Among the highlights of the auction house's Summer Fine and Decorative Art Auction in Cincinnati on July 23 was a Georg Jensen sterling silver coffee and tea service.
The 19th century Danish piece, designed in the Blossom pattern and including ivory handles, sold for $19,975.
The sale is indicative of a growing appreciation for European decorative pieces among collectors, as Diane Wachs, director of Cowan's Department of Fine and Decorative Art department, told Paul Fraser Collectibles.
"This auction is a reflection of changes in the overall antiques market," she said.
"In the last two years, we have seen a resurgence of interest in good European pieces."
 This Danish silver tea service made $19,975... partly thanks to its practicality |
Ms Wachs added that practicality, rather than simply beauty alone, has become increasingly important to buyers in recent times.
"You have to be able to use a purchase. If a piece is obsolete in use today, chances are it is dead in the market," she explained.
Another practical European silver piece, this time a 20th century Austrian reticulated basket made by Josef Hoffman of the famous Wiener Werkstatte stable, performed well at the sale.
It made $18,800 despite containing a small dent to a corner panel.
There really was something for everyone at the auction.
A 19th century book containing 54 erotic watercolours sold for $14,400, evidence that sex sells, even in these financially difficult times.
Make sure you check back regularly with Paul Fraser Collectibles for future auctions from Cowan's.
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