Museum-Quality Porcelain and Decorative Treasures Take  Center Stage

Collectors of fine porcelain and decorative arts will have plenty to explore in Lion and Unicorn's Connoisseur Fine Porcelain & Objets d'Art, taking place live on July 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM CDT. The 363-lot sale brings together an impressive range of museum-quality porcelain sculptures, decorative objects, framed artwork, paperweights, vases, and collectible accessories from some of the world's most respected makers. From Boehm and Royal Doulton to Cybis, Worcester, Lenox, and Connoisseur, the auction celebrates craftsmanship, artistry, and the enduring appeal of beautifully made decorative objects. Whether you're an established collector searching for a rare addition or someone discovering fine porcelain for the first time, this catalog offers something worth a closer look. 

Boehm's Celebrated Percheron Stallion (Lot 3)
One of the standout lots is the 1950 Boehm Porcelain Percheron Stallion, a sculpture that represents an important chapter in American porcelain history. Created by renowned sculptor Edward M. Boehm, the limited edition of just 100 examples quickly sold out after its release. Its significance extends beyond rarity, one example was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1951, making it among the first Boehm works to receive official museum recognition. The beautifully modeled dapple-gray horse, complete with delicate ribbon details and exceptional hand-painted decoration, reflects the realism and artistry that established Boehm as one of America's premier porcelain studios. For collectors of equestrian art or historic porcelain, this is undoubtedly one of the sale's most important offerings. 

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

An Exquisite Orchid Prototype (Lot 166)
Collectors who appreciate botanical porcelain will be drawn to the Connoisseur Tropical Dawn Orchid Floral Centerpiece, an artist's proof prototype created in England in 1996. Unlike production editions, prototype models offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and are often among the rarest pieces a studio produces. Featuring two fully opened orchid blooms with remarkably lifelike coloration and delicately sculpted foliage, the centerpiece showcases the meticulous hand-painting and craftsmanship for which Connoisseur Studio became known. Every petal appears soft and natural despite being crafted entirely from fine bone china, making this sculpture as much a work of art as it is a decorative object. 

Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000

The Beauty of the Edna Hibel Rose (Lot 49)
Another highlight celebrating floral artistry is the Connoisseur Edna Hibel Rose, issued in 1989 as a limited edition of only 200 pieces. Signed by artist Diane Lewis and inspired by the celebrated work of Edna Hibel, the sculpture transforms a single rose into an elegant display of color, texture, and movement. The subtle shading of the petals and realistic leaves demonstrate the extraordinary level of hand-finishing that distinguishes museum-quality porcelain from mass-produced decorative pieces. Limited editions like this continue to attract collectors because they combine artistic collaboration with exceptional craftsmanship, creating objects that feel both intimate and timeless. 

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

A Rare Pink Rose Prototype (Lot 53)
Floral collectors will also appreciate the Connoisseur Masterpiece Pink Rose Prototype Model AP, another artist's proof that highlights the studio's remarkable attention to detail. Rather than depicting a formal arrangement, this sculpture captures the quiet elegance of a single rose in bloom, allowing every curve of the petals and subtle transition of color to become the focal point. Artist's proofs such as this are seldom encountered on the market, making them especially desirable for collectors seeking pieces that differ from standard production examples. The combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and naturalistic design makes this one of the auction's most distinctive porcelain offerings. 

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

A Sale That Appeals to Every Decorative Arts Collector

While these featured lots command attention, they represent only a small portion of a catalog filled with collectible discoveries. Throughout the sale, bidders will find porcelain birds, animal sculptures, decorative boxes, paperweights, engraved artwork, ornamental plates, and finely crafted vases spanning multiple collecting categories. Well-known names including Royal Doulton, Cybis, Maruri, Duncan Royale, Lenox, and Worcester provide additional opportunities for collectors with diverse interests, whether they focus on English porcelain, wildlife sculpture, floral studies, or classic decorative accessories. The broad selection makes this an approachable auction for newcomers while still offering the rarity and quality that experienced collectors seek.

Fine porcelain occupies a unique place in the decorative arts, blending sculpture, painting, and technical mastery into objects designed to be admired for generations. Connoisseur Fine Porcelain & Objets d'Art reflects that tradition through a carefully curated selection of museum-quality works ranging from historic Boehm sculptures to exceptionally rare Connoisseur artist's proofs. Whether you're searching for an important centerpiece, expanding an established porcelain collection, or simply appreciating the extraordinary artistry behind these hand-crafted works, this auction offers an opportunity to discover pieces that embody elegance, craftsmanship, and lasting collectible appeal.

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