Dating back to the Edwardian era, bombé rings have a distinct dome shape. The name originates from the French word for ‘bomb’ and aptly describes the rounded style of the ring. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a coveted engagement band. A diamond bombé ring by Graff is one of the highlights of the upcoming Fine Jewels auction, presented by Sotheby’s. Another key lot is a pair of clip-brooches by Michele Della Valle. Designed to resemble feathers, one is set with calibré-cut buff-top amethysts while the other has peridot. Each of the feathers is highlighted with round diamonds. Also included is a pair of flower-shaped ‘G-One’ earclips by Goshwara. Each one has petals set with cabochon turquoise and round diamond accents.
A set of Bulgari Pigne earclips and matching necklace is also one of the highlighted lots. The gold link necklace is designed with suspended bell-shaped drops pavé-set with round diamonds. Another item of interest is a David Webb gold bangle with a hammered finish, accented with six plaques. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Sotheby’s.
Dino Rosin and his family moved to an island in the Venetian Lagoon known for its glass-making when he was still an infant. By the age of 12, Rosin had left school and joined the local trade, becoming highly regarded for the coloration of his glasswork. Highlighted in the May Exceptional Estates Auction, presented by Blackwell Auctions, is a glass fish sculpture by Dino Rosin from the 1990s. Swirling reds and blues decorate both the fish and its stand. It is signed by the artist.
Representing the United States in this sale is a 1948 baseball-themed poster advertising Chesterfield cigarettes. The advertisement touts Chesterfields as “The Baseball Man’s Cigarette” and backs up the claim with drawings of future Baseball Hall of Fame players Joe DiMaggio and Stan Musial smoking the cigarettes. Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox left fielder, holds up a pack next to his smiling face. Interested watch collectors can consider a Patek Philippe Art Deco wristwatch in this sale. Four diamonds frame the watch face. The piece is engraved “Mrs. F.M. Ferrim, Newton, Mass.” on the back. Register to bid and view each of the lots on Bidsquare.
The blankets and rugs woven by the Navajo people of the Four Corners region of the United States are particularly known for their quality standards. Legend states that the ‘Spider-woman,’ a deity worshipped by the Navajo people, was the one who taught them how to weave. The Pueblo Indians, who lived nearby, also helped spread the practice when they moved to the Four Corners area. Many Navajo rugs do not untie when cut or damaged, a quality attributed to the use of a continuous warp. The upcoming Dealers Relief Auction, offered by New Haven Auctions, highlights a Navajo pictorial weaving from 1930 and a traditional Navajo rug with a geometric pattern.
The sale also features a Civil War 34-star flag. The 34th star on the flag was added upon the admission of Kansas into the Union of the United States on January 29th, 1861. It remained in use until 1863. Among the available paintings is a portrait for Lydia C. Bowker by Joseph Goodhue Chandler. Also offered are etchings by Salvator Rosa, a patinated bronze sculpture by Edward Sanford, wooden decorative arts and furniture, folk art, and glassware. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
The velocipede is typically considered the first bicycle and was patented in 1818 by Karl Drais. It featured solid rubber tires and long spokes on the front wheel to provide a faster and more comfortable ride. The Victor high wheel velocipede was later developed by the Overman Wheel Company of Boston, Massachusetts. One of these bicycles will be featured in the upcoming Spring Auction, offered by Litchfield County Auctions. Made around 1885, it is painted red with alligatoring oxidation throughout. It is labeled under the seat and comes with a stand.
The “overdoor” was intended to connect a door to the ceiling of a room in late 19th– and early 20th –century homes. Highlighted in this auction is a French wrought iron overdoor that is arched with foliate scrolls. Other items included in the auction are oil paintings by Malva and Daniel Gelis, a George II oak and walnut kneehole desk, and a Wedgewood barrel keg. To view the entire catalog and register to bid, visit Invaluable.
A painting from Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna will be featured in the upcoming Russian Works of Art Auction, presented by Doyle. Olga’s childhood was spent in the Imperial Palace in Gatchina, where she began painting under the guidance of K.V. Lemokh and several others. Her early works reveal the lives of the Romanovs in the St. Petersburg and Alexander palaces. They often depict landscapes and still life scenes. The available watercolor painting shows a man boating on a pond. It was a gift from Olga to her biographer, Ian Vorres.
A cloisonné enamel bowl is another standout piece. The parcel-gilt silver bowl has an oval shape with bombé sides. The side handles are cast and sculpted to resemble bear heads. This piece was designed by Feodor Rückert, described by Sotheby’s as “… a pioneer of the Neo-Russian style with exceptional enamel work.” Another highlighted lot is a 17th-century Russian icon depicting the Nativity of the Theotokos. The left side of the piece portrays St. Anna reclining on a bed, with infant Mary and St. Joachim beside her. The background shows an architectural scene. For more information on these lots, visit Invaluable
When Japanese-born ceramicist Hideaki Miyamura saw Chinese Sung Dynasty tea bowls in a book, he was awestruck by their rare glazes. Miyamura began to create new iridescent glazes under the apprenticeship of master potter Shurei Miura. Since then, he has been known for his experimentation with glazing techniques and for recreating the Yohen Tenmoku glaze. Porcelains created by Miyamura are shown in numerous museums, including the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. A vase by Miyamura is among the key lots of the Online Only Decorative Arts auction, presented by Pook & Pook, Inc.
Another decorative piece featured in this auction is a group of carved butterprints. During the 18th and 19th centuries, dairy farmers used prints and molds to decorate their butter once it set. Each farmer would use a stamp specific to their farm. The available group features nature-inspired motifs such as tree rings and leaves. Those interested in household items can also consider a sterling silver tea service. View these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.
Quinn’s Auction Galleries will present masks, jewelry, instruments, and vessels from Africa, South America, and Melanesia in the upcoming Collector’s Series: Ethnographic Arts Auction. Available is a Yoruba Egungun mask from the 20th century. Carved out of wood, this helmet mask resembles a wide face with large protruding eyes, tall hare ears, and decorative scarification marks on both cheeks. Legends associated with the Yoruba community tell that the Egungun masquerade originated during the 17th century. The Yoruba men wear costumes and masks to honor ancestors and the newly deceased during this Egungun festival.
An available 20th-century Asante ceremonial sword is pierced along the outer cutting edge and has a wooden hilt covered with gold sheet. The use of swords in Asante society began near the end of the 16th century when they were used as practical weapons. With time, the swords took on various ideological and ritual roles. Dull blades, sometimes with openwork, show they were not intended to be functional weapons. The auction also presents a wooden figurine of the Madonna and child. Explore the full listings and register to bid for these items on LiveAuctioneers.
Originally from Belgium, Jeanne Toussaint was an influential figure in the fashionable and artistic circles of 20th-century Paris. It was this charisma that attracted Louis Cartier. In 1914, Cartier commissioned French painter George Barbier to draw Dame à la Panthère—a modern, worldly, and alluring woman. Toussaint fell in love with the panther-inspired design and earned the nickname La Panthére for her bold style. However, it was not until 1948 that the design experienced success. The first La Panthére jewel was crafted for the Duchess of Windsor, attracting interest from the European and American elite. A Cartier Panthére necklace from 1970 will be highlighted in the upcoming auction of fine jewelry, presented by Intervendue. The 18-inch necklace features six panthers.
A Palmiero diamond cocktail ring is also available. Set in white gold, the diamonds are placed in a zig-zag pattern. Before launching his jewelry house, Carlo Palmiero spent years experimenting with classical jewelry design while developing his modern style. Another lot of interest is a pair of 18-karat white gold chandelier earrings. This piece is striped with full- and baguette-cut diamonds. Browse the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.
The Rare Books, Autographs, & Maps Auction, offered by Doyle, will feature various Americana documents, including a letter from President George Washington written in the final days of his administration. In the letter, he details some preparations for his return to Mount Vernon. Also of interest in the sale is a collection of maps, many of which detail California and North America.
The Mary K. Young collection of Beatrix Potter (writer and illustrator of Peter Rabbit books) and E. H. Shepard (illustrator of the Winnie the Pooh books) is also available. The collection includes original drawings from both illustrators. A sketch by Pablo Picasso and several signed drawings and animated stills by Charles Schulz will be presented as well.
Beyond the books and illustrations, the auction will offer a ripped greeting card signed by all four members of the Beatles. The autographs were collected at The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. Also up for bid are items signed by Albert Einstein, James Watson and Francis Crick, Guiseppi Verdi, and Bill Wilson (founder of Alcoholics Anonymous). The sale is rounded out with items related to English royals, focusing primarily on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. To learn more about any of these lots and to register to bid, visit Invaluable.
A wristwatch made for racing drivers, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was designed to measure elapsed time and calculate average speeds. The name refers to Daytona, Florida, where racing thrived in the early 20th century. The first series came to be known as the “Paul Newman” Daytona, named after the well-known actor and racer who famously wore it throughout his racing career. A Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona is featured in Fortuna Auction’s upcoming Important Watches sale. Its black dial is designed with applied hour markers, red detailing on the outer track, and chronograph subregisters.
Another highlight is a night-themed Audemars Piguet Millenary watch in 18-karat white gold. It is designed with a diamond-paved extern zone, a blue aventurine off-centered disc, “stardust” decorations, and white gold hands. Also offered is a Jaeger-LeCoultre Skeleton Reverso platinum wristwatch, a limited edition piece with an engraved square face. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare.
