Christie’s In- Camera evening at the Kanorias’

Vandana and Ajay Kanoria generously hosted an intimate gathering of Rotarians and spouses at their beautiful residence on the December 4, 2018. The speaker was Nishad Avari, Specialist and Head of Sale for South Asian Modern +
Contemporary Art at Christie’s in New York, USA.

In May 2018, Christie’s had the privilege of handling the Rockefeller Auction, which comprised some of the most
significant charity auctions in the history of the art market. Unprecedented in terms of the volume and quality of lots, the extent of the displays, logistics and operations, the number of viewers and bidders globally, and the final amount raised for the earmarked charities, the six auctions held over three days were a landmark event not just in the history of the market, but in that of collecting and philanthropy as well.

The top prices of the series included Picasso’s Fillette à la corbeille fleurie, which realised US$ 115,000,000; Monet’s Nymphéas en fleur, which sold for a record US$ 84,687,500, and Matisse’s Odalisque couchée aux magnolias, which was bought for US$ 80,750,000, another artist auction record.

The Estate’s proceeds from the most significant charitable auction in history will be directed to a dozen philanthropies Peggy and David Rockefeller supported during their lifetimes, for the benefit of continuing scientific research, higher education, support for the arts, sustainable economic development, and land conservation initiatives, among others.

Nishad Avari’s talk was interesting and informative. He showed slides of several items sold at the week-long auction
including paintings, crockery, cutlery, duck and swan decoys in wood, furniture and silver. He spoke with knowledge and passion. The evening culminated in a delicious homemade dinner by Vandana Kanoria. It was truly a delightful evening.
 

Highlights of the Christie’s auction in NY earlier this year

A large Chinese Export ‘tobacco leaf’ assembled dinner service, Qianlong period, circa 1775. Sold for $1,152,500 on 9 May 2018 at Christie’s in New York — a new auction record for a dinner service		An English wicker picnic hamper, retailed by Asprey & Company, circa 1986. Sold for $212,500 on 10 May 2018 at Christie’s in New York		David Rockefeller’s collection of duck decoys was a huge draw for collectors and this Whistling Swan by John Haynes Williams (1857-1937), Cedar Island, Virginia, circa 1910 sold for $348,500