News + Updates – Page 61

5 Exceptional Pieces from Unique Asian Decorative Arts Collection

October 19, 2016

Over 100 pieces are featured in an upcoming Asian Decorative Arts auction. Among this diverse sale are highly collectible and finely painted snuff bottles, dragon plates and vases. Fired in kilns across China, Korea and Japan, these vessels feature a variety of visual languages and techniques. Their balanced proportions and foliate designs harmonize with nature. Below you’ll find five of our favorite pieces from this week’s curated collection:

Ming-style red dragon plate. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000

Featured among the Chinese ceramics is a Ming-style red dragon plate with scallop rim (above) and a Chinese Famille Rose vase (below) hand-decorated in a river landscape with poem inscription.

Chinese Famille Rose vase. Jasper 52 image

Chinese Famille Rose vase. Estimate: $1,500-$3,000. Jasper 52 image

A few modern pieces are included in the auction, such as a Zisha teapot signed Jiang Rong and dated 1958. The vessel (below) is decorated with a molded floret and features a finial in the form of a qilin creature crawling out of the lid.

Zisha teapot signed Jiang Rong, 1958. Estimate: $600-$800

One of the most highly anticipated objects in the sale is a rare 18th century bronze Buddha from Laos. The 42-inch-tall figure is in the Pang Picharana Chara Tham (Contemplating the Truth of Aging) posture. It was cast during the golden age of Lao Buddha images.

Eighteen century bronze Laos Buddha from Laos, 42 inches high. Jasper52 image figure

Eighteen century bronze Laos Buddha. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000. Jasper52 image figure

From Japan comes another desirable item, a 19th century six-panel screen (below) titled The Prayers.

Japanese screen, ‘The Prayers,’ depicting 18 of 36 Immortal Poets, 36 x 96 inches, 1800s. Estimate: $500-$1,000. Jasper52 image

With its tradition of elegant simplicity, Asian decorative art draws an international audience of collectors.

Why This Americana Auction Charms Bidders

October 13, 2016

“They don’t make them like that any more.” The remark commenting favorably on handcrafted made-in-America over the past two centuries certainly applies to more than 50 items in this weekend’s Americana auction. Below you’ll find a few standouts from the eclectic collection.
Highlights range from a hand-painted tin sign pointing the way to an office…

Tin trade sign, circa 1880, New England. Estimate: $700-$800

…to a hand-carved pine watch hutch large enough to hold a Big Ben alarm clock.

Carved pine watch hutch, 1880-1900. Estimate: $825-$1,100

Textiles include an unusual kaleidoscope circular rug and a patchwork quilt depicting row after row of American flags.

Handmade kaleidoscope rug. Estimate: $150-$250

Twentieth-century quilt with graphic rows of American flags. Estimate: $200-$300

Collectors of mechanical cast-iron toys will be entertained by the Punch and Judy bank in the auction.

Punch and Judy mechanical bank, cast iron, late 19th century. Estimate; $500-$700

From a music box playing Christmas carols, to a woodpecker whirligig, these collectibles describe everyday American experiences. They bring a sense of welcome to any home and weave together the threads of rural life.

All Aboard For Vintage Gravure Auction

October 6, 2016

Famous photographic images of the 20th century are being offered in a Jasper52 auction of photogravures on Sunday, Oct. 9. Photogravure is an intaglio printmaking process used for rich, high-quality photo reproduction. This 149-lot sale boasts some of the most revered names in photography. Below are a few standouts from the sale:

Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Behind the Gare St. Lazare, the major railway station in Paris, is one of the most famous photographs ever taken. Using a Leica 35mm camera, Cartier-Bresson captured a man leaping over a large puddle in 1932. The sheet-fed gravure in the auction was printed in Paris in 1952.

Henri Cartier-Bresson innovated street photography, bringing it to a new level in modern art. He thought of his photos as ‘capturing a decisive moment,’ as in ‘Behind the Gare St. Lazare.’

Many of the images in the gravure auction carry a transportation theme, which captivates the attention of photographers. Hungarian photographer Erno Vadas (1899-1962) was one of the most successful photographers in Europe in the 1920s-1930s. His photographs are characterized by the bold contrasts of light and shadow. Vadas’ Locomotive was printed as a sheet-fed gravure in 1936.

Erno Vadas, ‘Locomotive,’ image size: 6 x 8 inches

Although American artist Man Ray (1890-1976) considered himself foremost a painter, he is best known for photography. In addition to one of his “rayograph” self-portraits in the auction, is a gravure titled Sailboat printed in 1931.

Man Ray, ‘Sailboat,’ image size: 9 x 11 inches

The use of small hand-held cameras and improved film helped photographers freeze action with short exposure times. Hungarian-born photographer Martin Munkacsi (1896-1963), who started his career as a sports photographer, applied innovative compositions for his action shots. An example is Motorcycle Rider, which was printed in 1931 by La Neogravure Co. of France.

Martin Munkacsi, ‘Motorcycle Rider,’ image size: 9 x 11 inches

Rounding out the selection of travel-related images is a striking gravure credited to Photo-Union Berlin titled Aeroplane. It was also printed by Le Neogravure Co. in 1930.

Photo-Union Berlin, ‘Aeroplane,’ image size 8.5 x 6.5 inches

All lots in the Jasper52 auction of gravures have estimates of $75-$150, but because there are no reserves will sell to the highest bidders. Register now.

Explore the World Through Beautiful Antique Maps

October 5, 2016

Explore the art and science of cartography in a 61-lot auction of antique maps presented on Sunday, Oct. 9. Unlike their modern counterparts, these early printed maps trace borders that shifted with each expedition into the frontier.

Discover voyagers like Capt. John Smith who plotted landmarks, raced to Caribbean islands, or proved that California was not an island. Produced by leading cartographers of their day, these maps reveal innumerable ways to view the globe. Below you’ll find a few standouts from this week’s collection:

Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali, cum Terris adiacentibus is an attractive map of the Caribbean based on Blaeu’s 1635 chart.

‘Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali, cum Terris adiacentibus’ follows the coastline from Chesapeake Bay to northern South America. Published by Arnoldus Montanus in Amsterdam in 1671. Estimate: $700-$1,200

Virginia and Maryland are included in (Terrae- Mariae) Nova (et) Virginiae Tabula, which is based on Captain John Smith’s first survey of Chesapeake Bay. The map (below) was printed by J. Ogilby and A. Montanus in Amsterdam in 1671.

‘(Terrae- Mariae) Nova (et) Virginiae Tabula,’ 1671, based the Blaeu-Hondius engraving of the Capt. John Smith first survey of the Chesapeake Bay. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

Etats-Unis De L’Amerique Septentrionale Avec Les Isles Royale, De Terre Neuve, De St. Jean, L’Acadie shows the United States in 1785 immediately after the American Revolutionary War. It was printed by F. Delamarche in Paris. The Delamarche family was a dominant force in both map and globe production in France from the late 18th to the latter part of the 19th century.

Having won the American War of Independence, the United States looked to expand westward. This map published in 1785 shows early iteratons of Illinois and Indiana. It measures 18.75 x 24.75. Estimate: $1,100-$2,000. Jasper52 image

Having won the American War of Independence, the United States looked to expand westward. This map published in 1785 shows early iterations of Illinois and Indiana. Estimate: $1,100-$2,000

Unlike early 18th century maps of the Western Hemisphere, a 1715 map made by Joseph Homann page titled Totius Africae shows a more accurate outline of the continent.

‘Totius Africae’ by Joseph Homann, 1715, original color copperplate engraving. Estimate: $200-$500

For explorers who favor fire and ice, there is a 1644 map of Tabuka Islandiae, or Iceland listed.

‘Tabuka Islandiae’ (Iceland), by Hondius/Blaeu, 1644, hand-colored copper plate engraving.Estimate: $250-$450

Peruse the full Antique Maps catalog here and be sure to place an advance bid. Reminder: All bids start at just $1.

Tribal Masks Embody October 2nd African Art Auction

September 28, 2016

The upcoming October 2nd African art auction is composed of more than 40 tribal masks and complemented by related items. Carved out in this collection are masks and objects integral to traditional African ceremonies. Imbued with stylized detail and tremendous depth of meaning, handcrafted African pieces are widely exhibited alongside modern sculptures.

An evocative mask of the Pende people bears a resemblance to Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream paintings. Pende masks were used during rituals involving initiation and education.

Pende mask, carved wood, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 15 x 8 1/2 inches. Estimate: $200-$300

Another eerie mask is by the Songye people, also from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have long been considered superior artisans best known for their pottery and metalwork.

Songye carved wood mask, 8 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches. Estimate: $400-$500

The Lega people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo use masks as vital initiation objects that enforce social order. One of their masks in the auction has a Close Encounters look to it.

Lega carved wood mask, 11 1/2 x 8 4/4 inches. Estimate: $300-$400

Yoruba priests in Nigeria enlist the aid of Osanyin, the spirit of herbal medicines. Osanyin healing staffs were used to ward off the spirits that would “drain the life force out of people” thus making them ill. This healing staff, the opening lot in the sale, dates to the 19th or 20th century.

Yoruba Osanyin bird healing staff. Estimate: $400-$600

Yoruba healers wear masks to drive away evil spirits. The Yoruba people also use masks during funerary ceremonies to embody the spirit of the deceased.

Yoruba carved wood mask, 14 x 8 1/2 inches. Estimate: $200-$300

Rare Antique Isfahan Rug Featured in Upcoming Auction

September 27, 2016

Persian and Chinese rugs and several French tapestries will be featured in a fine collection of colorful textile art items at auction on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Isfahan, the artistic center of Iran, had a reputation of producing magnificent carpets. The rare antique Isfahan carpet in the auction has a beautiful allover floral pattern that is contrasted by a intricate floral border. All natural vegetable dye was used in the making of this lamb’s wool rug, which measures 11 feet by 16 feet 6 inches. It is estimated at $6,500-$11,500.

Rare antique Isfahan rug, 11 x 16 1/2 feet. Estimate: $6,500-$11,500

A handmade Serapi area rug in the sale (below) features a classic geometric central medallion. The rug measures 8 by 10 feet and is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

Geometric Serapi rug, 8 x 10 feet. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

A circa 1930 Mahal Persian rug that measures 9 feet 5 inches by 12 feet also has a $1,000-$1,5000 estimate. Also considered semi-antique is a Persian Heriz in excellent condition. It covers 10 feet 11 inches by 7 feet 9 inches and has a $700-$1,000.

Semi-antique Persian Heriz, 10 feet 11 inches x 7 feet 9 inches. Estimate: $700-$1,000

Having the highest estimate in the sale is a rare antique Ningxia rug from China that features five-toed dragons in the design. This rug is 4 feet 1 inch by 7 feet 2 inches and is estimated at $23,000-$28,000.

Antique Chinese Ningxia rug, 4 feet 1 inch x 7 feet 2 inches. Estimate: $23,000-$28,000

Additional rugs in the 71-lot auction include Kashan, Kazak, Qum, Oushak, Kerman, Hamadan and Peshawar.

Bidding on this week’s auctions starts at $1 and, unless noted, lots are unreserved. View the full catalog of beautiful rugs here.

Decorative Arts Auction where French Fixtures Make Formal Statement

September 21, 2016

Clocks, candelabra, centerpieces and bronze sculptures, all with French origins, will be sold in an upcoming Jasper52 auction, which has no reserves.

An early 19th century bronze and crystal mantel clock is off to a fast start. The antique timepiece stands 22 1/2 inches and has a $5,500-$7,000 estimate.

This French mantel clock retains its original mercury gold pendulum. The early 19th century clock has a $5,500-$7,000 estimate

A French bronze and rouge marble centerpiece in the auction was previously purchased from Christie’s. It is 14 inches high by 9 inches deep and is also expected to sell for a $5,500-$7,000.

Bronze and rouge marble centerpiece. Estimate: $5,500-$7,000

An 18th century French figural centerpiece measures 15 1/2 inches high by 11 inches wide by 5 inches deep. The bronze centerpiece depicts a woman balancing a crystal tray on her head. She is flanked by sheep and chickens. It carries a $3,500-$4,500 estimate.

Bronze centerpiece with original mercury gold and painted eyes. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000

A large pair of candelabra, 29 inches high by 18 1/2 inches high and having five lights each, is expected to reach $3,500-$4,500.

Pair of 19th century bronze candelabra with crystal prisms. Estimate: $3,500-$4,500

French sculptor Auguste Rodin is represented by a life-size bronze sculpture of a human hand. The bronze, signed on the bottom, is estimate at $500-$1,000.

Auguste Rodin bronze sculpture, ‘Hand 2,’ Estimate: $500-$1,000

Additional highlights in the 42-lot sale include of Royal Vienna porcelain plates, Lalique crystal vases, Japanese bronze vases, Chinese ceramics and Italian marble.

Antique Silver Auction Features Time-Honored 19th and 20th Century Silver Pieces

September 20, 2016

Famous names in the art of silversmithing are repeated throughout the catalog of this Sunday’s Jasper52 on September 25th. As the most versatile of precious metals, silver stands as both the backdrop and centerpiece of a tastefully decorated home. The select collection of about three dozen lots opens with a Frantz Hingelberg sterling silver flatware service for 12 in the Thread pattern. The 1940s set consists of 96 pieces and has a $10,000-$12,000 estimate.

Frantz Hingelberg sterling silver flatware Thread pattern, service for 12. Estimate: $10,000-$12,000

Next is a Martelle Art Nouveau sterling silver tray (below) measuring 16.75 inches in diameter. It is inscribed on the bottom “From the Tailors of the Stein-Bloch Co. 1855-1905.” The tray is estimated at $8,000-$10,000.

Martele Art Nouveau sterling silver tray. Estimate $8,000-$10,000.

A Kay Fisker designed sterling silver pitcher (below) for Anton Michelsen has the clean lines of Danish Modern from the 1950s. The 1.5-liter pitcher stands 10.4 inches tall and carries a $5,000-$7,000 estimate.

Kay Fisker for Anton Michelsen sterling silver pitcher. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000

From 1905, a Georg Jensen sterling silver Blossom No. 2 tea caddy of sterling silver (below) is expected to sell for $3,200-$3,900. It stands 5.25 inches high by 3 inches wide.

Georg Jensen sterling silver Blossom No. 2 tea caddy. Estimate; $3,200-$3,900

A fine example of Chinese export silver is found in a finely decorated humidor (below). The 9-by-3-by-6-inch box is Monogrammed “A.G.L.” and dated “16/11/47.” Preauction bidding has drawn closer to the $1,000-$2,000 estimate.

Chinese silver export humidor. Estimate: $1,000-$1,200

Seven lots are Grand Baroque pattern items by Wallace and four lots by Tiffany & Co. are also available. There’s even an Italian sterling silver Judaica etrog box, which has a $600-$800 estimate.

View the fully illustrated catalog presented by Jasper52 – and be sure to register to bid absentee or live on September 25.

Historical & Antiquarian Book Auction on September 25 Highlights Value and Variety

September 19, 2016

With few reserves and low starting bids across the board, Jasper52’s upcoming sale of Historical & Antiquarian Books offers value and variety to eagle-eyed collectors and dealers alike.

First Editition "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, Harper & Row Publishers, 1963. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000

First Edition “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, Harper & Row Publishers, 1963. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000

Beloved children’s book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak starts things off with a first edition of his 1963 classic, Where the Wild Things Are. The scarce first issue dust jacket is present, with only moderate wear (featured above). Sendak is also represented later in the sale with a first edition of Randell Jarrell’s The Bat-Poet featuring Sendak’s illustrations (est. $20-40), and again with a signed early printing of The Juniper Tree and Other Tales from Grimm (est. $50-150).

Several literary lots are on offer, including: a first edition of Henry James’s early story collection Embarrassments, featuring the first book appearance of “The Figure In the Carpet.” This copy bears the bookplate of Arthur Desjardins, radiology professor for the Mayo Foundation and an authority on Hodgkins disease (lot 16, est. $50-150). A handsome two-volume limited edition of the poems of Keats is also up (est. $20-40), as are signed limited editions by contemporary novelists E.L. Doctorow (est. $30-90) and Alison Lurie (below; lot 19, est. $50-150).

“The Truth About Lorin Jones” by Allison Lurie, 1988, Signed limited first edition. Estimate: $50-$150

A range of vernacular and instructional books keeps things interesting. Lot 32 is a copy of The Singer’s Companion. Published in 1860, it showcases music and lyrics for dozens of popular songs, as well as a charming frontispiece illustration, and is in lovely condition in its original publisher’s cloth binding (est. $80-120). A copy of The Good Shepherd Home Cook Book, published in Allentown, PA, in 1911, to raise funds for “crippled orphans, infant orphans, destitute children, old people, and aged or disabled ministers,” appears in its original staple-bound paper wrappers, and features many photos and line drawings (est. $40-70).

Those seeking something more glamorous will be drawn to a first edition of renowned fashion photographer Irving Penn’s beautiful 1980 monograph on Flowers (est. $100-200); as well as to an inscribed copy of A Table at Le Cirque: Stories and Recipes from New York’s Most Legendary Restaurant (est. $20-40).

"Flowers" by Irving Penn, First Edition. Estimate: $100-$200; "A Table at Le Cirque" by Sirio Maccioni and Pamela Fiori, signed Cookbook. Estimate $20-$20

“Flowers” by Irving Penn, First Edition. Estimate: $100-$200; “A Table at Le Cirque” by Sirio Maccioni and Pamela Fiori, signed Cookbook. Estimate $20-$40

An excellent presentation/association copy of Robert Capa’s dramatic book of photos of the Spanish Civil War is also on the block: it bears a gift inscription from Capa’s brother Cornell, a major force in photography in his own right, and a founder of the International Center of Photography (lot 41, est. $50-150).

“Fotografías de Robert Capa sobre la Guerra Civil española,” by Carlos Serrano. Estimate: $50-$100

Finally, a number of compelling historical imprints and documents is offered, including: an unusual American war-related pamphlet, this one entitled “Why Me?” pertaining to the Vietnam War (est. $50-80); a Colonial extract regarding the punishment of “rogues and vagabonds” (est $50-100); and a large, beautifully accomplished English manuscript land indenture on vellum, and affixed with numerous wax seals (est. $100-200).

Erik DuRon has nearly 20 years of experience buying and selling rare books in all fields, first at Bauman Rare Books in New York City, and then independently. He has built collections for diverse clients, and collaborates with and consults for collectors, booksellers and auction houses. He lives in Brooklyn and can be reached at erikduron@msn.com.

Porcelain Figurines Auction Featuring Doulton, Hummel & More

September 1, 2016

The drinking vessel called the toby jug dates to the 18th century when potteries in England produced them for export to the American Colonies. They are named for the character Toby Philpots in the song The Little Brown Jug. Production of these jugs, which typically depict a man holding a jug of beer and a glass, has continued to this day. A few of these delightful jugs, along with other Royal Doulton products, will be sold in an upcoming Jasper52 auction of ceramic collectibles on Sunday, Sept. 18. Highlights from this auction are featured below:

Royal Doulton Toby mug, ‘Happy John’. Estimate: $60-$70. Burlington ‘Made in England’ toby mug. Estimate: $30-$40. Jasper52 images

Not all toby jugs are by Royal Doulton. Some were produced by other British potteries such as Burlington, which is well-known for Cottage Ware – ceramic teapots molded in the shape of English cottages (featured above).

Also listed in the auction are more than a dozen Hummel figurines (below), which were created through the artistry of Berta Hummel, a Franciscan nun called Sister M. Innocentia, by Goebel Art Inc. in Germany beginning in the mid-1930s.

Hummel figurine, ‘Girl Washing Clothes,’ 1957. Estimate: $80-$100. Jasper52 image

Also featured in the auction are Royal Doulton miniature character jugs, tiny versions of the company’s full-size character jugs. Two of the mini jugs in the auction depict Shakespeare’s Falstaff and Herman Melville’s Captain Ahab (below).

Doulton & Co., Falstaff mini Royal Doulton mug. Estimate: $60-$80.; Royal Doulton, Captain Ahab mini Toby Mug. Estimate: $40-$60. Jasper52 images

Don’t miss out on this auction. View the curated porcelain figurine catalog right here.