Europe

Numerous tribes inhabit the Cross River state of south-eastern Nigeria, close to the border with Cameroon. Animals of many kinds play a major part in the myths and religions of the area.

Running up a total of over €2m on 600 lots, a smaller number than usual, the May 27 sale held by Ketterer Kunst (23/21% buyer’s premium) in Hamburg produced the book department’s best-ever results.

Our listing of British and Irish book auctions taking place from July 2-13.

Cologne auction house Lempertz (24% buyer’s premium) held a recent sale devoted to the Schwarzach Collection of mortars, which is thought to be the most extensive of its type in Europe, if not worldwide.

Asian auction series now take place around the world throughout the year in the major centres of the art market. Paris held its latest staging this month at the beginning of the French capital’s Temps Fort or high season.

Irish art market makes a sedate journey back to strength as local buyers dominate.

On July 3-4 French auction firm Rossini will be holding a sale entirely dedicated to fans when it offers the collection of Michel Maignan.

A Chinese parcel gilt bronze censer, that was being used to hold tennis balls when first seen by valuers last year, has sold at auction in Switzerland for close to £3.3m.

ATG’s calendar of book auctions taking place in the UK and Ireland from June 18-29, 2019.

Giorgio de Chirico’s 'Nudo dormiente', c.1930, is among the works included in Galerie Alexis Pentcheff’s erotic art exhibition 'Qriosa: Secret Room of Indecent Objects', where it is offered for €200,000.

Folk art (or art populaire as it is known in France) has gained an increased following over the years.

Two astronomical works dating from the 17th century were among the more successful works in a recent German auction.

Berlin auction house Grisebach posted an auction record for the Swiss artist Karl Stauffer-Bern (1857-91) on May 29 when it sold a self-portrait which had been recently restituted to the family of its original Jewish owners.