Last chance for majolica treasures: three days full of auction fever!

Last chance for majolica treasures: three days full of auction fever!

In the midst of a wide variety of cultures and contrasts, Magdeburg is a place that combines old and new. Old and modern architecture, the history of destruction and reconstruction as well as the mix of industry and thriving parks on the Elbe characterize the cityscape. But while the city is developing its facets, things are going haywire in the art world.

On December 31, 2024, the State Majolica Manufactory Karlsruhe will cease operations after 123 years. This manufactory, which was founded in 1901, has significantly shaped the German art scene with unique ceramic works of art and has achieved international recognition. For the grand final auction from March 20th to 22nd, 2025, the Berlin auction house Historia has invited all collectors and art lovers to come to the manufactory's former production halls, Ahaweg 6-8, 76131 Karlsruhe. Over 1,500 unique lots will be auctioned here, including many rare designs and unpublished works straight from the archive, with starting bids starting at an unbeatable 100 euros. At historia.de there is more information about the auction times and registration options.

Art auctions in focus

The auctions are becoming increasingly popular. This is also evident in the record-breaking sale of Lisa Brice's painting “After Embah,” which changed hands at Sotheby's for an impressive £4.4 million. The impressive work, created in 2018, combines colorful composition and strong feminist messages and is part of a series that already achieved high prices in 2019. Another highlight was the sale of an orange elephant by Walter Bosse, which changed hands for 950 euros. Such prices show the high demand on the art market, especially at a time when people are looking for ways to invest their money wisely.

The works of Sophie Taeuber Arp, a key figure in Dadaism, have also recently caused a stir. Her work “Relief rond en quatres hauteurs, éléments courbes, coupant(s), cassant(s)” from 1936 achieved over 3 million euros at Christie’s in Paris, doubling the artist’s previous high. The demand for such works of art is growing, and those with a good hand can make great finds at the upcoming auctions.

The art market is changing

The art market is constantly changing and interest in auctions is booming. More and more auction houses are offering platforms for auctioning off art and design objects or antiques. kunstgeschichte.info emphasizes that the auction houses' websites provide current auction dates and catalogs, which makes it easier for collectors to find the right pieces. With a book by Claudia Herstatt, “Fit for the Art Market,” or Erling Kagge’s “A Poor Collector’s Guide to Buying Great Art,” art enthusiasts can gain valuable insights and tips.

Both the upcoming auction of the Staatliche Majolika Manufaktur Karlsruhe and the current sales successes clearly show where the journey is headed. Art is not just an investment, but also an expression of creativity and individuality. Anyone interested in the treasures of majolica should not miss the opportunity to acquire a piece of this impressive history.