Qi Baishi Painting and Donald Deskey Sideboard Consoles Lead Showplace’s Upcoming Auction

Chinese artist Qi Baishi was known for his fanciful and quirky style of paintings. A self-taught painter, he was inspired by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden. He traveled to several picturesque locations in China and eventually settled in Beijing. An ink scroll painting of frogs by Qi Baishi is a key highlight of the upcoming sale at Showplace. Illustrating six frogs, the image is signed in calligraphy with two seals. An oil on canvas portraying a still-life illustration of a bouquet of flowers is another noteworthy artwork in the auction. Attributed to Juan de Arellano, the composition includes morning glories, an iris, a peony, and carnations. The Spanish painter of the Baroque era specialized in floral still-life paintings and was highly influenced by the likes of Daniel Seghers and Mario Nuzzi. 

Two Art Deco sideboard consoles by American industrial designer Donald Deskey also lead the listings. The sideboards feature large drawers and lacquered burlwood. Both were manufactured by Schmieg, Hungate & Kotzian, Inc. in New York City and designed during the 1930s. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming New York City Estate Auction, May 7 sale, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.