surpassed its low estimate. Only 45 lots failed to sell.
The proceeds of the 901-lot sale will benefit charities designated by Astor, including the New York Public Library, the Animal Medical Center of New York and the Pierpont Morgan Library. Astor's collections of Asian decorative arts, jewelry and paintings commanded especially high prices on the block. Here are some of the highlights from the sales.
•Lot 626, From the "Philosopher's Room" at her Briarcliff Manor, NY estate, a Chinese Famille-Vert Octagonal Jardiniere Kangxi Mark and Period (1662-1722), estimate: $20/30,000; sold for $410,500.
•Lot 367, Two unusual Chinese Famille-Rose Gilt decorated boxes and covers, Qianlong Mark and Period, estimate: $10/15,000; sold for $494,500
•A rare and unusual pair of Chinese Export Famille-Rose Baluster cases and covers, Qing Dynasty, circa 1740, estimate: $80/120,000; sold for $200,500
•Lot 93, a giltwood box from her NYC apartment at 778 Park Avenue, estimate $200/400; sold for $21,250
