December Auction Block
By • December 9, 2025 0 652
We round out December’s auction highlights with a U.S. flag from Doyle and a Picasso vase from Christie’s, each selling for over twice the high estimate; an abstract, beveled-edge painting by Sam Gilliam from Weschler’s and a semi-abstract painting by Walasse Ting from Bonhams; and an 18th-century silver epergne from the Potomack Company.
Weschler’s
Red Clay, Acrylic on Beveled Edge Canvas
Estimate: $200,000–$300,000
Sold for: $300,000
This beveled-edge canvas by Sam Gilliam (1933-2022) is titled “Red Clay.” In the early 1970s, Gilliam began to transition from his signature drape paintings to beveled-edge works. The year this canvas was painted, 1970, jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard released his album “Red Clay.” According to Weschler’s, both express a spirit of innovation and spontaneity.
The Potomack Company
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Sold for: $38,000
From the estate of Jane Stanton Hitchcock, this silver epergne, a basket-like centerpiece, features a pagoda-form top with 16 ribs, eight of which terminate with a tiny bell, and a pineapple-form finial. Below is an oval reticulated bowl with a pair of Mandarin face mask handles. Each of the stand’s eight scrolling arms supports a small dish.
Bonhams
“Flower Power” by Walasse Ting
Sold for: $60,000–$80,000
From a private Massachusetts collection acquired directly from the artist, this acrylic painting, described as “an explosion of color and form,” is titled, signed and dated: “Flower Power / Ting 68.” Born in Wuxi, China, painter and poet Walasse Ting (1929-2010) began his career in Paris in the 1950s. Associated with the Parisian avant-garde, he moved to New York City in 1957.
Doyle
U.S. Flag in Rare 21-Star Pattern, Circa 1819
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Sold for: $35,200
This hand-sewn American flag, commemorating Illinois statehood in 1818, sold for over twice its high estimate at a Doyle auction of rare books, autographs and maps. The 21-star canton sits on the “blood” or “war” stripe, symbolizing victory in the War of 1812. Measuring approximately 44 by 83 inches, the flag, with 11 stripes, is mounted in a thick gilt wood frame.
Christie’s
Pablo Picasso, “Gros oiseau corrida” A.R. 191
Estimate: $70,000–$100,000
Sold for: $215,900
Also selling for over twice its high estimate, this white, earthenware vase, conceived by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) in 1953 and part of an edition of 25, was offered by Christie’s in a November online auction of Picasso ceramics. The piece is stamped and numbered: Madoura Plein Feu/D’Après Picasso/8’.
