THE NELKIN COLLECTION
An Extraordinary Heritage of Quality

Heritage Auctions is honored to handle The Nelkin Collection, property from the estate of Ruth Sylvia Nelkin, late of Stamford, Connecticut, and New York City.

When Ruth Nelkin wasn't occupied with philanthropic work, she spent whatever spare time she had in the company of antiques dealers, galleries and auctioneers, searching for extraordinary works of art. Those who knew her remember a meticulously dressed, fierce negotiator who knew what she wanted and what was needed to acquire it. The Nelkins' varied possessions had one common denominator: quality. She sought and found items of the highest caliber in every category: a precious Russian object one day, a virtuoso piece of French art glass the next, her buying punctuated with pieces of historical Americana, American paintings, Asian ceramics, Wedgwood pottery and objets de vertu of the highest order. Above all, however, was her passion for ukiyo-e, the Japanese art of woodblock printmaking. 

Nearly 5,000 lots from the Nelkin Collection will be offered in several auctions throughout 2024, beginning with a selection of French p âte de verre and followed by sales of Russian Works of Art, Silver and Vertu, Decorative and Asian Arts, American paintings, Jewelry and several major sales of Japanese prints. The Nelkin legacy is present in each item on offer, the majority of which have not seen the market for well over 30 years. Ruth Nelkin safeguarded these treasures during her lifetime, and now other collectors will have the opportunity to benefit from her connoisseurship and exquisite taste, knowing that every purchase will benefit the American Red Cross, Paws for Purple Hearts, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Greenpeace.