Friends Forever, a bronze and ivory statue by highly collectible artist Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947), has sold for $60,000 at Cowan's Auctions.

Friends Forever is typical of Chiparus' work

The rare statue, which depicts an ornately attired young woman standing between a pair of hunting dogs, led Cowan's two-day Fine and Decorative Art auction (July 13-14) in Ohio.

Five telephone bidders battled for the top lot, created in Paris circa 1928, which typifies jazz age art in terms of composition as well as subject matter.

Cowan's Graydon Sikes described the auction as a "smashing success", citing the coveted bronze as a personal highlight.

Chiparus originals are desired the world over.

In June 2013, one of only five known Almeria statues sold for £265,250 ($410,586), while the Romanian artist's iconic art deco piece Dolly Sisters made £277,250 ($439,466) in November 2012.

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