A life-sized calming calcite monolith contemplation stone is one of the top lots in The Zen Garden auction, presented by Bonhams. It is polished on all sides to reveal the free-form orange hue with its dramatically contrasting black veining. The stone stands 80 inches tall and weighs approximately 1,300 lbs. The offered contemplation stone stands on a Chinese carved custom-fitted wooden base. Each lot in the auction is well suited for a Zen garden.
Another notable lot is a mineral décor piece by Konstantin Libman. It is a large Shattuckite with dendrites intarsia presentation box. This rare stone is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo but acquired its name from the Shattuck copper mine where the mineral was first discovered in Bisbee, Arizona. Shattuckite is a rare copper silicate mineral that has an attractive blue color. Although this mineral is considered excellent for carving, it is rarely seen in the slab form as it appears in this box. The slabs are book-matched along the sides. The hinged lid opens to reveal a wood-lined interior, signed by Konstantin Libman. A Russian master stone cutter, Libman often works with high-quality gems from all over the world. He is also the founder and director of Gems Art Studio. Find the listed items and more on Bonhams auction house and register to place a bid.
The quintessential American jeweler David Webb is best known for making bold, animal-themed statement jewelry that was coveted by the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Diana Vreeland, and Elizabeth Taylor. This Select Estate Finds sale, hosted by Collective Hudson, showcases one of David Webb’s distinctive pieces: a blue enamel diamond platinum bracelet. It features round brilliant-cut diamonds. Webb’s self-taught style of Art Deco abstract geometry is evident with the convex diamond shape links of the bracelet.
Also available is a rare Audemars Piguet gold automatic skeletonized wristwatch. The 18-karat yellow gold watch is decorated with a sapphire crystal display back. The first skeleton watch was created by Audemars Piguet Holding SA in 1934. Founded by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, the company is a renowned Swiss manufacturer of luxury mechanical watches and clocks. Find more interesting online auctions and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
Doyle will soon present a curated auction of fine jewelry and luxury handbags from several private estates. Among the top lots is a white gold and diamond cuff bracelet from Judith Ripka. Founded in 1977, the New York City-based company specializes in luxury jewelry that “fits seamlessly into a woman’s life, forming an enduring emotional connection.” The available bracelet features Judith Ripka’s characteristic bands of diamonds and use of geometric patterns. Also notable is a platinum and diamond pair of rings. Both are signed by American bridal jewelry brand Tacori. One ring bears a sparkling round diamond weighing 2.30 carats with H color and VS2 clarity. Other lots in the catalog include fine jewelry from Buccellati, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Bulgari, and Kurt Wayne.
Many of the luxury handbags offered by Doyle this August come from the estate of a Park Avenue lady. These colorful bags push the boundaries of luxury design. They range from a modest Hermès canvas and blue leather crossbody bag to a Hermès bag with graffiti-style spray paint and a bright yellow smiley face. Other notable bags in the catalog include a Valentino sequin tote bag with flower details, a bubblegum pink Ermanno Scervino calfskin flap bag, a set of two embroidered hemp tote bags, and a retro-style chartreuse handbag from Yves Saint Laurent. Visit Doyle’s website for more information and to place a bid.
Though the traditional crafted baskets were always well-known and popular items in the Nantucket area, it took a relative outsider— José Formoso Reyes, from Luzon, Philippines— to invent and perfect the first covered Nantucket Friendship basket purse. The baskets were so recognizable that those carrying them could recognize each other while passing on the street, thus establishing both name and tradition. The style of these hand baskets is still popular in the area. Several original Friendship baskets can be found in the Late Summer Auction offered by Rafael Osana Auctions this August.
There are many Nantucket-related items in the sale, such as fine art, furniture, textiles, and collectibles. Among the featured art are several pieces by Robert Stark Jr. and Robert E. Nickerson, a street scene by Emile Albert Guppe, and more. There are also several lots of signed Stephen Swift furniture and a Baroque string of white pearls. Visit Bidsquare to find the complete catalog and browse other online auctions.
Haji Jalili has been a sought-after name in the world of Persian rug making since the 1880s. His works were prized among the royal and noble echelons of society. The master weaver’s Tabriz rugs are greatly coveted for their rich copper coloration, elaborate floral and medallion designs and high-grade weave quality. A large silk Tabriz rug by Haji Jalili is a key highlight of the upcoming sale at Nazmiyal Auctions. The 140-year old rare piece features finely-detailed floral motifs in pink, grey, periwinkle, and salmon hues. The use of silk fibers lends a distinct lustrous character and durability.
Another noteworthy Persian antique on offer is a carpet made in Kerman, a major weaving center known for the suppleness of its weaves. Classy pale blue, ivory and rust colors are used to portray vines, florals, and Saz-style leaves. With a vertical and horizontal symmetry, the design brings a sense of balance and harmony to the layout. A huge rug made by the famous Ziegler weavers of Sultanabad also leads the listings. The 19th-century carpet exemplifies the Ziegler style with its expansive rectangular field decorated with a combination of natural and geometric elements. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Nazmiyal Auctions’ website.
Milan-born jeweler and designer Pierino Frascarolo is celebrated for his enamel and gold animal creations crafted during the 1960s. His designs depict whimsical fauna figures adorned with enamel, diamond, and other precious stones. One such Frascarolo piece is a key highlight of Akiba Antiques’ upcoming Heat of the Moment sale. Fashioned in 18-karat gold with green enamel accents, this belt features a leopard-shaped buckle. The figure is decorated with beaded pearls and ruby eyes and stamped “FC Italy Depose 750” on the rear. Another notable enameled lot is a monumental Russian silver Kovsh. The antique swan figure has a handle formed by its two heads and necks. It features eyes made of amethysts, a vermeil interior, leaves carved in relief, and polychrome enamel across the body. An oval boat-shaped object, a Kovsh is a traditional drinking ladle or vessel used in Russia.
A carved Chinese coral sculpture of two coiled dragons is also available. It depicts the dragons pursuing a pearl, flanked by finely-detailed scales with claws, black eyes and tufts at the heads. The figural piece is deftly mounted on a carved wooden base. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit LiveAuctioneers.
Carlo Bugatti was a specialist in Art Nouveau furniture known for his distinctive and lavish designs. Bugatti started manufacturing furniture in Milan in 1880 and received worldwide fame. A large Eastern-style pier mirror by Bugatti is available in the upcoming Style & Splendor: Selections from the Estate of Horst Rechelbacher sale, presented by Revere Auctions. Bugatti’s fondness for Eastern influences can be seen in the ebony wood shelf which is decorated with a marquetry top and metal inlay illustrating bamboo, flowers, and birds.
An unusual chair will be available in the sale as well. The offered item is considered to be a revolutionary piece that exhibits postwar Japan’s developing vitality and ingenuity. Shiro Kuramata is known as one of the most important Japanese designers of the 20th century. Kuramata was primarily recognized for his use of commercial materials such as wire steel mesh and plexiglass to design furniture. Adorned with a standard upholstered armchair, the double seater chair is made of reflective nickel-plated steel mesh. The design was made to challenge the concept of form in furniture design, according to the lot essay. Discover a wide range of fine art, furniture, and jewelry online auctions on Bidsquare.
Fritz William Scholder was a Native American artist known for his works that combined post-modern sensibilities and Pop art. His avant-garde paintings defied the stereotypical depiction of Indigenous people. Scholder’s Dartmouth Portrait (1973) is a key highlight of the upcoming auction of Modern Native American art at Bonhams. The oil on canvas exemplifies Scholder’s characteristic style of using fiery brushwork with an explosion of colors. Hollywood Indian, another painting by Scholder, is a powerful work that depicts a Native American man as an indomitable and stark figure. The acrylic on canvas confronts the conventional perceptions of Native Americans with this un-romanticized portrayal. Kevin Red Star’s Parading Crow Indian Chiefs of Montana also leads the fine art listings. The Native American painter, who is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana, uses mixed media on canvas to depict riders on a ridge.
A Charles Loloma gold cuff bracelet is a noteworthy piece of Hopi jewelry in the sale. The wide bracelet is designed in gold and fashioned with turquoise, coral, ironwood, and lapis lazuli. Loloma was renowned for introducing the use of gemstones and gold in ornaments, a style that broke away from Hopi tradition. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bonhams.
In 1916, the British expeditionary force introduced Proclamation No.1, disregarding the Ottoman currency circulation. The Indian rupee became the universal Iraqi currency. However, the Government of Iraq wanted its own national currency. The issuance of Iraqi banknotes began on March 16, 1932 with continuous efforts from the Iraqi government. The denominations ranged from ¼ dinar to 100 dinars. The upcoming Banknotes auction from Noonans presents multiple PMG-certified Iraqi banknotes. One highlight is a 1942 100 dinars banknote from the Government of Iraq. The Bradbury Wilkinson and Company-printed banknote features King Faisal II’s portrait. It also carries the signatures of Lord Kennet and Ata Amin. Another key lot is a 100 livres specimen from Banque de Syrie et du Liban, Lebanon. The colorful currency with arabesque patterns is sought-after among collectors. The serial number 0.000-000 note depicts mountain ranges in Bsharri and cedar trees on its reverse.
The auction also showcases a two-shilling and six-pence note from England’s Treasury series. These were named Bradbury pounds after John Bradbury, the secretary to the Treasury. The Bradbury notes came into circulation at the start of World War I. These notes were meant to prevent a shortage of gold coins. The available banknote features a side profile crowned portrait of King George V. The reverse side portrays the Houses of Parliament symbol. Also offered is a £1,000 exchequer bill issued on April 19, 1811, world banknotes, and British and Provincial banknotes. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online on Noonans.
Alex Cooper Auctioneers will offer a platinum and diamond wedding band in this Fine Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Coins & Currency, Fashion & Accessories auction. GIA-certified with H color and VVS2 clarity, this 3.00-carat round diamond is set in four prongs and has been soldered with a platinum ring using an adjustable Fingermate shank. The size four wedding band weighs approximately 8.7 grams and includes a GIA Diamond Grading Report.
An 18-karat rose gold Rolex Datejust watch with a 6.25-inch two-toned bracelet will also be available. The watch’s 26-millimeter case contains a pink dial featuring dashes in place of traditional numerals and a magnified date window. Included with this luxury watch are two additional bracelet links, its original box, and string tags. Fine jewelry from Rolex and Cartier; luxury fashion by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci; and coins and currency including Baltimore silver; and complete gold coin sets will also be showcased. Visit Alex Cooper Auctioneers to view the complete catalog and register to bid.
