Fine Curiosities Auction: The Estate of Eddi Van Auken

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Highlights

Clars is pleased to announce Fine Curiosities: The Estate of Eddi Van Auken, an extraordinary single-owner auction to be held on Thursday, June 19th. This event features a distinctive and eclectic array of antiques, decorative arts, architectural elements, and folk treasures assembled over decades by the late Eddi Van Auken, a passionate and discerning collector.

Among the standout lots is a remarkable selection of walking canes, featuring examples in Folk Art, French, and Russian styles, each boasting unique handles and craftsmanship. These pieces, estimated between $300–$800, reflect both utility and artistry. Equally intriguing is a group of English ironstone advertising display stands, early commercial relics that today serve as charming decorative objects, estimated at $500–$700.


A selection of unique walking canes, including Folk Art, French and Russian examples.<br><b>Estimates vary between $300–$800</b>
A selection of unique walking canes, including Folk Art, French and Russian examples.
Estimates vary between $300–$800
A group of English ironstone advertising display stands. Estimate: $500–$700
A group of English ironstone advertising display stands.
Estimate: $500–$700

A centerpiece of the auction is an imposing Belle Époque silvered bronze nine-light chandelier, a grand and luminous statement from turn-of-the-century France. With its elegant form and refined detailing, it is expected to realize between $4,000–$6,000. From the realm of classical architecture come two large carved Corinthian capitals, ideal as sculptural décor or for restoration purposes, with an estimate of $800–$1,200.


A fine and imposing Belle Époque silvered bronze nine-light chandelier.<br><b>Estimate: $4,000–$6,000</b>
A fine and imposing Belle Époque silvered bronze nine-light chandelier.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
A pair of large Corinthian carved architectural capitals.<br><b>Estimate: $800–$1,200</b>
A pair of large Corinthian carved architectural capitals.
Estimate: $800–$1,200

Further bridging history and function is a rare clock tower movement, a mechanical marvel with sculptural appeal estimated at $600–$800. For design aficionados, a pair of Art Deco lounge chairs represents 1930s elegance and modernity, also carrying estimates of $600–$800.


A clock tower movement.<br><b>Estimate: $600–$800</b>
A clock tower movement.
Estimate: $600–$800
A pair of Art Deco lounge chairs.<br><b>Estimate: $600–$800</b>
A pair of Art Deco lounge chairs.
Estimate: $600–$800

Rustic charm is found in a pair of 18th-century French carved walnut cutting boards, rich with patina and history, expected to bring $800–$1,200. A highlight of devotional art in the sale is a Spanish Colonial polychromed wood Santos figure of a woman, distinguished by its expressive carving and colorful finish. It stands as a testament to colonial craftsmanship.


Two French carved walnut cutting boards, 18th century.<br><b>Estimate: $800–$1,200</b>
Two French carved walnut cutting boards, 18th century.
Estimate: $800–$1,200
A Spanish Colonial polychromed wood Santos figure of a woman.<br><b>Estimate: $600–$800</b>
A Spanish Colonial polychromed wood Santos figure of a woman.
Estimate: $600–$800

For collectors of luxury objects d’art, a French walking cane with a 22k gold handle adorned with turquoise and amethyst offers a fusion of opulence and curiosity. Estimated at $800–$1,200, it is one of the more refined personal accessories in the sale. Folk Art also takes a whimsical turn with a painted canvas ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ game, a playful and nostalgic piece valued at $400–$600.


A French 22k gold, turquoise and amethyst walking cane.Estimate: $800–$1,200
A French 22k gold, turquoise and amethyst walking cane.
Estimate: $800–$1,200
A Folk Art painted canvas ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ game.<br><b>Estimate: $400–$600</b>
A Folk Art painted canvas ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ game.
Estimate: $400–$600

Additional curiosities include a collection of factice (dummy) perfume bottles, once used for advertising, now charming collectibles with an estimate of $400–$600. A group of seven Mexican cowrie shell souvenir baskets and a whimsical pair of carved wood heeled clogs continue the theme of cultural craft and novelty, estimated at $400–$600 and $300–$500 respectively.


A collection of factice or dummy perfume bottles.Estimate: $400–$600
A collection of factice or dummy perfume bottles.
Estimate: $400–$600
Seven Mexican souvenir cowrie shell baskets. Estimate: $400–$600
Seven Mexican souvenir cowrie shell baskets.
Estimate: $400–$600
A whimsical pair of Continental carved wood heeled clogs.<br><b> Estimate: $300–$500</b>
A whimsical pair of Continental carved wood heeled clogs.
Estimate: $300–$500

A collector favorite is a Wemyss Ware ceramic seated pig, hand-painted by Joseph Nekola, a delightful example of Scottish ceramic artistry estimated at $500–$700. For those with a taste for the anatomical and academic, a carved écorché study of a man’s head stands out as a rare and introspective piece, estimated at $300–$500.


A Wemyss Ware ceramic seated pig painted by Joseph Nekola.<br><b> Estimate: $500–$700</b>
A Wemyss Ware ceramic seated pig painted by Joseph Nekola.
Estimate: $500–$700
A carved écorché study of a man’s head. Estimate: $300–$500
A carved écorché study of a man’s head.
Estimate: $300–$500

Rounding out the collection is a Black Forest carved lindenwood pedestal jardinière, richly detailed and ideal for interior display, estimated at $500–$700, and a notable group of full-size religious figures from French, Spanish Colonial, and Italian traditions, together estimated between $1,200–$2,500. These figures display the range of devotional artistry across continents and centuries.


A Black Forest carved lindenwood pedestal jardinière.<br><b>Estimate: $500–$700</b>
A Black Forest carved lindenwood pedestal jardinière.
Estimate: $500–$700
A life size Venetian Rococo carved polychrome blackamoor mannequin figure.<br><b>Estimate: $2,500–$3,500</b>
A life size Venetian Rococo carved polychrome blackamoor mannequin figure.
Estimate: $2,500–$3,500
Four miniature English marquetry inlaid tilt-top tables.<br><b>Estimate: $500–$700</b>
Four miniature English marquetry inlaid tilt-top tables.
Estimate: $500–$700

“This auction reflects the truly personal and passionate collecting style of Eddi Van Auken,” said Suzy Pai, Senior Specialist of Furniture & Decorative Arts at Clars. “Each object tells a story, and together they offer a rare and whimsical journey through centuries of design, craftsmanship, and eccentric beauty.”


An Empire style ebonized settee. Estimate: $300–$500
An Empire style ebonized settee.
Estimate: $300–$500
A group of dolls. Estimate: $200–$300
A group of dolls.
Estimate: $200–$300

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