Increasing International Interest

Lempertz auction house, market leader in the fields of African and Oceanic art in Belgium, successfully held the annual auction of African and Oceanic art in their second headquarters in Brussels on 27th January, during the BRAFA art and antiques trade fair.

Lempertz auction house, market leader in the fields of African and Oceanic art in Belgium, successfully held the annual auction of African and Oceanic art in their second headquarters in Brussels on 27th January, during the BRAFA art and antiques trade fair. The fact that the auction took place parallel to the trade fair not only led to a full saleroom at Lempertz's extensive new premises, but also brought together a highly international array of bidders. This increased interest in African and Oceanic art once again confirmed a trend which has been developing throughout previous years.

Lempertz received bids not only from Europe and the USA, but also the Congo. The sales rate lay close to 80%. Among the most profitable sales was lot 240, a 94cm magical power figure of the Songye which sold for €68,000. The biggest surprise came from lot 263, a 7cm high ivory Lega figure from the Congo, which rose in the face of strong competition from the estimate of €1,200 to eventually be purchased by a South German collector for €26,000.

Due to this increased interest and high demand, Lempertz plan to hold a further auction of African and Oceanic art in June during the BRUNEAF trade fair of African and Oceanic art in Brussels.