Los Angeles, CA — Everyone from Traditional collectors to RHOBH fans took part in the court-ordered sale of the “Property from the Thomas and Erika Jayne Girardi Residence” at noon on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at John Moran Auctioneers. The interest in this sale was worldwide, having over 8,000 registered bidders and more than 1,000 viewers tuning in to see the action. The 250-lot sale lasted almost five hours but kept momentum due to the continuous “spirited” bidding between online and in-house bidders. This white-glove auction proved to be the perfect prelude to Moran’s upcoming December jewelry sale featuring Erika Jayne’s diamond earrings.
Lot 4056: A Continental Hand-Painted Cabinet $1,000-1,500 Price realized: $11,875
One of the first highlights of the auction was lot 4020, the J. Seward Johnson Jr. bronze sculpture, Allow Me. This 81” tall man from Girardi’s sculpture garden had an estimate of $7,000-9,000 but brought in a strong $13,750 (including buyer’s premium).
Moving from the garden to the pool, the entire Michael Taylor Designs collection of patio furniture performed extremely well. Lot 4211 was a pair of Michael Taylor “Montecito” outdoor garden armchairs, estimated $1,500-2,000. The patinated aluminum armchairs with cream chenille upholstered cushions and aqua piping sold for a whopping $7,150 (including buyer’s premium). The six other lots from the “Montecito” collection, including additional armchairs, side chairs, chaise longues, and sofas, were each estimated $1,000-2,000. Together, the seven-lot variety brought in a jaw-dropping $43,225 (including buyer’s premium).
“One of the first highlights of the auction was lot 4020, the J. Seward Johnson Jr. bronze sculpture, Allow Me.”
Lot 4020: J. Seward Johnson Jr. (1930-2020, American). Allow Me $7,000-9,000 Price realized: $13,750
Traditional style was prevalent throughout the Girardi mansion and collectors were especially drawn to lot 4056, a 19th century continental hand-painted cabinet. This stunning piece received absentee bids, phone bids, online bids, and bids on the Moran mobile app. Estimated at $1,000-1,500, the black lacquered cabinet with a myriad of mythological oil paintings hammered in $11,875 (including buyer’s premium).
Lot 4133 was an auction moment for the books. A pair of late 20th/early 21st century drum lamp tables started with a modest estimate of $600-800 but after an exciting bidding war between an online bidder and an in-house bidder, that number increased fifteen-fold. The enthusiastic in-house bidder jumped the bid multiple times until the online participant conceded, awarding him the pair of tables for a staggering $12,500 (including buyer’s premium)!
The offerings of black traditional furniture proved to be a favorite among bidders. Lot 4126, a black lacquered Chinoiserie-style console table with gilt highlights had an estimate of $600-800 and ended with an impressive $10,000 (including buyer’s premium). Next, lot 4127, a pair of Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne-style Chinoiserie armchairs sold for $5,000 (including buyer’s premium), estimated at $600-800. And finally, a pair of contemporary Chinoiserie tray tables, lot 4162, went for $2,125 (including buyer’s premium), almost quadrupling its $400-600 estimate.
For fine art, the selection was minimal but masterful. Lot 4139 was an oil painting from 1837 by the 19th Century French School. This work, displaying two mythological figures, had an estimate of $2,500-3,500, then ended the bidding at $10,625 (including buyer’s premium). The other highlight in the fine art category came from the Girardi’s fine art closet. Lot 4202, a Tony Peters work entitled, Pantry, 2001, started with a $500-700 estimate. The Los Angeles café painting was all in at $5,000 (including buyer’s premium).
Girardi’s sports memorabilia did not go without notice. Lot 4175 attracted the attention of sports collectors, offering a 1993 Spaulding NBA Finals Ball signed by Michael Jordan. This coveted piece of Chicago Bulls history went for $4,688, more than doubling its $1,000-1,500 estimate.
—Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
Upcoming Auctions
As we enter the Fall season of 2022, John Moran Auctioneers will continue their autumn lineup with the Art of the American West auction on Tuesday, October 4th, followed by the She Made It sale, Wednesday, October 5th. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
American Indian Art + Objects: Tuesday, October 4th | 12:00 pm PST
California Living: Tuesday, October 25th | 10:00 am PST
She Made It: Tuesday, October 25th | 4:00 pm PST
Fall Modern & Contemporary Fine Art: Tues., Nov.1st | 12:00 pm PST
Made in Mexico: Tuesday, November 15th | 10:00 am PST
Art of the American West: Wednesday, November 16th | 10:00 am PST
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: jm.dev.hookson1.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoranauctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
Consignments are always welcome:
Email us— info@johnmoran.com
