iGavel Auctions

Update, September 2026: iGavel, founded in 2003 by former Sotheby's specialist Lark Mason, is an online auction platform hosting sales by a network of independently owned auction houses, dealers and appraisers rather than a single auction house.

About iGavel Auctions

iGavel Auctions is a pioneering online auction platform at the forefront of digital art commerce since its founding in 2003 by Lark Mason, a veteran of the traditional auction world who served as a Senior Vice President and specialist in Chinese art at Sotheby's for nearly twenty-five years. It provides a dedicated online marketplace for fine arts, antiques, and collectibles offered by a network of independently owned auction houses, dealers, appraisers, and arts professionals.

Founder's background

Lark Mason joined Sotheby's New York as a general appraiser in 1979 and served in that role until 1985, when he moved to the Chinese Works of Art department, remaining a Senior Vice President and specialist there until 2003. He is also widely known for his regular appearances on the PBS television programme Antiques Roadshow. When he left Sotheby's to found iGavel, he brought deep specialist knowledge, a network of collector relationships, and a clear vision for online auctions.

How the platform works

Rather than acting solely as a single auction house, iGavel serves as a network platform where multiple independently vetted sellers, including auction houses, dealers, and appraisers, offer inventory in a traditional auction-catalogue format entirely online. The network model means that inventory is constantly refreshed by the platform's associate sellers, providing a diverse and eclectic selection. Every lot includes multiple high-resolution images, clear professional descriptions, complete condition reports, and starting bids that serve as reserve prices; this transparency is a hallmark of the iGavel approach and distinguishes it from some less rigorous online platforms.

iGavel guarantees the authenticity and condition of all items listed by its network of associate sellers, backed by Mason's expertise and reputation, giving buyers a level of confidence that can be difficult to find in the broader online auction marketplace.

Categories and notable sales

Asian art is a particular strength, reflecting Mason's personal expertise. In May 2014, iGavel realized a record-setting online sale for a single work of art: a Qianlong-period Chinese hand scroll depicting eminent Chinese generals who subdued Taiwan, which achieved 4,182,000 dollars. A rare pair of Chinese Fahua-style lotus jars and covers from the Qing Dynasty realized 950,000 dollars, far exceeding a pre-sale estimate of 50,000 to 80,000 dollars. Beyond Asian art, iGavel offers fine art, decorative arts including ceramics, glass, silver, and furniture, books and manuscripts, jewellery, and other collectible categories. Through the iGavel and Lark Mason Associates partnership, the estate of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain generated 1,846,575 dollars including buyer's premium across 202 lots, with many items selling for multiples of their estimates.

Buying and selling

While most bidding takes place online, the platform also offers live exhibitions in New York City and New Braunfels, Texas, letting buyers examine and handle property in person before bidding. This hybrid approach bridges the gap between the convenience of online bidding and the tactile experience that collectors of antiques and decorative arts particularly value. The buyer's premium is generally competitive with major online auction platforms, typically 20 to 25 percent, with specific rates disclosed in the conditions for each sale.

Sellers can submit individual consignments through the platform, and the Lark Mason Associates division provides full auction services including appraisal, cataloguing, and marketing; the network model also lets established dealers and smaller auction houses reach a broader audience than they could independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded iGavel Auctions?

Lark Mason, a former Sotheby's Senior Vice President and Chinese art specialist, founded iGavel in 2003.

What guarantee does iGavel offer buyers?

iGavel guarantees the authenticity and condition of all items listed by its network of associate sellers.

How do I consign to iGavel?

Individual consignments can be submitted through the platform, or through the Lark Mason Associates division, which provides full appraisal, cataloguing, and marketing services.