I.M. Chait

Lot 129: Antique Wood Netsuke: Three Masks
Here is a fierce-looking mask -- one of three carved wooden netsuke. They are signed: Kaiho. They have a provenance from the W.M.S. Bigelow collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Bigelow was an astute and important collector of Japanese art for the MFA. There are several pieces cited in this auction with Bigelow and other MFA pedigrees. Look at each.

Lot 164: Song Celadon Glazed Dish
Regular readers of Artfact know that I am especially fond of Song Dynasty porcelain. This Southern Song piece has a beautiful celadon color with the appearance of jade. I understand that it was once believed that such jade-colored celadon would reveal poison in the food.

Lot 260: Antique Woodblock Print By Hiroshige
What a striking landscape is presented in this antique woodblock print by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858). Two others by the same artist are offered in Lot 212.

Lot 265: Japanese Woodblock Print by Hasui
I love the atmospheric effect of this woodblock print by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957). Another beautiful print by the same artist is offered in Lot 264.

Lot 284: Collection of Prints by Sicard
Perhaps this lot of prints by Pierre Sicard and the sculpture of Francois Sicard's wife in Lot 282, are by the French artist designer of spectacular irridescent ceramic wares of the early twentieth century. I may be wrong about this -- yet it is worth some research to place the Sicards in context and acquire both the prints and the sculpture of Lot 282.

Gray's Auctioneers

Lot 70: A metal wine rack and four vintage rolling pins.
Entertaining and useful. Here is a nice metal wine rack with four vintage rolling pins. Nice for the kitchen or pantry.

Lot 72: A group of five vintage tools.
Have you a friend who collects nice hand tools. This is an opportunity to acquire a gift.

Lot 93: An Ancient Greek red figure lid by the Baltimore Painter 4th century B...
It seems astonishing to find listed an ancient Greek 4th century BC red figure lid by the Baltimore painter offered here. Read this entry and go to the Walters Museum in Baltimore to see the volute krater to make comparisons.

Lot 237: A 19th century Venetian carved fruitwood armchai
For its sheer outrageous carving, this Venetian armchair deserves attention.

Lot 306: An American elk antler chandelier by Ron Collier of Horns Unlimited in...
If you have a hunting lodge, this elk antler chandelier would be just the work to acquire. It was made by Ron Collier in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Gorringes

Lot 16: A 19th century turned Blue John lamp stem, 14ins
Blue John is a purple-colored stone (I think it is a calcite) that was mined in England. It is fairly rare to find it used in decorative objects. This lamp base appears to be a fine example with later ormolu and black slate mounts.

Lot 20: A German 17¼ inch Kalliope disc musical box, 35ins
This must be a remarkable German music box. It stands 35 inches high and plays on one base and two treble combs.

Lot 57: After Giambologna, alabaster group of 'The Rape of The Sabine Women',
Probably first acquired as a treasure from a grand tour, this alabaster group of Giambologna's "The Rape of the Sabine Women" recalls the original in Florence, Italy.

Lot 63: A 15th century carved stone relief fragment, English or Netherlandish,...
What a remarkable stone sculpture fragment this seems to be from the 15th century. It depicts a pair of workmen sawing with a frame saw a cross -- depicting the Legend of the True Cross on an oak base.

Lot 93: A mid 19th century Daghestani miquelet lock pistol, believed to have o...
Here is a nineteenth century Daghestani miquelet lock pistol believed to have once belonged to the poet Robert Browning. Read the catalogue entry for more detail about its provenance and a fine description.

Doyle New York

Lot 1065A: Clarkson Stanfield British, 1793-1867 Ships and a Rowboat in Choppy Wa...
Here is a handsome marine painting that shows ships in choppy water. The oil on canvas is by British artist Clarkson Stanfield (1793-1867). The painting is dated 1855.

Lot 1093: (i) Attributed to Jean-Charles Delafosse Seated Mother with a Young Ch...
I admire the beauty of the drawing of the seated mother and child. There is another image in the same lot -- a drawing of a reclining boy in a straw hat.

Lot 1165: [BINDINGS] LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH Works
This year is the 200th since Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's birth. Why not celebrate and acquire the eleven volume set printed in his home town of Cambridge, MA. in 1886? Several other attractive sets of books are offered in this sale. For example, see lots 1158 and 1159.

Lot 1168: George III Silver Coffee Pot
Here is a British silver coffee pot made c. 1768 -- the year when Wigs and Tories separated in Boston and when the Circular Letter was sent by members of the House of MA. Bay to the other colonies. The coffee pot offered here is a handsome 12 1/2" tall.

Lot 1269: Italian Figure of Saint Joseph
Here seems to be a handsome eighteenth century sculpture made in Italy. The carving represents Saint Joseph.

Lot 1292: Continental Baroque Inlaid Walnut Slant Front Desk
What a nice walnut slant front desk from the eighteenth century and from the continent. I like the richly figured wood.

Lot 1296: Queen Anne Inlaid Walnut Chest of Drawers
Here is a chest of drawers of the early eighteenth century that is ornamented with oyster veneer on its top and nicely figured wood on its front.

Lot 1307: Pair of French Baroque Terra Cotta Figures of Lions
For a proud display of a pair of early 18th century terra cotta lions it would be hard to surpass these. They are French and are 34 inches tall.

Lot 1372: George II Silver Tankard
I am impressed with the beautiful ornament on this silver tankard made by John Payne in London c. 1750-51.

Lot 1592: Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated-Bronze Five-Light Candelabra
Handsome Empire early nineteenth century gilt and patinated-bronze candelabra here present a pair of winged female figures.

Lot 603: *A George III mahogany and fret cut Architect's or Draughtsman's table...
This architect's or draughtsman's mahogany table with its drop leaf and pull out slope appeals greatly to me. It is a George III period work.

Lot 637: A Regency mahogany secretaire bookcase, width 3ft 1ins, height 6ft 7in...
If I owned an apartment in London, this would be one of the first pieces of furniture I would acquire -- to provide space for books and a place to keep papers and provide for writing. It is a stylish Regency mahogany secretaire bookcase.

Lot 645: An unusual Regency library table, 2ft 5ins
This elegant library table is of Regency period England. It has candle slides and a reeded tripod base with brass caps and castors for easy mobility.

Lot 696: A George III mahogany single drop flap spider table, 2ft 9ins
This drop flap spider table reminds me of the one that is often depicted in Copley's American portraits -- apparently a studio prop in the eighteenth century. I like the space-conserving nature of this table.

Lot 732: A 17th century oak joint stool, 1ft 6ins
Joint stools were commonly made for everyday seating in seventeenth century America. But they are rare survivors in this country. I would guess that this is a British example.

Swann Auction Galleries

Lot 1: CARD TRAY.
Great documentation is recorded in the engraved legend under the base of this lovely card tray: "Souvenir de l'Exposition Universelle Paris 1858" This French work is therefore dateable to 1858.

Lot 6: CUPS.
In New Orleans I watched with fascination as a lean top hatted street magician perform a classic act with balls in cups of this sort. He kept picking up the cups, as if he had made a mistake, as balls continued to appear until they were literally rolling off the table into the street. No visible source for these balls was evident. It was a stunning performance. The vintage set of ten cups offered here are from mid nineteenth century Europe.

Lot 38: KALANAG'S DOVE PAN.
Here is a dove pan that was once used by Kalanag (Helmut Schreiber, 1903-1963). He would show the pan empty. Then it would burst into flame. After returning the lid to the pan and again removing it, four doves would appear.

Lot 311: (CLOCK.) Dit le Passé et l'Avenir
Here is a magnificently wrought Gilt bronze pendulum clock with a cherub on top wearing a magician's apron and performing the cup and ball act on a table. The clock was made by Caillonet of Paris in the early nineteenth century.

Lot 330: PHYSIQUE AMUSANTE
This large conjuring set was made to provide magicians with devices for their trade -- along with the mysterious pair of Solomon's pillars of the ancient temple so familiar to Masonic lore. Three cups and balls, painted metal pieces, transformation devices and a wand is included. Other conjuring sets are offered in this sale-- for example, see Lot 337 -- an English set for young magicians.

Lot 1419: An Edwardian diamond and sapphire necklace
Now this is a necklace that would please any lady! It dates to the Edwardian period and consists of an abundance of diamonds and one large sapphire pendant. It is beautifully designed.

Lot 1537: John Speed (1542-1629) Map of Cumberland 16.25 x 21.25in.
Many lots of impressive and early engraved maps grace this auction. Here is only one seventeenth century example with highly ornamental coloring.

Lot 1682: Hulfbergh after Colin Campbell Vitruvius Britannica; The Front to the ...
This fine engraving of 1717, depicting the front of the court of Castle Howard, derives from Colin Campbell's Vitruvius Britannica.

Lot 1749: John Smith after Cloisterman Grinling Gibbons and his wife Elizabeth 1...
This mezzotint print (a pricked with rocker or cradle and scraped copper engraving) was made by John Smith (engraver) after Cloisterman (artist) of the famous wood carver Grinling Gibbons and his wife, Elizabeth, in 1691. This is the second of three states of the print. It appears to be an elegant and shimmering print.

Lot 1788: Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck (1597-1662) Dutch Half-length portrait o...
A charming half length portrait of a young boy is signed by the Dutch artist Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck (1597-1662) and dated 1630. The boy holds gloves to symbolize his station in life or expected future attainments in society.

Lot 1825: *James Barry (1741-1806) Irish Studies of gladiators 14.5 x 19in and 1...
The powerful drawing, illustrated in the image of a gladiator, is one of two made by James Barry (1741-1806), Irish.

Charles A. Whitaker Auction Co.

Lot 33: HANDMADE LACE BEDCOVER ITALY c. 1910
What a lovely and finely wrought Italian lace bedcover this is. It was made c. 1910. Note its condition. This work deserves the necessary repairs or conservation.

Lot 40: 4 TAMBOUR LACE CURTAIN PANELS c. 1910
If you have a period window that calls for dressing with lace curtains, then here is an opportunity to acquire just the right panels, c. 1910. If you do use them at windows, be sure to install light-blocking blinds to cut off sunlight that could otherwise quickly destroy this lavisly embroidered cotton net.

Lot 170: GOLD & SILK BROCADE SARI MID 20th C
Silk brocade design in paisley pattern graces this gold and silk brocade Sari of the mid 20th century.

Lot 177: HANDMADE WOOL KASHMIRI SHAWL MID 19th C
Here is a beautifully hand woven Kashmiri shawl of the mid nineteenth century.

Lot 300: 2 PIECES VICTORIAN GARNET JEWELRY
I like Victorian garnet jewelry. This lot offers an oval domed brooch and a triple drop necklace.

Lot 308: 3 GLASS BEAD & BRASS NECKLACES 1930s
Here is a handsome gathering of three glass bead and brass necklaces of the 1930s. Lot 309 is another group of attractive Venetian glass necklaces.

Lot 543: PINSTRIPED SILK AFTERNOON DRESS c. 1870
Period dress of this quality and design deserves attention and care. It can be useful in a period room setting or for display with care on a living person. Period Silk taffeta is, however, frail and should be handled accordingly.

Lot 545: GIRL S SILK DRESS & HIGH BOOTS c. 1870
This silk dress of c. 1870 was made for a girl. It comes with a pair of high boots that are stamped "H. Wireman Plilada." on the sole. It is a beautiful deep dusty rose dfaille 1 - piece day dress.

Lot 663: EMBROIDERED LACE TEA GOWN c. 1905
Here is an elegantly embroidered lace tea gown c. 1905. While there is a small tear on the back of the skirt, the gown is in good condition. It would make a splendid appearance in a magnificent setting of the gilded age.

Lot 732: PINK SATIN GOWN PHILA 1790-1810
Here is a historic dress -- a pink satin gown from Federal period Philadelphia, 1790-1810. It comes from the Campbell-Plumstead-Ross family of Philadelphia. This dress has apparently been carefully treasured and kept away from sunlight as it is in remarkably good condition, despite its age.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Lot 20: (ARCHITECTURE) The Inland Architect
For the student of American architectural history this set of twelve volumes could be essential. It includes a pictorial record of Chicago architecture at the turn of the century and includes plans for the World Columbian Exposition. See also Lot 117 and 118.

Lot 65: (AUTOGRAPHS) A collection of 8 from the archives of Who's Who.
For those who are curious collectors of autographs of Who's Who in America -- here is a treasury. It is a gathering of autographs garnered from writers updating and approving their entries for a new edition.

Lot 67: THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA,
Here is a four volume set of books about "The Birds of California" that should appeal to the ornithologically inclined collector.

Lot 70: BLAKE, WILLIAM AND ROBERT BLAIR
William Blake enthusiasts take note! There are a number of books about Blake offered here. One contains 12 etchings by Blake, together with his portrait. Read the entry for a full account.

Lot 89: BOOK OF KELLS
Here is a facsimile 1990 folio copy of the Book of Kells produced in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is one of only 1480 copies simulating the 8-9th century manuscript produced by Celtic monks. The Book of Kells is a masterpiece of intricately interlaced illumination now residing at Trinity College, Dublin.

Lot 105: (CARTOGRAPHY) Bowditch, Nathaniel
Here is an 1802 edition of Nathaniel Bowditch's The New American Practical Navigator . . . Newburyport, MA. It is hard to now believe, but when I was in the U.S. Navy, the Bowditch book was still in use as I navigated a heavy cruiser in the Atlantic and across into the Mediterranean. A fine sculptural monument honoring Bowditch is near the Bigelow Chapel of Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA. Other images and instruments of this nautical genius are displayed in The Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA.

Eldred's

Lot 9: ALICE BARBER STEPHENS, American, 1858-1932, Interior scene., Mixed med...
I do not know what the story is behind this illustration, but it is charged with emotion and conveys a message that is not exactly pleasant.

Lot 19: STEVAN DOHANOS, American, 1907-1994, The old coal stove., Mixed media ...
This is a little pictorial slice of history made by a first rate American illustrator. The image reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen in Salt Lake City. See also the previous lot for another illustration by Stevan Dohanos.

Lot 57: FREDERIC RODRIGO GRUGER, American, 1871-1953, "The Sectional House"., ...
Frederic Rodrigo Gruger was a fine American illustrator. This image for The Century Magazine of June 1904 tells a visual story about manufactured sectional housing of the early 20th century. Clearly this was not the way that homes were built in the colonial era. But the manufactured sections in this image represent colonial revival architecture.

Lot 106: DANIEL CONTENT, American, 1902-1990, Man and woman hiking., Oil on can...
No doubt in my mind that the artist Daniel Content was an American illustrator under the influence of the great Dean Cornwell. This is evident in the rather abstract patterning of paint of this attractive illustration.

Lot 154: ARTIST UNKNOWN, American, 20th Century, Feeding time., Oil on board, 2...
The unknown artist of this illustration looks like he was having as much fun with telling a pictorial story about boyhood as any painting made by Norman Rockwell.

Lot 237: (MARLON BRANDO) Script for Apocalypse Now.
Here is the draft script for the famous film by Francis Ford Coppola, "Apocalypse Now."

Lot 484: (BINDINGS, VELLUM) A 16th century book in a vellum binding.
A sixteenth century book in a vellum binding. How can anyone with antiquarian taste resist this?

Lot 487: (BIOGRAPHY) Two sets of biographies by Carl Sandburg and by James Bosw...
Carl Sandburg's famous biography of Abraham Lincoln: "The War Years" and James Boswell's "The Life of Samuel Johnson" are both tempting offers.

Lot 580: (EMBLEM BOOKS) Cats, Jacob
Here is an opportunity to acquire an emblem book of 1717 published in Amsterdam -- with woodcut illustrations throughout.

Lot 581: (EXPLORATION) Franklin, Captain John
This is a classic work dealing with Captain John Franklin's exploration of the Polar Sea in 1819-22. It was published in Philadelphia in 1824.