Innovative Decorative Arts Sale Doubles Low Estimate, Brings New Bidders

NEW YORK – The first ‘on-site’, country house-style auction came to Long Island City and the market responded as Christie’s auction Crafted & Collected: The Jonathan Burden Sale, produced stellar results and brought new collectors to the table. The sale totaled $1,065,784, was 97 percent sold by lot, and 219 percent sold hammer plus premium above low estimate. More than one in three buyers and bidders was new to Christie’s. The sale confirmed an innovative approach agreed to by Christie’s and the consignor: the celebrated antique furniture conservator and dealer, Jonathan Burden. In a nod to the country house sales of old, the entire viewing was held at Mr. Burden’s Long Island City studio where clients were invited to view the collection in person while bidding took place online. Comprising an eclectic mix of objects spanning centuries and styles—from 18th-century Anglo-Indian and Georgian furniture to modern lighting and contemporary pieces designed by Burden himself—the sale reflected the breadth of his expertise and distinct aesthetic vision. With the majority of lots offered without reserve and bidding starting at just $100, the auction welcomed collectors at every level to acquire exceptional works directly from the studio.

The celebrated antique furniture conservator and dealer who was the consignor in the sale said, Jonathan Burden said: “I am delighted an overjoyed by the exceptional results and immensely grateful to all who supported the sale and visited the studio in Long Island City. My sincere thanks to Christie’s for their vision and partnership in realizing this pioneering new sale concept.”

The top lot in the sale was a massive French Incarnat Turquin marble dining table that flew five times past its low estimate to realize $101,600. Showing the range of the sale, other leading lots included a pair of Italian Scagliola and polychrome decorated panels, which made $38,100 or more than twice the low estimate, and an Aubusson verdure tapestry that fetched more than three times its low estimate to bring $27,940.