top of page

Apollo Art Auctions Breaks Records with Exceptional Sales in June

Apollo Art Auctions made headlines this summer with its Fine Asian Art and Fine Ancient Art & Antiquities sales, held on 6–7 June in London. The auction house presented an extraordinary selection of Asian gold and museum-quality antiquities — many from the infamous Prince Collection — resulting in a total of over £1.5 million in sales and numerous record-breaking results.

 

Asian Art Auction – 6 June

The Asian Art auction was a standout success, featuring a highly curated selection of pieces that captivated collectors and exceeded expectations.

 

One of the top highlights was Lot 13, a Chinese Gold and Silver Standing Figure, which sold for £124,000 (bp incl.), more than quadrupling its high estimate of £30,000.

 

Another strong performer, Lot 15, a Chinese Western Han Gold Hoof-Shaped Ingot, nearly tripled its estimate of £20,000, realising £62,000 (bp incl.) after intense competition both in the room and over the phone.

 

With 2025 being the Year of the Snake, excitement was high for Lot 157, a Japanese Iron Articulated Model of a Snake, signed Muneyoshi (Tanaka Tadayoshi; ?–1958). Bidders responded enthusiastically, pushing the final price to £34,720 (bp incl.), far surpassing its £6,000 high estimate.

 

Other notable Asian highlights:


 

Ancient Art & Antiquities – 7 June

Led by Lindsey Gunderson, the second day of sales created a dynamic atmosphere in the Margaret Room showroom, with bidders joining live and online for a diverse and captivating collection of ancient treasures.

 

The sale began with a strong showing from Egyptian antiquities. Lot 14, a Collection of Egyptian Faience Tiles, achieved £21,080 (bp incl.), more than doubling its estimate and setting the tone for a day of high-performing lots.

 

Jewellery proved especially popular. Lot 22, a Stunning Egyptian Gold and Faience Pectoral Necklace, was estimated between £1,500 and £3,000 and achieved £5,456 (bp incl.), highlighting ongoing interest in wearable antiquities.

 

Apulian pottery also drew significant attention. Lot 72, a Rare Apulian Bell Krater with Satyr and Maenad by the Klejman Painter, was estimated at £2,500–£3,500 and realised £4,906 (bp incl.).

 

Weaponry remained a collector favourite. Lot 91, a Superb Greek Corinthian Bronze Helmet, exceeded its £30,000 high estimate by selling for £39,680 (bp incl.).

 

Roman marbles also impressed, particularly Lot 94B, a Roman Marble Statue of Venus, which fetched £24,800 (bp incl.), well above its £15,000 estimate.

 

Another memorable result was Lot 134, a Roman Gold Intaglio Ring with Erotic Scene, which nearly doubled expectations, selling for £6,820 (bp incl.).

 

Seals, especially from the Indus Valley, saw remarkable results. Lot 189, a Harappan Steatite Stamp Seal with Bison and Script, was estimated at just £500 but soared to £8,680 (bp incl.), continuing a trend of strong demand from the Asian market.

 

As the day drew to a close, energy remained high. A group of Greek Bronze Coin Dies drew strong bidding. Lot 365 began at £200 and finished at an impressive £16,120 (bp incl.), one of the most hotly contested lots of the day.

 

Other standout highlights:

 

Conclusion

Apollo Art Auctions’ June sales offered compelling proof of the enduring appeal of ancient and Asian art. With numerous lots exceeding their estimates — some by remarkable margins — and a buzzing atmosphere in the room, the two-day event was a testament to the market’s strength and the quality of Apollo’s curation.

With continued interest from both seasoned collectors and new bidders alike, the house is poised for even greater successes in its upcoming sales.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page