20th Century Decorative Art

The 20th Century Decorative Arts Department of Gregory’s Auction House is dedicated to the selection and enhancement of applied arts, ceramics, glass, porcelain and decorative objects from the 20th century. It is a world rich in forms, materials and diverse techniques, where art and function coexist, giving rise to objects of great charm and personality. These works reflect the evolution of taste and the transformations that took place throughout the century.

Every work entrusted to us is carefully studied, taking into consideration its provenance, materials, technical characteristics, condition and collecting context. This is complemented by constant monitoring of the 20th century decorative arts market, which is essential for formulating accurate valuations consistent with the most recent auction results, allowing us to identify the most appropriate market positioning for each object. The department also agrees a reserve price with the owner, defined according to the characteristics of the work and current market dynamics, with the aim of protecting its value during the sale.

Alongside the study and preparation of the works, the department supports buyers with a complete and professional service. This includes the preparation of detailed condition reports, assistance with shipping quotations, transport arrangements and export procedures. These are particularly important aspects for both Italian and international clients.

A significant portion of the works presented at auction comes from private collections, often built over time with taste, care and sensitivity. Bringing these objects back to the market and enhancing their provenance and collecting history represents one of the most interesting and meaningful aspects of the department’s work.

Over the course of its sales, the department has presented works of considerable interest, achieving significant results for pieces by some of the most representative artists and manufacturers of the 20th century, both in Italy and internationally.

A particularly important role is played by 20th century ceramics, a field in which the department has presented works of remarkable quality and strong decorative appeal. Among these are the large vase with ferns and birds by Galileo Chini, created between 1920 and 1925 and sold for €8,680.00, alongside the spherical vase/lamp base by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori – San Cristoforo, sold for €4,960.00, a significant example of the dialogue between formal elegance and artistic production. Also noteworthy is the rare group “Twelve Zodiac Signs” by Pietro Melandri, sold for €5,544.00, a refined example of the Faenza ceramic tradition, as well as the pear-shaped ceramic vase by Clément Massier, distinguished by its floral and geometric decoration and its iridescent lustre finish.

Alongside these examples, the department has also achieved significant results for important Italian manufacturers, confirming the strong interest in the decorative arts of our country. These include the glass sculpture “Upupa” from the “Bestiario” series by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, sold for €7,500.00, and works by the Lenci manufactory, including “Il mondo” by Helen Konig Scavini and Mario Sturani, sold for €11,780.00, together with figures modelled by Helen Konig Scavini herself, such as “Nella o Nasin”, sold for €11,160.00, and “Zizì, La Passeggiata”, among the most recognisable expressions of this celebrated Turin production.

The panorama of Italian ceramics is further enriched by the Cantagalli Manufactory, with a large polychrome ceramic ewer produced in Florence during the first half of the 20th century, and the Ginori Manufactory, with the Liberty-style vase “Rinascita della Primavera”. As for the Bolognese context, particular mention should be made of the significant result achieved by the Minghetti Manufactory with a large ceramic vase on a marble column, produced in Bologna at the end of the 19th century, a testament to the local tradition and to the connection with the territory in which Gregory’s operates.

Alongside ceramics, the field of art glass and European decorative production has also achieved noteworthy results. Among the most significant international examples is the celebrated “Pichet aux oiseaux” by Pablo Picasso, sold for €7,192.00, an important example of his ceramic production, together with a polychrome pâte-de-verre vase by the Daum Nancy manufactory, sold for €3,780.00, a pair of Sèvres porcelain vases, and the refined “Apponyi Green”service by the Herend manufactory, sold for €4,000.00, all of which illustrate the quality and diversity of European production during the century.

Overall, these results confirm the growing interest in 20th century decorative arts, a field in which glass, ceramics and porcelain continue to stand out for their quality, refinement, charm and collectable value.

Over the years, works consigned from private collections have helped generate increasing interest around the department, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from both Italy and abroad. For consignors, this means the opportunity to present their property to qualified collectors and enthusiasts within a context capable of generating interest, participation and strong auction results.

Evaluation

Would you like to know the value of your artworks and explore their potential sale on the market?

Our experts are available to provide free and confidential valuations, whether for individual works or entire collections.

You will receive qualified advice and be guided through every stage of the sale process, whether at auction or through private negotiation, with a careful and personalised service.

Images and information regarding your artworks can be sent via:

• email or WeTransfer: info@gregorysaste.it
• WhatsApp: +39 051 2960945

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