Doyle Presents Upper East Side Collection of George III Furniture and Elizabethan Needlework

Doyle will continue its Special Collections series this August with an auction of fine art, furniture, porcelain, and silver from an Upper East Side private collection. Among the leading lots is a giltwood pier mirror from the 1750s. With conjoined C- and S-scrolls around the frame, the mirror references the style of English cabinetmaker John Linnell. Cresting the mirror is a ho-ho bird with outstretched wings. Modeled after the long-necked Japanese phoenix, ho-ho birds started appearing on Georgian and Rococo furniture in the 18^th century. Designers treated them as symbols of good luck that would add interest to otherwise plain pieces of furniture. 

Other notable furniture items in the auction catalog include a burr and figured walnut bureau bookcase that dates back to the early 1700s. The bureau features a velvet-lined writing surface, etched mirror plates, and several long drawers for storage. Wood engravings from American artist Howard Cook, George III-style sterling silver articles, and a selection of China Trade School artworks are also notable. Visit Doyle’s website for the catalog and to register to bid.