A Lineup of Famous Names in Jewelry

Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bulgari are several of the famous names that stand out in a diverse mix of contemporary and designer jewelry offered in this week’s collection. Whether you’re on the hunt for an iconic designer piece, or a one-of-a-kind contemporary item, this curated auction has a gem for you. Take a look at the highlights from the collection below.

Among the fine estate jewelry coming up for bids in the sale is an 18K gold snake ring from Bulgari’s Tubogas Collection. The ring features a rich red cabochon ruby.

Bulgari Tubogas 18K gold and cabochon ruby snake ring. Estimate: $3,250-$3,500. Jasper52 image

 

Golfers will love the Cartier 18K white gold cuff links set in the form of a golf ball and tee. Each cuff link is marked “Cartier, 750” with reference numbers, the maker’s mark, and a French 18K gold assay mark. The set dates to circa 1990.

Cartier 18K white gold cuff links, 12 grams. Estimate: $1,850-$2,225. Jasper52 image

 

Prolific 20th-century artist Salvador Dali designed an 18K yellow gold pendant necklace in the likeness of Carmen from the famous Georges Bizet opera. The pendant is marked #9 of an edition of 1,000 and measures 1.25 inches tall. It is also marked with “Dali, 18K, 750” and has a 16.5 inch long chain with rose-like links.

18K yellow gold pendant necklace designed by Salvador Dali, 31.5 grams. Estimate: $3,650-$3,950. Jasper52 image

 

French fashion designer Paloma Picasso, widely known for her jewelry designs for Tiffany & Co., is represented in the auction with an 18K yellow gold ring of double hearts intertwined. The ring is signed “Paloma Picasso T&Co.”

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso double loving heart ring, 18K gold, 10.2 grams. Estimate: $625-$6540. Jasper52 image

 

Another stunning contemporary ring in the collection is a John Hardy sterling silver ring set with a Batu smoky quartz gemstone. The ring is new without tags.

John Hardy sterling silver and Batu smoky quartz ring. Estimate: $1,700-$1,900. Jasper52 image

 

Several pieces in this collection are in the form of wildlife, including an alligator sterling cuff and matching pendant by Judith Ripka.

Judith Ripka alligator sterling pendant and cuff bracelet, .925 silver. Estimate: $120-$140. Jasper52 image

 

View the full collection and decide which pieces you’ll be adding to your jewelry box.

A Coin Glossary for Aspiring Numismatists

Numismatics, or coin collecting, has its own lexicon, which can be bewildering to anyone new to the hobby. Popular nicknames of U.S. coins, such as wheat penny, buffalo nickel (it’s actually a bison) or Mercury dime (which neither depicts the Roman god nor has any mercury content), are also confusing. Use the following glossary to learn the basic lingo used by collectors of U.S. coins and soon you, too, will sound like an expert.

Bag marks: Surface abrasions found on coins as a result of coins striking the surfaces of other coins during bagging and shipping.

Buffalo nickel: Nickname given to the Indian head 5-cent coin issued from 1913 to 1938. The nickname is incorrectly used, however, because U.S. coins are usually named after their obverse (front-side) design. The animal depicted on the reverse side of the coin is a bison, not a buffalo.

Coin: A piece of metal, marked with a device and issued by a government for use as money.

The Winged Liberty Head dime is nicknamed the Mercury dime because of its resemblance to the Roman god. It was designed by Adolph Weinman and engraved by Charles Barber. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and The Chivalrous Collector Ltd.

Clad: Coin that has a core of base metal, such as copper, and surface layers of a more valuable metal, like copper-nickel. U.S. dimes, quarters and half dollars minted since 1965 are a clad coinage.

Denomination: The face value of a coin; the amount of money it is worth as legal tender.

Die: A metal punch, the face of which carries an intaglio or incuse mirror image to be impressed on one side of a planchet.

Double Eagle: A $20 gold coin of the United States.

Eagle: A U.S. $10 gold coin.

Grading: Since the mid-20th century, the American Numismatic Association has used a 1-70 numbering scale, where 70 represents a perfect specimen and 1 represents a barely identifiable coin. Descriptions and numeric grades for coins (from highest to lowest) are as follows:

  • Mint State (MS) 60-70
  • Uncirculated (UNC)
  • About/Almost Uncirculated (AU) 50, 53, 55, 58
  • Extremely Fine (XF or EF) 40, 45
  • Very Fine (VF) 20, 25, 30, 35
  • Fine (F) 12, 15
  • Very Good (VG) 8, 10
  • Good (G) 4, 6
  • About Good (AG) 3
  • Fair (F) 2
  • Poor (P) 1

Half Eagle: A U.S. $5 gold coin.

The Indian Head 5-cent coin is nicknamed the buffalo nickel. It was designed by James Earle Fraser and engraved by Charles Barber. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Rago Arts and Auction Center

Indian Head cent: U.S. cent designed and engraved by James A. Longacre and issued 1859 to 1909. Also called Wreath, or Wreath and Shield, for the designs on the reverse.

Large cent: Refers to the U.S. cents of 1793-1857, with diameters between 26-29 millimeters, depending on the year it was struck.

Legal tender: Currency (coins or paper money) explicitly determined by a government to be acceptable in the discharge of debts.

Mint mark: A letter or other symbol indicating the mint of origin. U.S. coinage began at the Philadelphia Mint in 1793.

Obverse of the Morgan silver dollar, which depicts a profile portrait of Liberty. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Capo Auction

Morgan dollar: A U.S. silver dollar minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. The coin was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver. The obverse depicts a profile portrait representing Liberty, while the reverse depicts an eagle with wings outstretched.

NickelThe common – but factually incorrect – name for the U.S. 5-cent piece. In the 19th century copper-nickel cents and 3-cent coins were also nicknamed “nickel.”

Obverse: The side of a coin that bears the principal design, often as described by the issuing authority. In a coin toss, the obverse is known as “heads.”

1935 was the last year the U.S. Mint issued the Peace dollar, which was composed of 90 percent silver. The coin was the result of a competition to find designs emblematic of peace. The reverse depicts an American bald eagle at rest clutching an olive branch, with the legend ‘Peace.’ Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Lyn Knight Auctions

Peace dollar: A U.S. dollar coin minted from 1921 to 1928, and again in 1934 and 1935. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the coin was the result of a competition to find designs emblematic of peace. Its obverse represents the head and neck of the Goddess of Liberty in profile, and the reverse depicts a bald eagle at rest clutching an olive branch, with the legend “Peace.” It was the last United States dollar coin to be struck for circulation in silver.

Planchet: A plain, round metal disk which, when placed between the dies and struck, becomes a coin; also called a flan or blank.

Proof coinage: Special early samples of a coin issue, historically made for checking the dies and for archival purposes, but nowadays often struck in greater numbers specially for coin collectors. Preparation of a proof striking usually involved polishing of the dies. They can usually be distinguished from normal circulation coins by their sharper rims and design, as well as much smoother “fields” – the blank areas are not part of the coin’s design.

Mercury dime: Nickname for the Winged Liberty Head dime issued from 1916 to 1945. Composed of 90 percent silver, 10 percent copper.

Mint mark: On U.S. coinage, a letter or letters indicating the mint where the coin was produced. Mint marks in the United States coinage include P for the Philadelphia Mint, D for the Denver Mint, S for the San Francisco Mint, and W for the West Point Mint. In the past, CC for the Carson City Mint, C for the Charlotte Mint, D for the Dahlonega Mint, and O for the New Orleans Mint were used.

Reverse: The side opposite the obverse, usually the side with the denomination. In a coin toss, the reverse is known as “tails.”

Standing Liberty quarter: A U.S. 25-cent coin issued from 1916 to 1930. It features the goddess Liberty on one side and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The coin was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil.

Steel war penny: 1943 U.S. cents were struck in steel due to wartime shortages of copper. The Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco mints each produced these 1943 Lincoln cents. The unique composition of the coin (low-grade steel coated with zinc, instead of the usual bronze composition) has led to various nicknames, such as wartime cent and steelie. The 1943 steel cent features the same Victor David Brenner design for the Lincoln cent, which had been in use since 1909.

U.S. Mint: Produces circulating coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce; also controls the movement of bullion. There are four active coin-producing mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.

Walking Liberty: A U.S. half dollar that was introduced in 1916, which depicts a Walking Liberty figure, while the reverse depicts an eagle.

Wheat penny: U.S. Lincoln cent issued from 1909 (the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth) to 1958. Designed by Victor D. Brenner and engraved by Charles Barber, the coin takes its nickname for the “wheat ears” design on its reverse.

Antique European Maps Take You on a Journey in Time

Taking into consideration cartographers in past centuries did not have space satellites or even aircraft to aid them in mapping the world, their work that survives is remarkable not only for its place in illustrating but also for its artistic beauty. This week’s online collection of fine antique European maps brings forward the impressive talent early-century mapmakers had in creating their works.

An appropriate starting point is an Abraham Ortelius map of Europe, published in Antwerp in 1584 (the first edition was published in 1570). A ship sails in the stipple engraved ocean below the title cartouche, which features Europa riding a bull. The hand-colored, copperplate engraving is rated in “very good” condition and is estimated at $1,100-$1,250.

Abraham Ortelius: Map of Europe, 1584, Antwerp, hand-colored, copperplate engraving, 13 1/2 x 18 1/4 in. (34.2 x 46 cm). Estimate: $1,100-$1,250. Jasper52 image

 

Published in Amsterdam in 1660 is J. Janssonius’ sea chart of the British Isles, a beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraving that is expected to cruise to $1,300-$1,400.

J. Janssonius: Sea Chart of British Isles, Gold Leaf, 1660, hand-colored copperplate engraving, 17.1 x 21.9 in. (43.5 x 55.5 cm). Estimate: $1,300-$1,400 Jasper52 image

 

A large atlas wall map of Western Europe, published in 1756 by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, is printed on thick, good quality paper. Suitable for farming, the hand-colored map is estimated at $775-$875.

Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville: Premiere partie de la carte d’Europe, folding map, 1756, 40 x 33 inches (102 x 84 cm). Estimate: $775-$875. Jasper52 image

 

Barcelona, the great Mediterranean port city, is the subject of a plan map by Seutter of Augsburg, Germany. Dated 1740, the map contains a detailed plan of the Catalan capital contemporary color, with an uncolored view of the city below. Both plan and view include keys to major monuments, fortifications, thoroughfares, squares and gates.

Seutter: Plan of Barcelona, 1740, Augsburg, Germany, 22 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. Estimate: $550-$625. Jasper52 image

 

The unmistakable outline of Italy’s boot stands out in a highly detailed map of the Kingdom of Naples, published by Nolin of Paris in 1742. Dedicated to Philip V of Spain, the map includes a lengthy text block on the “Geographical and Historical Division of the Kingdom of Naples;” a letter key to symbols indicating archbishoprics, “royal fiefs,” duchies, counties, and various political and geographic features. Its superb title cartouche is held aloft by a sea monster.

Nolin: Le Royaume de Naples, 1742, Paris, 18 1/2 x 22 1/4 in. Estimate: $350-$375. Jasper52 image

 

An 1801 German map of Sicily by Goetze of Weimar has an elegant title cartouche and an inset map of the Maltese Islands. The delicately colored map has a $350-$375 estimate.

Goetze: map of Sicily and Malta, 1801, Weimar, Germany, 22 x 17 1/4 in. Estimate: $350-$375. Jasper52 image

 

Explore Europe and view the full catalog of antique European maps here.

How to Care for Luxury Estate Jewelry

Whether it’s an heirloom passed down through generations of your own family or an eye-catching treasure purchased at auction, luxury estate jewelry deserves special attention to keep it at its sparkling best. But one might ask, how is that best achieved, and more importantly, how can a jewelry owner be sure that the cleaning product they’re using is safe for both the gemstones and the precious-metal setting?

We have the answers. But before we get to that, let’s stress what any estate jeweler would tell you: It’s important to maintain fine jewelry. The longer you wait between cleanings, the greater the potential for loss of shine. But don’t let the process of cleaning your luxury estate jewelry intimidate you. It’s definitely something you can do yourself, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Aletto Bros. Colombian emerald and diamond earrings. LiveAuctioneers/Fortuna Auction image

Tip: Before you begin, take the time to bring your estate jewelry to a trusted jeweler for an inspection.

This is something you should do periodically. It shouldn’t cost much, and in some cases jewelers won’t charge you at all.

One of the most common processes to restore the sparkle to estate jewelry that has dulled is available in every household: soap and water.

Estate Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring, brilliant cut. Jasper52 image

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the same organization that first brought to light the ‘4 Cs – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut),’ most colored gems can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Keep in mind, the soap should not be automatic dishwasher soap or hand soap. Also, although obvious, the GIA advises rinsing jewelry in a glass of water, and not directly in the sink.

With a business built on the belief that jewelry should be worn and adored, the multinational Hueb jewelry company, now led by third generation Hueb family members offers several recommendations.

Tip: To brighten gold jewelry and mounted stones, use a minute amount of mild dish soap combined with club soda. After cleaning with the bubbly mixture, carefully rinse the piece with fresh, cold water and dry with a soft cloth.

Cartier platinum, sapphire and aquamarine brooch. LiveAuctioneers/Brunk Auctions image

“Studies show that the bubbles in club soda are very effective for removing debris in hard-to-reach corners,” Hueb site states.

When it comes to more porous stones, including pearls and turquoise pieces, Hueb’s specific advice is: Never soak them as a method of cleaning.

Purchasing a polishing cloth made specifically for jewelry is an inexpensive, but worthwhile investment. If you opt to use your own cloth, make sure you don’t use it for anything other than polishing jewelry.

Some say the device used to clean a piece of estate jewelry is as important as the cleaning concoction. The Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company says to use a “new, baby-size soft toothbrush.”

Antique Georgian rose-cut diamond, gold and silver lady’s chocker necklace. LiveAuctioneers/Kodner Galleries image

In addition, if you remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you’ll be familiar with another bit of advice Jewelers Mutual offers: Make sure the water you use isn’t too hot or too cold, but just right. Gemstones don’t react well to extreme changes in temperature.

A little loving care can go a long way toward keeping the sparkle and shine in your favorite luxury estate gems and jewels. They’ve lasted this long, and if you give them the attention they deserve, they’ll retain their beauty for many years to come.

 

A Luxury Tour of Antique Silver

From Spratling to Georg Jensen, this collection of antique and vintage silver features renowned names in silver-making and highlights skill and artistry. With these pieces from the 18th through to the 20th century, you can discover an alluring assortment of silver that is sure to strike your fancy. Take a look at a few shining pieces from this collection.

Expected to lead the charge is the solid silver wine/champagne cooler and ice bowl set made by Tetard Freres. Both the cooler and the bowl have a narrow paneled design and feature a chased band around the top rim and foot with an applied acanthus leaf design. This set, made in 1927, is of partly good quality and substantial weight. Having a long history of exceptional silversmithing that merited gold medals at world expositions, the Tetard brothers of Paris, under the design leadership of Valery Bizouard, were a leading manufacturer of French Art Deco silver.

Tetard Freres sterling silver wine cooler and ice bowl set, 1927, 92.2 troy ounces. Estimate: $6,500-$7,500. Jasper52 image

 

With a traditional lasting over 100 years, Georg Jensen exemplifies quality craftsmanship. Since the company’s founding in Copenhagen in 1904, it has embraced the Art Nouveau style and produced pieces that continue to resonate with design-conscious customers. Exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, Georg Jensen markings promise beauty and functionality. The Acorn salad spoon and fork by George Jensen offered in this collection have a $600-$700 estimate.

Georg Jensen sterling silver large salad spoon and fork, Acorn pattern, Denmark, Post 1945, 8 7/8in long, 217 grams. Estimate: $600-$700. Jasper52 image

 

The 28-piece sterling silver flatware set in the Masterpiece pattern by International is a fine set to build upon. It consists of four-piece place settings for six in addition to a gravy ladle, serving spoon, cold meat fork and sugar spoon. The set comes with a new storage chest. The Masterpiece pattern was designed by Alfred G. Kintz and introduced in 1983. The international Silver Co. was formed in 1898 by various independent New England silversmiths. The company grew to become the world’s largest manufacturer of silverware.

Masterpiece by International sterling silver flatware set, 28 pieces, setting for six. Estimate: $1,500-$1,700. Jasper52 image

 

In the category of objects of vertu are two sterling silver seated musicians with bobble heads made by Ludwig Neresheimer in Hanau, Germany in the late 19th century. The drummer was imported to the UK by Edwin Thompson Bryant in 1904, and as such carries the corresponding English silver hallmarks. The trumpet player was imported to the UK by Berthold Mueller at the turn of the 20th century. Berthold Mueller was an import firm that distributed a great deal of Neresheimer silver. The pair has a $4,500-$5,000 estimate.

Two novelty sterling silver musicians with bobble heads, made by Ludwig Neresheimer in Hanau, Germany, late 19th century. Estimate: $4,500-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

To best display such fine curios is a sterling silver mirrored plateau. While the ring is stamped sterling silver, the maker’s mark is unclear. This circa 1920s piece carries a $250-$280 estimate.

Sterling silver mirror plateau, 10 1/2in in diameter, circa 1920s. Estimate: $250-$280. Jasper52 image

 

British born entrepreneur Fred Harvey (1835-1901) signed a contract in 1878 with the Santa Fe Railway to operate small restaurants at railroad depots along the railroad’s route. As a result he created the market and a place to sell jewelry, some of which was crafted by Native Americans, to travelers. Native American jewelry aficionados use his name to describe a particular type of Native American-style tourist jewelry that continued to be popular even after his death in 1901. The large Fred Harvey-era sterling silver belt buckle in this collection is highlighted by an oval piece of Bruneau jasper from Idaho and features a concentric orb pattern. At each corner of the silver buckle is a thunderbird.

Fred Harvey-era sterling silver thunderbird Bruneau jasper belt buckle, 2 3/8in x 3 1/2in. Estimate: $1,100-$1,250. Jasper52 image

 

The auction for this collection ends on Sunday, June 25th at 5pm ET. Take a look at the full catalog and favorite the items you love.

6 Decorative Art Pieces To Prettify Your Home

An intersection of beauty and function is displayed in this week’s collection of decorative art pieces. Among this collection are stellar glass and pottery works, complemented by a few select paintings. Take a look at these six highlights from the collection.

Czech Bohemian Cabochon Glasses

A Czech Bohemian glass decanter and cocktail four matching glasses provide an elegant note to an intimate setting.

Five-piece Czech Bohemian cabochon art glass decanter and glasses, circa 1940. Estimate: $700-$800. Jasper52 image

 

Rollin Karg Glass Sculpture

Rollin Karg is a renowned glass artisan from Kansas, who designs and creates spectacular sculptural pieces from molten glass, usually shaped in a free-form, asymmetrical manner.

Rollin Karg glass sculpture, 1999, 16in x 11in. wide. Estimate: $700-$800. Jasper52 image

 

Fostoria Heirloom Console Set

A Fostoria glass console set in the Heirloom pattern consists of a centerpiece and two candleholders. The 1950s set in pink opalescent is estimated at $150-$200.

Fostoria Heirloom console set, opalescent glass, 1950s. Estimate: $150-$200. Jasper52 image

 

Hutschenreuther Vase

An 8-inch bulbous porcelain vase designed by Hans Achtziger (1918-2003) for Hutshenreuther, the Germany company known for its fine quality dinnerware and figurines, has a distinct mid-century modern motif (est. $300-$400).

Hutshenreuther porcelain vase by Hans Achtziger, Germany, 8 in high. Estimate $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

After Vassily Kandinsky Oil on Canvas

A large and colorful oil on canvas painting after Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky should bring $700-$800.

After Wassily Kandinsky, hand-painted oil on canvas, ‘Spitzeen em Bogen,’ 39in x 29in. Estimate: $700-$800. Jasper52 image

 

After Van Gogh Oil on Canvas

The Old Mill, an oil on canvas painting after Van Gogh, is expected to top $1,000.

After Van Gogh, oil on canvas, ‘The Old Mill,’ 24in x 29in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

View the full collection of unique objects. You’re sure to find something to delight your home and collection.

The Many Facets of African Tribal Art in One Collection

Out of Africa comes this collection of masks and figures integral to traditional tribal ceremonies. Imbued with stylized detail and tremendous depth of meaning, these handcrafted items enchant collectors worldwide.

Carved out in this collection are masks and figures integral to traditional ceremonies from tribes around the world. Given their geometrics designs, it is no wonder these artifacts are widely exhibited alongside modern sculptures.

The Dogon people, who dwell in the central plateau region of Mali, in western Africa, are known for their wooden sculpture and architecture. Two door locks in the collection represent a combination of the two. The more detailed of the two is made of wood and metal and depicts a primordial couple. It was acquired in situ by Jerry Vogel of New York City, who was a longtime associate for the Museum for African Art.

Door lock depicting primordial couple, Dogon people, Mali, 15in tall with base. Ex collection Jerry Vogel, New York City. Wood, metal and ritual substance. Estimate: $2,200-$2,400. Jasper52 image

 

More than a dozen masks are in this collection. One of the most dramatic is a polychrome mask from the Igala people of Nigeria. Carved of medium-density wood, this mask shows much evidence of having years of use. A custom mount is also included.

Polychrome mask; Igala people, Nigeria, wood with earth pigments. Well oxidized older mask of medium density wood. Estimate: $1,500-$1,700. Jasper52 image

 

Just as visually arresting is an Atwonzen beaded head by the Bamileke people of Grassfields, Cameroon. This item made of fiber and glass beads is from the fabled Merton D. Simpson collection.

Beaded head Atwonzen, Bamileke people, Grassfields, Cameroon, 6in high, fiber and glass beads. Estimate: $1,200-$1,400. Jasper52 image

 

An unusual decoy used by hunters in the grasslands of northeast Nigeria and southwest Niger represents the often-encountered Abyssinian ground hornbill. Hunters wore such decoys on their heads to mask their approach to antelope, buffalo and other game.

Hunter’s decoy, various peoples, northeast Nigeria, southwest Niger, 18in tall. Estimate: $1,200-$1,400. Jasper52 image

 

An anthropomorphic pipe from the Mangbetu people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents a bearded man. From a New York City private collection, this pipe was acquired in Belgium before 1974.

Anthropomorphic pipe, Mangbetu people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 9 1/2in long. Estimate: $2,200-$2,400. Jasper52 image

 

The piece with the highest estimated value in this collection is a Tampulma or Vagala mask made of wood and decorated with indigenous pigments.

Vagala or Tampulma mask. Estimate: $2,400-$2,600. Jasper52 image

Additional items in this collection include knives, tribal currency and sculpture. Explore these treasures here.

The Fine Print: Contemporary Art at Down-to-Earth Prices

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time,” wrote Thomas Merton, early 20th-century theologian, author and Trappist monk.

That’s a powerful and appealing statement, isn’t it? If you’ve been watching the prices that fine artworks have been commanding, you may have resigned yourself to the fact that you’ll have to find another (more affordable) way to “find and lose” yourself. Take heart and take note: prints provide the opportunity to own high-quality works by modern art visionaries, including Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring, at a fraction of the cost of originals.

That sounds like a fulfilling way to experience the duality of art appreciation described by Merton, so to gain some perspective about collecting contemporary prints we turned to an expert: Wade Terwiliger, co-owner of Palm Beach Modern Auctions.

“Contemporary art is hot, hot, hot, and increasing prices reflect that interest,” Terwiliger said. “As prices for original works of art by noteworthy artists have skyrocketed, prints have gained recognition as a more affordable way for collectors to obtain images by these artists. We’re seeing a broad range of prices for prints, with collectors worldwide getting in on the action online.”

Collecting Tip: Always, always, always ask questions. It’s important to find out the dimensions, the condition, and if artwork has been examined out of its frame.

Solid provenance and/or documentation are a focus for many collectors. So are good names and signed editions, Terwiliger said. And it goes without saying, condition is also an important factor. However, as Terwiliger explained, there’s no single specific factor that outweighs all others. “What we’ve seen is that buyers will determine their own priorities from among this list of criteria,” he said.

During their years of serving consignors and collectors, Palm Beach Modern Auctions has done well with icons of different art movements, according to Terwiliger. They include a number of market- and time-tested artists, including these five luminaries of the contemporary art realm:

Keith Haring, “Apocalypse I” silkscreen, signed edition, circa 1988. Sold for $4,880, Feb. 4, 2017. Palm Beach Modern Auctions image

Keith Haring (American, 1958-1990) – Haring tapped into his ability to draw at an early age, observing and learning from his father, who drew cartoons for entertainment. This early influence is evident in much of his work, which often has cartoon-like imagery. However, the themes and topics addressed in his work were not always light-hearted subjects about life and love, but also serious matters such as apartheid, AIDS, and drug addiction.

Haring’s work appeals to all age groups, Terwiliger said. Collectors can obtain at auction pieces from Haring’s Pop Shops operation, such as tote bags, for less than $1,000. Limited edition prints can be had for $3,000-$5,000 at auction. At the upper end of the spectrum, a print of “Three Lithographs: One Plate” signed, circa 1985, sold for $40,000 during a February 2017 auction at Palm Beach Modern Auctions.

“While his original works sell in the millions, it’s incredibly exciting that a print from the same artist can be accessible and affordable,” Terwiliger said.

 

Ellsworth Kelly, “Colored Paper Image XVII” from the “Colored Paper” series, hand-made paper with colored pulp, signed limited edition. Sold for $12,000 + buyer’s premium, Nov. 22, 2017. Palm Beach Modern Auctions image

Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) – At one time, Ellsworth Kelly was considered an artist beyond definition, in that he produced works in a variety of disciplines. He was a painter, sculptor and printmaker, and left his mark on the development of Minimalism, Hard-edge painting, and Pop Art.

During World War II, Kelly served as a member of the “Ghost Army,” a unit tasked with using inflatable tanks to misdirect enemies. His works have appeared in exhibitions around the world, and in permanent commissions such as a mural in Paris, and a memorial for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

“If you have a bigger budget or are advancing your collection, Ellsworth Kelly prints are worth considering, but they are in high demand,” Terwiliger said. “His works are very appealing to collectors, as they are colorful, pure, and though seemingly simple, always absorb the viewer into an unexpected experience.”

 

Collecting Tip: “It is essential not just for a beginning collector, but for all collectors, to deal with someone – a gallery, auction house or dealer – that you feel comfortable with. Whether you are buying online or in person, you are making an investment, and that should involve, to some degree, having a relationship of trust in place with the seller.”

 

Bridget Riley, “Untitled (Fragment 7),” silkscreen on plexiglass, circa 1965, signed limited edition. Sold for $25,000, May 6, 2017. Palm Beach Modern Auctions image

Bridget Riley (British/American, b. 1931) – Like the other artists discussed here, Riley identified a love of and ability to create art at an early age. Deeply involved in the Op-Art movement, Riley reportedly had a childhood fascination with observing cloud formations and the interplay of color and light.

“Specifically, Riley’s graphic black and white geometric-form artworks are most appealing to collectors and are solid market performers,” said Terwiliger, citing the recent sale of “Untitled (Fragment 7)” from an edition of 75 for $25,000 at a May 6, 2017 Palm Beach Modern Auctions event.

 

Takashi Murakami, “Flower Ball (3D) – TURN RED!,” offset lithograph in colors with cold-stamping on high varnish paper, circa 2013, part of the Flowerball series. Sold for $800, May 6, 2017. Palm Beach Modern Auctions image

Takashi Murakami (Japanese/American, b. 1962) – “Murakami is current, and his works are full of life…a younger generation’s Warhol or Haring,” Terwiliger noted. “We have a young staff who just love him. The recurring characters in his work draw you into a narrative.”

Described by Interview magazine as operating a “multi-tentacled enterprise,” Murakami – in addition to creating paintings and sculptures that fuse Japanese traditions with pop culture images – founded a company that manages and promotes artists, hosts art festivals, produces art-related merchandise, runs a gallery for young Japanese artists, and has collaborated with musicians and designers.

 

Roy Lichtenstein, “Mermaid” lithograph, signed edition, circa 1978. Sold for $8,500, Feb. 4, 2017. Palm Beach Modern Auctions image

Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) – Lichtenstein is an artist with universal appeal. It is reported that, as a child, he was a fan of science-fiction radio programs, and thought his life observed and extensively studied nature. He also served in the army, and later as an art instructor at the university level.

Although he is credited with creating various pieces that incorporated elements of Surrealism and Cubism, it is Lichtenstein’s eye-filling, pixelated pop art that is most recognizable. The breadth of Lichtenstein’s work also provides opportunities for a collection to evolve along with the interest and investment of collectors, Terwilliger explains.

“What I like about Lichtenstein is that he spans a number of collecting ranges, from $500 to $800 to prints that sell for $40,000. A collector could start with a poster in the low to mid hundreds and work their way up to $2,000 to $3,000, such as the “Crying Girl” mailer and from there to the $5,000 to $8,000 range, such as “Pyramids” or “Mermaid.”

 

Collecting Tip: “For works over several thousand dollars, I’d recommend buying prints that have provenance and, if possible, accompanying documentation. Your standards may require a line of provenance that dates back to the artist’s studio, or to a reputable gallery, but be sure to gather such information and keep it on file for all the prints in your collection.”

“Contemporary art challenges us…it broadens our horizons. It asks us to think beyond the limits of conventional wisdom.” – Eli Broad, American entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation

6 Unique Pieces of Asian Decorative Art

The mystique and beauty of Asian decorative arts are readily apparent in this collection that includes highly collectible Indian statues, expertly executed scroll paintings, ceramics, cloisonné and carvings. Take a look below for 6 highlights from this stunning catalog.

A rare Tibetan thangka depicting Gyayin – the King of hte Mind – riding an elephant, while holding a snare in one hand to throw at his enemies and a razor in the other to cut “the life-roots of the obstacle-creating demons.” Dharmapala Pehar, the head of the Five Kings, is depicted in the lower right corner riding a white lion. Monbu Putra – the King of the Body – is shown in the lower left corner riding a lioness. Shing Jachen – the King of Virtue – is shown in the upper right corner riding a black horse. Dralha Kyechikbu – the King of Speech – is shown in the upper left corner riding a mule. This rare icon, beautifully painted with natural mineral pigments and gold on cotton, exhibits superb detailing.

Rare 18th- or early 19th-century framed Tibetan thangka depicting Gyayin. Painting size in sight: 9 1.2 x 8in (24.2cm x 20.2cm); frame size: 15 1/4 x 13 1/4in (38 x 34cm). Estimate: $1,300-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

A beautiful original scroll painting on silk by Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918) titled Sparrow and Peony in Snow is a featured item in the auction. Trained by Japanese masters, Seitei received a silver medal for a painting he submitted to the Paris Exposition in 1878. He remained in Paris for three years and became the first Nihonga artist to reside in Europe to study Western painting.

Original scroll painting on silk by Watanabe Seitei (1851–1918), ‘Sparrow and Peony in Snow,’ signed ‘Seitei,’ late 19th–early 20th century, water stain at bottom, image size 47 1/4in X 17 1/2in. Estimate: $575-$625. Jasper52 image

 

Among the oldest objects in the auction is a Shang Dynasty (1766 BC – 1046 BC) pottery vessel, which is simply made of fired clay and stands at 10 1/2 inches tall.

Shang Dynasty pottery vessel, 8in wide x 7 1/2in deep x 10 1/2in. Estimate: $800-$900. Jasper52 image

 

From the early 20th century, is a bronze Tibetan Bodhisattva Du Mu figure, which is skillfully made and in its original condition.

Tibetan handmade bronze Bodhisattva, 12in high, circa 1900–1940. Estimate: $450-$500. Jasper52 image

 

Carved from burlwood, a 2-inch toggle of a seated man served a purpose in its day. This larger example of the form would have been strung with a cord through the holes under each arm, hung from a sash and used as a counterweight to a tobacco pouch or other utilitarian object. It is a fine example of 18th- or 19th-century Chinese folk art.

Chinese toggle carved burlwood toggle, mid 1700s to 1800s, 2in high x 2 1/4in wide. Estimate: $525-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Finally, an unusual item for smokers is a Chinese water pipe dating to the first half of the 20th century. It is decorated in enameled copper, which has its original finish. The pipe is complete with a tobacco holder, brush and tobacco tweezers.

Chinese water pipe, 1900-1940, 16 1/2in high, enameled copper. Estimate: $220-$250. Jasper52 image

 

Charles Tiffany Set Standard of Quality in American Silver

One hundred-eighty years ago this year Chicago became a city, the patent for rubber was filed, two chemists laid claim to developing Worcester sauce, and the beginning of what would become the most iconic American silver company of the 20th century began to take shape.

Tiffany & Co. pair of candelabra, about 1879, silver, copper and gold, anonymous lender. IMA image

Interesting enough when Charles L. Tiffany and John B. Young went into business together in 1837 as Tiffany & Young, they initially specialized in selling stationary, fans, pottery, and silver items manufactured by other companies. This included Gorham, which would become Tiffany’s greatest competition in America’s early silver marketplace.

The competition between the two companies was “the biggest rivalry of the 20th century silver market,” said Dr. Charles Venable, the Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The founders of the competing silver companies approached the business quite differently, Venable added, with Jabez Gorham viewing the business largely with the eye and mind of a silversmith, and Charles Tiffany as a retailer and progressive marketer.

Silver beer pitcher, circa 1857, by designer and maker Edward C. Moore (1827-1891) for Tiffany & Co. IMA image

Although Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with luxury items, including but not limited to silver, the company also served an important manufacturing role during various wars. During the Civil War, the company was an arsenal for the Union and a producer of badges, swords and military uniforms. When World War I broke out, the company shifted gears of its production to focus efforts on manufacturing surgical instruments for use on the battlefield. In addition, throughout World War II, Tiffany & Co.’s New Jersey-based silver factory turned out parts for military airplanes.

Tiffany & Co.’s role in developing America’s place in the silver market involved innovation on a global level. An early example of this materialized when the company brought the British standard of silver purity into the American marketplace in the second quarter of the 19th century. As a direct result of Charles Tiffany’s tireless efforts supporting this, the federal law requiring 925/1000 standard for an item to be marked “sterling silver” was passed. The company claimed another first when it earned the grand prize for silver craftsmanship during the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle. This marked the first for an American firm.

This was a progressive time in the history of American silver, said Venable, whose IMA team curated and presented the exhibition “Tiffany, Gorham, and the Height of American Silver, 1840-1930,” which was on display between April 2015 and October 2016. With a tremendously positive response to the exhibition, both from private collectors of silver who lent the museum items for the installation and museum attendees, IMA is looking at curating another exhibition of silver in the next few years. This will focus on another period of silver innovation, said Venable.

Installation view of ‘Tiffany, Gorham, and the Height of American Silver, 1840-1930’ at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. IMA image

Although Tiffany & Co. and its counterparts in the American silver manufacturing community came into their own hundreds of years after European makers set a course, the freedom of newness – both of the country and the collective mindset of its people – helped spark a uniquely American approach.

“The American silver industry, from about 1865 to into the early 1900s, was a very innovative industry – characterized by a boldness of design,” said Venable, whose masters study at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library included work focused on the extensive collection of metalwork of the du Pont family. “America was much more willing to explore avant-garde design.”

Tiffany & Co. sterling silver English Armada dish/bowl, hallmarked and monogrammed, 3 1/4 inches diameter. Sold for $66 through Jasper52, November 2016. Jasper52 image

The innovative spirit present in Tiffany & Co.’s various offerings of luxury goods can also be seen in the items produced by the related, yet vastly different work of Tiffany Studios. This venture was the brainchild of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany. The works produced by various teams of designers, lamp makers and craftspeople associated with Tiffany Studios included blown-glass vases, lead-glass lamps and windows and pottery, among other items.

The continued popularity of many facets of Tiffany & Co. is likely based on a variety of factors, perhaps nearly as many as there are references to the brand in films, music and art. However, looking back at where and how it all began, Venable says, many things point to the attention to detail and marketing genius of Charles L. Tiffany. From the company’s Blue Book catalog (first published in 1845), the incomparable blue turquoise Tiffany’s box, to the experience of visiting a Tiffany & Co. retail store, it’s all about presentation.

Sterling silver box, Tiffany & Co., just less than 6 troy ounces, 1 7/8 x 6 inches. Sold for $242 through Jasper52, April 2017. Jasper52 image

“One area where they clearly outflanked their competitors was in marketing,” Venable said. “Their marketing has really been quite breathtaking.”

With that in mind, the next time you’re visiting a shop, perusing an auction catalog, or inventorying items tucked away and out of sight and mind for a period of time, remember this final bit of advice from Venable: “A lot of great American silver lives in attics.”


Dr. Charles Venable is the Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He possess more than 30 years of museum experience, including past service as the director and CEO of the Speed Art Museum, and senior positions at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Dallas Museum of Art. He is also an award-winning author of the books “Silver in America, 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor,” “American Furniture in the Bybee Collection, and “China and Glass in America, 1880-1980.”

Other Sources:
Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield
Brainy History
Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art