The Vintage Silver Lining

Beautifully crafted sterling silver treasures from two continents are the highlights of this curated vintage silver auction. Take a look below as we tour a few of the standouts from this selected collection.

Capping off more than 50 lots is a George III sterling silver teapot and tea caddy set by John Denziloe of London, 1780. Both the teapot and tea caddy are in a classic oval shape and each is embellished with an ornate border on both the top and bottom rims of the body and around the rim of the lid. Each also has a floral swag and bow motif with an oval cartouche on the sides. The teapot has a wood handle and finial.

George III sterling silver teapot and tea caddy, John Denziloe, London, 1780. Estimate: $4,800-$5,500. Jasper52 image

 

London silversmiths Joseph and John Angell made two ornate sterling silver wine bottle coasters, which are dated 1838. These coasters have tall ornate sides embellished with a pierced design and feature an ornate shell and scroll design around the rim. The bases are wood and each coaster has a large round chased button at the center.

Pair of Victorian sterling silver wine/champagne bottle coasters, Joseph & John Angell, London, 1838. Estimate: $3,100-$3,500. Jasper52 image

 

A sterling silver and enamel vanity set by Henry Matthew of Birmingham, England dates to 1924. Each piece in this set is created in solid silver and embellished with a rich blue guilloche enamel design. The set consists of a hand mirror, a pair of hairbrushes, a pair of clothes brushes, two scent bottles, a jar/pot and a small clock. The bottles and the jar both have lovely cut glass patterns.

Sterling silver and enamel woman’s vanity set made by Henry Matthews, Birmingham, England, 1924, excellent condition. Estimate: $2,200-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

German silver in the sale includes a large pair of well-modeled pheasants. Probably composed of 800 silver, the game birds have hinged wings and date to the 1890s.

Pair of German solid silver pheasants, probably 800 silver, circa. 1890, approx. 22 3/4 in. long x 11 1/4 in. high. Estimate: $3,800-$4,200. Jasper52 image

 

 

A small but colorful silver and enamel clock in the auction was made in Vienna circa 1875. It features a champlevé enamel dial with Roman numerals. The back of the face depicts the mythological Rape of the Sabine Woman in vibrantly colored Viennese enamel. The foot of the clock is also covered with Viennese enameled classical images. A silver gilt and enamel camel stands on a pedestal on the domed foot, and supports the clock on its back. The clock face also has a majestic eagle finial.

Enamel and silver clock, circa 1875 Vienna, Austria, 6 1/2 in. high. Estimate: $4,100-$4,600. Jasper52 image

 

A dozen lots of designer jewelry are included in the auction. Featured is a lovely sterling silver and amethyst bracelet by noted Mexican silver jewelry designer Margot de Taxco.

Margot de Taxco amethyst and sterling silver bracelet, 16 eagle mark, used after 1948, 11/16 in. wide x 7 1/4 in. long. Estimate: $1,100-$1,200. Jasper52 image

6 Impactful Vintage Photoengravings

Photography as an art form became available to a wider audience through photoengraving, which is a photomechanical process for making halftone cuts by photographing an image on a metal plate and then etching. A photoengraving is a plate made by this process, and a print made from such a plate is also called a photoengraving. This week, our specialists have curated a collection of these prints, including the work of some of the foremost photographers of the 20th century.

In this process of photoengraving, the continuous tones of a photograph image were translated into dots through repographic technique that produces a halftone. By means of a basic optical illusion the human eye blends these dots of differing size and spacing back into their continuous tone.

This photoengraving collection boasts some of the most significant names in photography, as well as their distinguished models. Subject matter ranges from portraiture to street photography.

Two names forever linked are American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who lived together in New York City from 1967 to 1972. Mapplethorpe’s photographs of her became the covers for the Patti Smith Group albums, and they remained friends until Mapplethorpe’s death in 1989. An iconic Mapplethorpe portrait of Smith is included in the auction.

Robert Mapplethorpe, ‘Patti Smith,’ 1988, duotone photoengraving, printed in the U.S. in 1989. Jasper52 image

 

Bertram “Bert” Stern (1929-2013) was an American commercial photographer, whose best-known work is arguably “The Last Sitting,” a collection of photographs taken for Vogue of Marilyn Monroe weeks before her death in 1962. The auction includes an intimate portrait of the actress, a black and white photoengraving printed in 1964.

Bert Stern, ‘Marilyn Monroe,’ photoengraving, printed in the U.S. in 1964, 8 x 10 in. Jasper52 image

 

Irving Penn (1917-2009) was an American photographer known for his fashion photography, portraits and still lifes. Penn’s career included work at Vogue magazine. He is represented in the auction with an arresting image titled Chanel Sequined Suit.

Irving Penn, ‘Chanel Sequined Suit,’ quad-tone photoengraving, printed in the U.S., 1991. Approx. 7 x 7 in. Jasper52 image

 

Not as widely known today, Geroge Hoyningen-Huene was a seminal fashion photographer of the 1920s and 1930s. He was born in Russia to Baltic German and American parents and spent his working life in France, England and the United States. Beyond fashion, he was a master portraitist as well from Hollywood stars to other celebrities. His portrait of French fashion designer Madame Lucien Lelong (1889-1958) is one of the stars of this collection.

George Hoyningen-Huene, ‘Madame Lucien Lelong,’ photoengraving, printed in Germany in 1932, 5.5 x 8 in. Jasper52 image

 

Karl Blossfeldt (1865-1932) was a German photographer, sculptor and artist. He is best known for his close-up photographs of plants and living things, published in 1929 as, Urformen der Kunst (Primal forms of Art). ‘Japanese Golden Ball Tree‘ is a classic example of his work.

Karl Blossfeldt, ‘Japanese Golden Ball Tree,’ photoengraving, 1936, printed in: Germany, 7 x 10 in. Jasper52 image

 

Also from Germany is a silhouetted image of people on an amusement park ride. Hans Nordhoff’s image titled Sky was printed in 1936.

Hans Nordhoff, ‘Sky,’ photoengraving, printed in Germany in 1936, 8.5 x 5 in. Jasper52 image

Seiko Watches: Always One Step Ahead

There are many “firsts” in the history of the Seiko Watch Corp. As impressive as that may sound, what is even more remarkable is that those firsts contribute to the current innovation of a company now in its 137th year of operation.

An example of an early Laurel model wristwatch from Seiko, the first of its kind in Japan. One reason for its popularity was its design, suitable for wear by men and women. The Seiko Museum image

One can’t help but wonder what founder Kintaro Hattori might think about the company and creations manufactured by the business he started as a simple clock repair shop in 1881 in Tokyo. Given that a Hattori (Shinji Hattori – a great grandson) remains at the helm of the global company, it’s a good possibility Kintaro would be pleased with how his little watch business has evolved. As of April 2017, Shinji Hattori became chairman of Seiko Watch Corp., while also retaining his role as CEO. Shuji Takahashi moved into the role of president of Seiko, while also serving as president, chief operating officer and chief marketing officer.

Seiko Fact: The company built its first pocket watch in 1895, and in 1913 Seiko brought forth the first Japanese wristwatch, named The Laurel.

Seiko is a business that produces timepieces found on the wrists of explorers journeying to staggering heights atop moutain peaks, to the depths of the world’s oceans, and to both poles. Modern-day adventurers such as Mitsuro Ohba, who is known for his solo treks on foot crossing the Arctic Circle and Antarctica, have worn Seiko watches. Explorers of land and sea aren’t the only ones who have opted to go with a Seiko.

Vintage quartz Seiko pocket watch, a three-register chronograph, 14K gold chain, sold for $1,037 during a July 2017 auction. Hampton Estates Auction image

Seiko watches have made their way into outer space as well. One of the most talked about space adventures involving a Seiko watch was Richard Garriott’s 2008 trip to the International Space Station. It wasn’t just any seiko watch that accompanied Garriott, it was the Seiko Spring Drive Spacewatch, made especially for the mission. It also wasn’t the first time a Garriott wore a Seiko watch in space. Richard Garriott says his decision to venture into space was also about following in his father’s footsteps. In 1973, Owen Garriott traveled aboard Skylab as a NASA astronaut, and again in 1983. During these flights, he too wore Seiko watches.

Stainless steel automatic men’s Seiko wristwatch, circa 1970s, mineral glass on the face, with generic steel bracelet, sold for $605 during an auction in March of 2017. Jasper52 image

Adventurers are not the only history-makers to turn to Seiko watches for timekeeping. The late U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf was also a Seiko wearer. In his New York Times death announcement, the military leader is pictured wearing a Seiko watch on one wrist and a Rolex on the other.

The general explained his practice of wearing two watches in a December 1998 letter to Antiquorum auction house, which accompanied the Seiko Quartz Divers 150 Watch he donated for a charity auction. His note read: “To Whom It May Concern: This letter certifies that the Seiko Quartz Divers 150 Watch, Serial #469576, was owned and worn by me while I was the Commander in Chief of Allied Forces during the Persian Gulf War. I always wore two watches during the war. The one on my left arm was set on Saudi Arabian time and the Seiko on my right arm was set on Eastern Standard Time. That way I could quickly glance at my watches and instantly know the time in both Saudi Arabia and Washington, D.C. Sincerely, H. Norman Schwarzkopf, General, U.S. Army, Retired.” The watch sold for $11,000 at auction in 1999.

Seiko’s ‘First’ First: In 1969 Seiko unveiled the Seiko Astron (Seiko Quartz-Astron 353SQ), which was the world’s first quartz watch. This was a game-changing innovation. It offered an alternative to the mechanical movement used to keep time for nearly a thousand years.

In addition to having a commanding presence in explorations and military movements, the Seiko watch brand has long been associated with sporting events including several past Olympics and World Cup soccer competitions. Seiko watches also make their appearance on the red carpet from time to time, having been on the wrist of actresses including Kristen Stewart and technological icons such as the late Steve Jobs.

Seiko Quartz wristwatch with a white face, black metal bezel, Arabic numeral dials, black leather band, circa 1980s, consigned by Steve Jobs’ longtime house manager, sold for $42,500 at Heritage Auctions in February 2016. Heritage Auctions image

That was a Seiko timepiece on Jobs’ wrist as he held the original Macintosh computer in his lap, in the photo that graced the cover of the October 17, 2011 issue of Time magazine following his death. The photo was take in 1984, and Jobs wore that same watch for decades to come as he and his team at Apple helped define technology in the 21st century.

Global Firsts from Seiko: Having generated great success with its quart watch, Seiko unveiled the first LCD quartz watch with a digital display in 1973, followed by the first multifunctional digital watch in 1975. The 1980s saw more innovation in Seiko’s TV watch, the first analog quartz watch with chronograph, and the first watch to feature computer functions.

For a company whose name is said to mean “success, exquisite, force and truth” in Japanese, it seems Seiko Watch Corp. lives up to its name. However, remaining a relevant and innovative company has meant paving paths into the unseen while staying committed to providing durable and accessible watches and remaining a step ahead in quality and invention.

 

200 Years of Japanese Prints

Travel in time through 200 years of Japanese history and culture. This week’s Japanese woodblock prints auction presents a curated collection of 50 prints, which explore how printmakers of the past impacted the development of modern art. Prints in this catalog range from Nishijima Katsuyuki’s Boat on Shore, a signed and numbered first edition from 1990, to the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa, created by Katsuhika Hokusai in the 1820s.

Nishijima Katsuyuki, ‘Boats on Shore,’ 21 x 14 3/4 inches, 1990, first edition, signed and numbered 116/500. Estimate: $400-$500. Jasper52 image

 

The Great Wave print was purchased at the National Museum of Tokyo about 25 years ago. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He is best known as author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes the internationally recognized The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

Hokusai Katsushika, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa,’ 15 1/2 in. x 10 1/2 in. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Katsuyuki Nishijima (born 1945) is known for his woodblock prints that maintain the tradition and spirit of the ukiyo-e printmakers, while adding his own touch of modern simplicity. His prints show a romantic image of Japan.

The term ukiyo-e translates to “pictures of the floating world” and refers to a genre of Japanese art with a wide span of imagery. This movement was critical in forming the Western perception of Japanese art.

Another first edition in the auction is Silhouette of a Woman with Umbrella by Kamatsu Shiro (1898-1991), a Japanese artist who found success early in his career. Shozaburo Watanabe first saw his work in 1919 and published more than 50 of his prints by the late 1940s. Shiro was a part of the shin-hanga movement, which was created from the late Meiji era until World War II, showing a mixture of traditional Japanese and modern western elements.

Kasamatsu Shiro, ‘Silhouette of a Woman with Umbrella,’ first edition Japanese woodblock print, 5 in. x 10.3 in. Estimate: $200-$250. Jasper52 image

 

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is considered the last great master of the ukiyo-e movement. His Lingering Snow at Asukayama is a Showa era (1926-1898) print published by Adachi from re-carved woodblocks. His approach was more poetic and ambient than the typical ukiyo-e style, and his innovative compositions were a great influence to Western painters.

Ando Hiroshige, ‘Lingering Snow at Asukayama,’ 14 3/4 in. x 10 in., Showa-era edition published by Adachi from re-carved woodblocks. Estimate: $250-$300. Jasper52 image

 

Koitsu Tsuchiya (1879-1949) specialized in landscape images. His 1934 print titled Snow at the Ukimido, Katada is from an edition published in 1946-57 by Watanabe with the publisher’s seal.

Koitsu Tsuchiya, ‘Snow at the Ukimido, Katada,’ 10.3 in x 15.4 in. Estimate: $400-$500. Jasper52 image

 

Another highlight of the collection is an atmospheric image of a Tokyo landmark, Rain at Nihonbashi Bridge, by Noel Nouet. Created in 1936, this print is a later edition from the original block published by Doi on Doi watermarked paper.

Noel Nouet, ‘Rain at Nihonbashi Bridge,’ 10 1/2 in. x 15 1/2 in. Estimate: $400-$500. Jasper52 image