Roland Auctions NY will present its next Multi-Estates auction on September 20th, 2025, including a large, important private collection of over 150 lots of African masks, sculptures and artifacts. This notable, highly-curated collection comes from the Estate of Ronald Blatt, owner of Blatt Billiards, in New York City. Blatt was a very savvy collector most of his life, in many categories, up until his passing in 2024. Various items in the collection are attributed to be from Songye or Luba people, the Woyo people, the Chokwe people and the Baule people, all from areas including the Ivory Coast, the Congo North Nguni, Nigeria and Central Africa, among others.
Antique Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, early-mid 20th century on stepped black plinth. Est $1,000 – $1,200.
This collection will be joined by a very unigue selection of James Mont Mid-Century furniture, mostly circa 1960, from an estate in Cedarhurst Long Island and, of course, Roland’s usual stunning selection of Silver, Decorative Arts, Fine Art, Antiques, jewelry, contemporary art, Asian arts and hundreds of other impressive items in all categories. Previews will be held on Thursday, September 18th and Friday, September 19th from 10am – 6pm.
Collection of Two Mahongwe Bakota (Kota) Reliquary Guardian Figures (Mbulu Ngulu), late 19th-mid 20th century. Estimate $800-$1,000.
Among the most notable items from the Estate of Ronald Blatt are a group of two Antique African Snuff Containers, late 19th/early 20th century, including: a North Nguni wood chain-link snuff container with two carved ball form ends, on a base [7″ L]; and a North Nguni wirework snuff gourd [2.5″ H].. (all) / Jacaranda LLC (all) / Marc Ginzberg Collection (rhino, chain-link) / Bonhams UK (wirework). Estimate $1,500-$3,000, an Antique Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust of a man, A Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, early-mid 20th century, on stepped black plinth. [Sculpture approximately: 15″ H. Estimate $1,000-$1,200, along with another Antique Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, A Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, this one a woman, early-mid 20th century, on stepped black plinth. [Sculpture approximately: 15″ H. Estimate $1,000-$1,200 and a Large Polychrome Carved African Woyo Mask, An Impressive Hand-Carved Polychrome Central African Mask, likely associated with the Woyo people, Congo. [Approximately: 22″ H x 12″ W x 8″ D]. Estimate $800-$1,000.
Group of Three African Hand-Carved and Painted Kifwebe Masks on Stands, 20th century, . Est $1,000 USD – $2,000.
Additional highlights will also include an Ornate Cowrie Shell Decorated Kuba Mask on Stand, A Large Ornate Hand-Carved and Painted Mask on Stand, likely associated with the Kuba people, Central Africa. The ceremonial mask is intricately carved and painted with geometric polychrome designs, surrounded by cowrie shell and beaded adornments, with fur headdress and beard. [Mask approximately: 22″ H; Overall with stand: 33.5″ H]. Estimate $800-$1,000, a Collection of Two Mahongwe Bakota (Kota) Reliquary Guardian Figures (Mbulu Ngulu), late 19th-mid 20th century, Gabon, each wooden sculpture partially encased in copper and bras, raised on black stepped plinths. [Larger figure: 20″ H]. Estimate $800-$1,000, 2 Chokwe African Carved Masks on Stands, Group of Two Hand-Carved African Masks on Stands, possibly associated with the Chokwe people. Including a Chihongo mask surmounted with feathers together with another beaded mask, each having elaborate woven headdresses. [Larger overall (with stand): 15″ H]. Estimate $600-$900 and 2 Carved & Painted African Masks on Stands, Group of Two Hand-Carved and Painted African Masks on Stands, 20th century, including: a Ndoma Portrait Mask, likely associated with the Baule people, Cote d’Ivoire. Together with a Large Helmet Mask with Animal Atop, likely from Congo, possibly associated the Bantu. [Largest overall (with stand): 24″ H]. Estimate $500-$800.
Group of two Antique African Snuff Containers, late 19thearly 20th century. Estimate $1,500-$3,000.
Also from the Estate of Ronald Blatt, the auction will include an Antique Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, early-mid 20th century, on stepped black plinth. [Sculpture approximately: 15″ H]. Estimate $1,000-$1,200, a group of 2 Carved Songye Kifwebe Masks, a group of Two African Hand-Carved Kifwebe Masks, 20th century, likely associated with the Songye or Luba people, Congo. Includes one large mask having striated carved wood, painted white pigment, and woven fibers attached to the back. Together with a smaller example. [Larger: 23″ H]. Estimate $1,000-$2,000, an Ivory Coast Baule Carved Mask on Stand, Large Hand-Carved and Painted African Mask on Stand, having lobed coiffure, the oval face with scarification marks on the forehead, cheeks, and corners of the mouth. [Mask approximately: 16.5″ H; Overall with stand: 23.5″ H].. Estimate $1,000-$2,000, an Antique Yoruba Ife Nigerian Cast Bronze Bust, early-mid 20th century, on stepped black plinth. [Sculpture: 13.5″ H; Overall with base: 16″ H]. Estimate $1,000 – $1,200 and 3 Carved Songye Kifwebe Masks on Stands, Group of Three African Hand-Carved and Painted Kifwebe Masks on Stands, 20th century, likely associated with the Songye or Luba people, Congo. Each striated carved mask with unique painted pigments and features. [Largest overall (with stand): 26″ H]. Estimate $1,000 – $2,000.
Ivory Coast Baule Carved Mask on Stand, Estimate $1,000-$2,000.
Mid-Century furniture is also represented well, with Roland presenting a very unique collection of James Mont furnishings, mostly circa 1960. These pieces will include a pair of James Mont Hollywood Regency Armchairs, circa 1960, with upholstered seat and backrest and square spiral decoration to arms, unsigned. [29.5″ H x 27″ W x 31″ D; seat height: 16″]. Estimate $500-$800 and a James Mont Hollywood Recency Chest and Mirror, circa 1960, comprising a lacquer decorated mirror and a chest with three short over two long drawers with a gilt and acanthus decorated platform to lower, signed James Mont to interior drawer at upper. [Mirror: 48″ H x 34″ W; chest: 31.5″ H x 60″ W x 22″ D]. Estimate $800-1000 (one of six items from a custom James Mont bedroom set), along with other chairs, bedroom pieces, sofas, tables and nightstands.
James Mont Hollywood Recency Chest and Mirror, circa 1960, Estimate $800-$1000.
Credit: artdaily.
