Although at the low end of a punchy estimate, the €30,000 (£21,900) plus 20 per cent buyer's premium bid by a French collector for this 23in (49cm) high vase decorated in green enamels with penguins was claimed as an auction record for the designer.
Auction record for Catteau
In 2001 international connoisseurial interest and commercial hype accompanied a major exhibition and accompanying book on the Belgian ceramicist Charles Catteau (1880-1966). There are signs that the market is now beginning to mature – minor Boch Frères works by Catteau were very soft at Bonhams in London on March 1 – but Brussels auctioneers Horta were able to offer a major signed studio piece by the artist on March 21-22.
