Portrait Of Hawaiian Chiefess Earns Crown In Opfer Auction – Antiques And The Arts Weekly

TIMONIUM, MD — Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc conducted its Annual Eggnog Auction on Thursday, December 14. Among the notable lots were paintings, prints and artwork; jewelry and watches; antique and collectible firearms; carpets; porcelain; and furniture. A portrait, “Liliha, Wife of Boki” in the manner of Charles Bird King (American, 1785-1862), had a regal finish, surpassing its estimate by astonishing margins. Expected within the range of $500-$1,000, the framed 12-by-10-inch half-portrait of the Hawaiian High Chiefess was won by an in-house bidder for $207,000, including buyer’s premium. More information about the Eggnog Auction will be featured in an upcoming issue.