Two paintings by French artist Jacques-François Delyen headline the first day of the Fine Interiors sale, presented by Sworders. Born in 1684 in Ghent, Belgium, Delyen apprenticed under Parisian artist Nicolas de Largillièrre and specialized in portraits. He later went to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in Paris, where he exhibited his works several times. Jacques-François Delyen executed the available paintings, Aurora Triumphant and Diana and Endymion, in 1752.
Several pieces of Louis XV furniture are also represented in the catalog. The Louis XV era is often dubbed the ‘Golden Age of French Furniture.’ The furniture of this style is characterized by asymmetrical design, curved lines, and the use of giltwood. This includes a pair of Louis XV chairs from the mid-18th-century. The giltwood armchairs have padded seats and backs, curved legs, and a serpentine top rail. Two Chinese cloisonné attendant figures from the early 20th-century are also notable. While one of the figures is a warrior holding a guandao, the other has a gift in his hands. Visit Bidsquare to view more lots and to place a bid.
A large Colombian emerald ring will lead the upcoming Joshua Kodner sale. Flanked by trapezoid-cut diamonds on both sides, the 17.81-carat emerald ring is Gubelin and AGL-certified. A fancy yellow diamond necklace made of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold is also notable. The canary yellow color, caused by traces of nitrogen, is a rare occurrence in diamonds. David Webb’s platinum and 18-karat white gold diamond earrings are also on offer. They have detachable top and bottoms for both day and night wear.
The auction features an intricately carved Chinese jade dragon ship. The massive decorative piece is modeled after the royal vessel used during the Qin dynasty (221 – 206 B.C.E.) by the emperor. Mounted on a wooden base, it depicts nine dragon form heads along with several figures and accents. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare.
The 1992 Rolex Pearlmaster got its name from its five-link ornamental bracelet. This version of the luxury Rolex Lady Datejust features a distinct dial design and signature gem setting. The upcoming Phillips jewelry auction presents an 18-karat white gold Pearlmaster Datejust wristwatch by Rolex. The diamond and sapphire-set watch includes an automatic movement and a hidden crown clasp.
Also showcased is an ancient coin and gold necklace from the Bulgari Monete collection. Nicola Bulgari introduced the Monete collection more than 50 years ago. This contemporary style features coins from the ancient Greek era through the 20th century. The available 18-karat yellow, rose, and white gold necklace with Roman Empire coins shows the combination of Roman glory and modern vogue. Jewelry pieces from Cartier designers such as Aldo Cipullo and Bill Smith are also on offer. One highlight is a diamond and 18-karat gold Maillon necklace by Cartier. The necklace’s links, known as maillon in French, express a geometric rhythm and give the Maillon collection its name.
Other jewelry lots on offer include a pair of opal, Demantoid garnet, and gold earrings by New York-based jewelry brand Taffin. Founded by James Taffin de Givenchy, Taffin is famous for featuring vibrant colored gemstones and unusual substances like ceramic and rubber. The sale also offers jewelry by Harry Winston, Graff, Francisco Costa and Fred Leighton, Jean Parmentier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online on Phillips.
Peter Dean was a software developer who spent his free time collecting and playing board games. He often obtained early editions, special editions, or supporting editions from Kickstarter. After his passing, Dean left behind his extensive collection of games and miniatures. Turner Auctions will present part of his collection in the upcoming Peter Dean Estate of Fantasy/ Sci-Fi Games, Part 1.
Many of the available fantasy games are rare or early editions, including the Collector Edition of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. Though the game has recently been re-released, the available lot is number 303 from the original hand-numbered edition of 1,500. Based on the end of Bilbo Baggins’ quest from the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy epic, the game uses the mechanics first developed in the War of the Ring game. Other featured fantasy game titles in the sale include Star Wars the Card Game, Star Craft, Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy, and others. View any of these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.
Inspired by their customs and traditions, Edward S. Curtis spent his career photographing the lives of Native Americans. He compiled photographs and prints from his many years of travel in a collection of books, together titled The North American Indian. A group of Edward S. Curtis’ cyanotypes from Volume VI of The North American Indian will lead Bonhams’ upcoming The Curtis Studio auction. The set includes 26 cyanotypes and features images of Cheyenne tribes.
A Curtis Studio album of 149 gelatin silver prints taken for the Nai Project is also available. The prints include pictures of the Southwest and Northwest tribes. Some of the photos in this album feature Yakima, Blackfoot, Hopi, and Navajo individuals. A billboard poster for In the Land of the Head Hunters is on offer as well. Rounding out the catalog are Curtis photographs and ephemera from a private collection. Interested bidders can view the full catalog or place a bid online on Bonhams.
Bowmore is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries in Scotland. Featured in Sotheby’s upcoming Finest & Rarest Distilled Spirits auction is a Bowmore Black bottle (59 of 159). The 50-year-old bottle of Scotch was among the Bowmore bottles donated by Beam Suntory, owners of Bowmore Distillery, to Louisville’s Speed Art Museum in Kentucky. The 20ml bottle is the oldest of the 1964 editions and the last to be released of the Bowmore Blacks. The lot comes with a black wooden presentation case.
Another notable Scotch whisky on offer is from the Brora distillery. This distillery operated from 1819 until its closing in 1983. It reopened again earlier this year. Offered in this Sotheby’s auction is a limited edition 40-year-old bottle of single malt whisky that was made in 1972 and numbered 150 out of 160. View the entire catalog of spirits and register to bid by visiting Sotheby’s.
An early Louis XIV Savonnerie carpet headlines the upcoming Vince Camuto: Designer and Collector sale, presented by Christie’s. This carpet from the Savonnerie factory includes elements inspired by the Louis XIII era. Set against a black background, the carpet features a ribbon-tied floral wreath at the center. Acanthus leaves, floral bouquets, woven baskets, garlands, and pomegranates also decorate the vintage rug.
A pair of famille rose vases from the 1750s is also featured in the sale. Characterized by the opaque overglaze of rose colors, famille rose became popular during the reign of the Yongzheng emperor (1722 – 1735). The offered lot depicts two large phoenixes in a fenced garden. Blossoming prunus, chrysanthemum, and peony flowers surround the pair. The shoulders of the vases bear alternating patterns of pink and green fretwork. Beyond decorative art, bidders will find a Louis XVI ormolu-mounted commode from the late 18th century. Those interested in this or any other lot can register to bid on Christie’s.
An Air Jordan 3 + 8 Kobe Bryant pack will lead the Original Air Part II auction, presented by Christie’s and Stadium Goods. The late Kobe Bryant is known for leading his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, to five NBA championships. The brand introduced these limited-edition Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 8 designs in 2016. These shoes were only offered to a select group of Bryant’s friends and family.
Among the 90 available pairs of sneakers, this auction highlights game-worn sneakers, samples, and prototypes from the Air Jordan brand. A Drake x Air Jordan 4 Ovo sample is particularly notable. The Grammy-winning singer collaborated with Air Jordan in 2015. Never released to the public, the shoes feature red and white details. This edition includes unique design elements, such as a metallic gold “Ovo” owl logo on the inner side of the heel tab. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Christie’s.
French artist Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954) had a lasting influence in painting, draughtsmanship, printmaking, and sculpture. His mastery over color made him a prominent figure in the world of modern art. Femme accoudée (Lydia), a crayon on paper by Henri Matisse, is a key highlight of Christie’s upcoming auction. Matisse strongly believed that drawing was the most unadulterated and simplest way of expressing his creativity. The black Conté crayon artwork exemplifies this preference.
Bédouine. Figure aux bandeaux (1947), an aquatint on wove paper with Matisse’s stamped initials, is another leading lot. The artwork bears bold black lines on unprinted white paper. The artist learned innovative printmaking techniques throughout his lifetime. He began working vigorously on aquatints only when he was well into his seventies.
The sale also features Intérieur, la lecture, a lithograph on Chine paper. Matisse executed the piece in 1925 and signed it in pencil. Another notable lithograph from 1923 is Jeune fille assise au bouquet de fleurs. Both artworks depict a striking texture, intricate detailing, and complex patterns. Each available drawing and print by Matisse formerly belonged to the estate of Jacquelyn Miller Matisse. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Christie’s.
In late June, a collection of over 100 antique Persian carpets will be available with Fine Rugs of Chevy Chase. Leading the catalog is an antique Persian Farahan Sarouk carpet from the 1890s. Farahan and Sarouk designs come from Western Iran. Detached floral motifs covering the available carpet are distinctly Sarouk. Farahan (or Feraghan) designs are more geometrical with fading green dye. Farahan Sarouk carpets have double weft and a high knot count.
A silk Persian Qum rug measuring 4’4” x 6’11” is also on offer. The carpet comes from the Qom province in Iran. The warps and wefts in these carpets are made from fine silk to highlight certain details in their elaborate designs. Due to their silk material, these delicate Qum carpets are often displayed as wall hangings. Other notable lots include a vintage Chinese silk rug with a dragon design and antique Persian Qashqai rugs. Find the full catalog and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
