Los Angeles, CA— On Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, John Moran Auctioneers was pleased to present California Living, a 382-lot sale which encompassed the California aesthetic through a diverse selection of important art and design that attracted more than 1,000 viewers! Highlighting the sale was the Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost, whose collection evolved over decades into an example of sophisticated, global California elegance. The sale included postmodern and contemporary works from Ed Ruscha, Vija Celmins, Yayoi Kusama, and Robert Longo, along with turned wood vessels by Edward and Philip Moulthorp, an array of Chinese Yixing ceramic wares, Georg Jensen silver, and furnishings by leading designers Ray and Charles Eames, Richard Schultz, George Nelson, and more.
Lot 111: Art Deco Revival Credenza, $5,850
Some of the most anticipated art works from the Leidenfrost estate were lots 68 and 69, by the Pop artist, Yayoi Kusama. The first on the block was A Pumpkin YB-B, 2004, having a black background with a yellow pumpkin created in her famous dot pattern, this work had an estimate of $40,000-60,000 and sold for $56,250 (including buyer’s premium). Then, lot 69, A Pumpkin (RT), 2004, also went for $56,250 (including buyer’s premium), well surpassing its $20,000-30,000 estimate.
Musicians and guitar enthusiasts showed major interest in lot 301, a 1958 vintage Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. This instrument, with an estimate of $8,000-12,000, had a painted solid ash body and bolt on maple neck, and came with its original tweed and leather handled case. After multiple online, phone, and in-person bids, it more than doubled its estimate, bringing in $32,500 (including buyer’s premium).
Lot 108 was an interesting work by the Contemporary artist, Eduardo Sarabia. Painted Memories 2, 2008, was brought to auction with an estimate of $2,000-4,000. Collectors took notice of this colorful work, which conveys the artist’s influence of Mexican folklore and contemporary culture, and the bids continued to $18,750 (including buyer’s premium).
One of the biggest surprises in the category of fine art was lot 160. It was a work by the American Chicana artist, Patssi Valdez, Red Rain, 1993. It started with a modest estimate of $500-700, but after an exciting bidding war sold for a whopping $18,750 (including buyer’s premium)— achieving an impressive world auction record for the artist!
Lot 301: A 1958 Vintage Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar $32,500
There were some noteworthy results for sculptures, such as lots 36, 100, and 278. Lot 36 was a patinated bronze abstract figure from the 20th Century American School. This work more than quadrupled its $800-1,200 estimate, selling for $5,625 (including buyer’s premium). The famous sculptor, Richard MacDonald had a couple works in this sale, one being, Nightfall, 2012. With an estimate of $1,500-2,500, this silvered bronze sculpture went for $4,688. Then, lot 278, was an Indian Chola-Style Saint Sambandar bronze sculpture. Estimated $500-700, this work was a 19th century (or earlier) lost-wax cast bronze sculpture likely depicting one of the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti saints, Saint Sambandar, as a youth. Due to major interest, the bidding quadrupled the estimate and reached $3,000 (including buyer’s premium).
With the collection from the Leidenfrost estate, this auction offered a fantastic selection of furniture. The Leidenfrosts’ enjoyed Mario Bellini pieces in their Los Angeles home and lot 91 was a favorite among collectors. The eight red leather Cassina Cab no. 413 chairs had an estimate of $3,000-5,000 but sold for a staggering $15,000! Lot 111 was a stylish Art Deco revival credenza, circa 1980s-90s, estimated $600-800. With its bird’s eye maple veneer and curved, streamline ends, this piece sold for a surprising $5,850 (including buyer’s premium).
Last but not least, one of the cutest furniture sets must have been the four topiary lounge chairs with ottoman from Richard Schultz. These five pieces, estimated $1,200-1,500, were designed in 1988 with folded aluminum sheet and green powder coating. A bidder looking to have a fabulous patio for Summer bought this gorgeous set with a winning bid of $6,500 (including buyer’s premium)!
—Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
Lot 69: Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929), A Pumpkin (RT) $56,250
“Some of the most anticipated art works from the Leidenfrost estate were lots 68 and 69, by the Pop artist, Yayoi Kusama.”
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers will continue their 2023 lineup with the California & American Fine Art auction, Tuesday, May 9th, followed by the Costume & Couture sale, Tuesday, May 23rd. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
California & American Fine Art: Tuesday, May 9th | 12:00 pm PST
Costume & Couture: Tuesday, May 23rd | 12:00 pm PST
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces: Wednesday, May 24th | 10:00 am PST
Art of the American West: Tuesday, June 6th | 12:00 pm PST
Comic Auction: Monday, June 12th | 12:00pm PST
Modern & Contemporary Fine Art: Tuesday, June 13th | 12:00pm 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 at info@johnmoran.com today!
