Bukowskis leading auction house in Finland

Bukowskis once again strengthens its position as the leading auction house for Finnish design

This autumn’s Design + Art Helsinki -sale assembled the best of Finnish modern art and design. The popular viewing at Iso Roobertinkatu 12 in Helsinki was visited by a record number of eager bidders, and the eagerness was also evident as the bidding commenced. The sale garnered great interest and Bukowskis is proud to present several record prices for Finnish artists and designers as a result.

”This autumn’s Design + Art Helsinki -sale presented a high-end, balanced range. Our clients have high demands and once again we have met them.” – says Jori Keckman, CEO for Bukowskis in Finland.

The auction’s top lot was Rafael Wardi’s oil painting ”Two women”, which was sold at a record price of 39 939€. The interest for Wardi has increased steadily in the auction market during the last couple of years and ”Two women” is an excellent example of Wardi’s intense expression.

”It is incredibly fantastic to follow the growing interest in Wardi’s art!” – says Laura Pohjola, Bukowskis’ Modern Art Specialist

The design segment also presented several records and iconic Finnish names achieved great sales. Favorites Timo Sarpaneva, Alvar Aalto and Tapio Wirkkala were represented in the auction with iconic objects such as Sarpaneva’s glass sculpture ”Sitting Bird” (final price 17 399€) Alvar Aalto’s ”Savoy” vase in the original green tinted glass (final price 14 336€) and Tapio Wirkkala’s handmade silver plate from 1961 (final price 8 702€).

The popularity for female designers has also increased steadily - both Kyllikki Salmenhaara and Helena Tynell reached new auction records during the sale where Salmenhaara’s ceramic vase was sold for 13 060€ and Tynell’s ”Northern Lights” glass vase for 3 802€.

”It is exceptionally delightful to see new names rise in the top listings of the Finnish design segment, at the same time as the more established names retain their popularity year after year. There is an especially wide and high level of competence in Finnish design and especially the female designers have strengthened their position in the last few years” – says Anna Rosenius, Bukowskis’ Design Specialist.

In the jewellery category the auction was a huge success with Björn Weckström, Liisa Vitali and Tapio Wirkkala as favourites. ”Design jewellery is more popular than ever” says Nina Westerlund, Bukowskis’ Jewellery and Watch specialist. ”Jewellery is appreciated more and more as design objects and noted jewellers have taken a position as some of the most recognizable Finnish names. The characteristic Finnish look is very sought after”.