Classic and Contemporary Art Auction

With much influence of art history, no auction covers the graceful interplay between vintage and modern art like Classic and Contemporary Art Auction. The forthcoming sale may be judged by items of outstanding quality, among their kinds. 

Looking at some of the highlights, an abstract mixed media artwork by Laura Grisi is recognizable and has established value. Her works attempt to leap beyond the boundaries of Italian Pop Art, eager to play with the idea of variability. Besides that, is a 1934 cover page illustration of Parents’ magazine featuring two rosy-cheeked babies by Ellen Pyle. The auction puts forward the works of Earl Staley who opted to layer multiple perceptions into his canvas, visually expressing primitive folklore, classical mythology and history. Never has one been able to discover a piece as timeless as a photograph. And it is worth more when it’s a still of Tom Cruise (1996) and George Harrison (1988) by Alistair Morrison. Find more information about the auction on Bidsquare.

Discovery Sale

A dragon wraps its way around a blue vase with white daisies in bloom. This is the description of one of 700 lots in the upcoming Discovery Sale auction offered by Whitley’s. Lots in this auction range from vases and stoneware to jugs in the shape of William Shakespeare. For all their differences, though, what unites most of these lots are their over-the-top quality. This is an ideal auction for those with a taste for the theatrical. 

With bidding starting at as little as $10, there is something in this auction in everyone’s price range. Among the most striking and affordable lots is a William Shakespeare character jug. The piece was produced in 1992 and was part of a limited 2,500 run by the English ceramic company Royal Doulton. Royal Doulton created many of the most notable pieces in this auction, including a figurine of Henry VIII. The piece is hand-painted in gold gilt. Produced in 1933, there are some age-related issues with the figurine’s condition. These include hairline cracks in Henry VIII’s coat. 

Beyond collectibles, the Discovery Sale also has over two dozen vases. Among the most notable is the previously mentioned blue vase with a dragon and floral design. Like the Henry VIII figurine, there are some issues with the vase’s condition, including chips along the dragon’s body and tail. The auction also includes several flambé vases that are striking for their unusual appearance. Flambé vases have a red porcelain glaze with a distinct purple finish. Those interested in any of these pieces can register to bid online on Whitley’s website

Ancient | Asian | Ethnographic

Roman Bronze Protome - Youthful Mars w/ Plumed Helmet/ Auctiondaily

The ancient Egyptians respected the ibis (a species of bird) enough to mummify them. The Egyptians associated the birds with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. A mummified ibis is available in the upcoming Ancient, Asian, and Ethnographic auction presented by Artemis Gallery. Like the mummified bird, most of the 173 lots in this auction offer a look into previous civilizations.  

The mummified ibis comes with an x-ray showing the bird nestled within the textiles. Both the x-ray and the bird were previously part of a collection at MacMurray College in Illinois. There are several other pieces available in this auction from the ancient Egyptians, including part of an Egyptian coffin lid. The lid fragment is made of sycamore wood. There are small amounts of brown and green pigmentation on the coffin, a peek into what the coffin looked like centuries ago.  

Beyond the ancient Egyptians, there are many other civilizations represented in the upcoming auction, including pottery from the early Americas and Southeast Asia. A Mayan vase is among the most notable pieces. A scene carved on both sides of the vase depicts a lord with a necklace and skirt. Vases, such as this one, were originally given to high-ranking visitors to introduce them to Mayan culture. To this day, they showcase the mythology and priorities of the Mayan people. Those interested in any of these pieces can register to bid online at Bidsquare.

Watches Online: The Driver’s Collection

GMT Master II, Ref. 126710BLRO, A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Bracelet, Circa 2018/AuctionDaily

In collaboration with Bob’s Watches, Sotheby’s presents Watches Online: The Driver’s Collection, a timeless group of 18 driving wristwatches. Since the 1960s, luxury watchmakers have created timepieces for the race car, drawing inspiration from the vehicles’ sleek dashboards. The link to the automobile continues in manufacturing today, and the auction celebrates this union of machinery with the finest names in luxury including Rolex, Omega, Heuer, and Phillipe Nautilus.  

 The extremely rare 1958 Big Crown James Bond Rolex Submariner with “Tropical” dial leads the collection and is the same type as one immortalized by Sean Connery’s 007. It was the Hollywood elite who truly cemented the desirability of the driving watch, and models also worn by mid-century movie stars are especially collectible.   

 Other rare watches include a 1974 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263, which was one of the last stainless steel Daytona chronographs in production, as well an Omega Speedmaster 2998 with “Tropical” dial from 1960. There are also watches with a modern provenance, including a near-perfect Patek Phillipe Nautilus ref. 3710/1A, which had a very limited run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. To view the complete luxury watch collection and register to bid, go to Sotheby’s

Fine Silver Collection Part 4 & Other Estates

Showplace Antique + Design Center presents the resplendent Fine Silver Collection Part 4 & Other Estates auction.  The collection contains over 350 lots of outstanding artistry in such categories as silver, fine art, furniture, Asian arts, and decorative arts as well as fashion and jewelry. A treasure trove for decorators and private collectors, the auction holds an array of pieces that would complement any designer home.

Objects from the silver collection harken back to eras in which pieces were filigreed and personalized with family crests, polished and passed down for generations. Many silver items were made over two hundred years ago by master craftsman and include several tea services, pendants and pillboxes from this era.  

Showcased items also include a magnificent 19th Century English silver centerpiece in the Baroque manner, marked Horace Woodward & Co. Ltd., as well as an early 19th century hinged paperweight with flecked rock crystal and agate.  Other categories include several Pre-Columbian pieces, ornamental jewelry, and designer clothes by such luminaries as Escada and Valentino.  

Rounding out the auction is the furniture component with a selection of excellent mid-century pieces such as a modern Italian sideboard with an enameled metal decorative mount.  This unique auction is timeless in its very incorporation of multiple design styles and eras. To view the complete catalogue and bidding registration go to Bidsquare.

Rocking Out the Summer

In 1967, a modest magazine released its very first issue with an unlikely lead actor as its cover image. That magazine was Rolling Stone. The actor was John Lenon, of course, better known for his music, staring in the film “How I Won The War”. The Rocking Out the Summer 2019 auction presented by Clements offers iconic collectibles such as the first issue of Rolling Stone. 

Another collectible with a high estimated value is Elvis Presley’s “Super Fly” long coat. Elvis owned and used this “Super Fly” coat along with at least eight others. Another “Super Fly” coat was even featured in an episode of History’s “Pawn Stars” and sold for over twice the price of this coat’s estimated value. 

Beyond collectibles, this auction features numerous furniture items. This includes a bureau plat (also known as a writing table) created and signed by Paul Sormani. Sormani was a notable 19th Century French cabinet maker. The desk includes three drawers and three faux doors with Louis XV-style embellishments. Speaking of Louis XV style, another featured lot is a pair of Louis XV style fauteuils. Fauteuils are wooden seats with an armchair form. The auction also features a large selection of furniture, decorative arts, and Asian works of art. View each lot and register to bid online on Bidsquare

Studio Fine Art

Art is a perspective and a portrayal of unconditional human originality. Art, especially paintings, appeal to the senses. Presenting such appealing portrayals is John Moran Auctions at Studio Fine Art auction, this month. 

The collection is essentially defined by seascape and landscape paintings as the total combines to be 86 among the 224 lots. Exploring items from well-known and undiscovered 19th and 20th-century artists, the curation might be a delightful bargain for the collectors. 

The diversity of artists ranges from Joichi Hoshi to Edwin Deakin. Hoshi is a Japanese engraver who specializes in inspirational woodblock prints. His works depict naturally assembled trees. Edwin Deakin, the first artist to paint all 21 missions of California is known for his romanticized landscapes and ingenious use of colors. Not only that, one can also bid for the nudes by Mabel Alvarez whose works are often considered introspective and spiritual. Don’t forget to bid for the favorite items ranging from $200-$8,000 please visit John Moran Auctions.

Majolica Auction

Alderfer Auction

Imagine a piece of Italian history decorating a flower bed or an entryway.  Majolica is a Middle Eastern tin-glazed pottery that dates to the Italian Renaissance period, during which time the pottery was being exported into Italy through the Isle of Majorca.  The colored pieces are often on a white background and usually depict historical or mythical scenes. Such are the pieces in the Majolica Auction offered by Alderfer Auction.  

Highlighted in the auction is a Majolica jardinière and pedestal.  These matching pieces are painted black with strategically placed brown mythical creatures.  The jardinière and pedestal would be great for a small rose bush, pretty hydrangeas or any combination of small flowers and plants.  Another item in the auction is a Majolica umbrella stand. This stand features a black heron standing in front of a tall green grass and pink flowers.  The stand is 17” in height and 8” in diameter making it perfect for holding an umbrella by the entryway. Also included is also a Majolica pedestal painted light brown and covered in light green and brown grapes and green leaves.  The pedestal would be a great centerpiece outdoors or in. Additional pieces in the auction consist of plaques, serving pieces, center bowls, and more. Visit Alderfer Auction to view all 35 pieces.

Americana Auction

Americana is the heart of what this country is founded upon; hard work, determination, and love.  Alderfer Auction delivers the best of this with the Americana Auction.  A cast iron coffee mill featuring an eagle on top is highlighted in the auction.  This antique coffee grinder, produced by Enterprise Manufacturing company in 1873, is a great addition to any Americana collection. 

For those who want a piece of Americana history, a primitive oak ice chest with brass hardware is available. The chest dates back to the days of ice harvesting, between mid-19th century until the 1930s.  Also included is an old-fashioned 10-foot table made of pine.  This beautiful table with a seven-plank top and six tapered legs would be perfect for family get-togethers in the country.  A wooden rocking horse toy, a wooden step back cupboard with a hutch and a Kaukauna butter crock might bring back fond memories of visiting your grandparents’ farmhouse.  To view the entire collection, visit Alderfer Auction today.

Otto Penzler Book Auction Part 2, Internet & Absentee Bids Only!

Entertaining, and more precisely enlightening; these are a few characteristics books with hold. From centuries, books have been disseminating credible information and countless stories. What’s even more appealing about them is that they can capture the essence of human evolutions and emotions. That is why books are often regarded as one’s best friend. Featuring such books is Weiss Auctions at their Otto Penzler Book Auction Part 2.

With internet and absentee bids only, the collection categorizes 150 lots into detective and mystery. With a total of 7 books and the highest estimated value of $500, Gavin Holt’s books are the highlights of the auction. His featured books include Ivory Ladies and The Golden Witch. Another notable author in the selection is Frederic Brown. Brown is known for his remarkable plotting devices and surprise endings with the addition of humor in his short stories. These aforementioned works and their likes can only be found at Weiss Auction. Bids start from $100 – $500.