An Andrew Clemens sand art bottle, featured in an episode of Antiques Roadshow filmed at Hot Springs, Ark., in 2002, set a record at Skinners American Furniture and Decorative Arts online auction on Nov. 23, when it sold for $275,000. The most ideal attributes and auction elements were all present: artist, design, condition, provenance, and competitive bidding (the presale estimate was $50,000-$70,000). The meticulously crafted sand art bottle, one of a small group that survives today, was made by Andrew Clemens (1857-94), ca. 1885-90. The 7.25-inch-tall bottle, decorated with an eagle, flag, mortar and pestle, and outstretched arms, was dedicated to Dr. Prosper Harvey Ellsworth From Two Friends. Born in Iowa, Clemens was a young child when he contracted encephalitis, and he later attended the Iowa State School for the Deaf. During his summer breaks, he visited Pikes Peak State Park along the Mississippi River in his home state. At the Pictured Rocks, waters percolating down through the overlying limestones, charged with various minerals, stained the sand with a vibrant palette of natural colors. In bottles of different sizes and types, Clemens constructed works of art grain-by-grain using specially devised tools, fish hooks and wands made of hickory to position the sand into incredibly meticulous detailed images, often patriotic constructs. The bottle was presented to Prosper Harvey Ellsworth. Born in 1838, Ellsworth graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1860. He served as a surgeon in the 106th Illinois Volunteer Infantry before moving to Hot Springs, Ark., in 1866. The bottle descended in the family. The fact that the owner is known and the subject matter is occupational adds to the rarity of the piece, says LaGina Austin, director of Appraisal and Auction Services, and an Arkansas native. The signature label underneath is also rare. The small group of folk art sand bottles by Clemens have greatly escaluated in price via auction in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.skinnerinc.com.