A bar created by the highly respected French sculptor Cesar has sold with excellent results as part of Artcurial's auction of the contents of the legendary Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
The magnificent bar, created in 1982, sold for an impressive $406,770, making a 2,496% increase on its $15,500 high estimate. It saw hot competition from both those in the room and telephone bidders, before a final bid eliminated all contenders.
Also selling well were a pair of art deco bar stools to complement the Cesar bar, which sold for $10,965 - a 5,500% increase on the $195 high estimate.
Cesar Baldaccini was one of France's most prominent sculptors, known as a leading figure in the new realism movement founded by artist Yves Klein. He was best known for his compression sculptures made using a hydraulic crushing machine, but created a wide range of works which can still be found in Paris today.
Almost all of the lots sold during the auction realised a significant gain on their pre-sale estimates, with a Christofle desert tray selling for $20,784, more than five times its initial valuation. A Louis XV style fireplace and a pair of andirons brought $19,500, up 1,337% on the $1,000 estimate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some exemplary pieces of fine furniture for sale, including a Gillows of Lancaster folio cabinet and a John Linell commode.
