Entries by Catherine Saunders-Watson

Toys that shuffle, tap or dance a jig

NEW YORK — Toys or dolls that are sometimes known as “jiggers” have free-swinging limbs that render the appearance of shuffling or dancing. Starting with a simple figure on a wooden or tin-plate platform, these antique toys evolved into more complex playthings that employed clockwork or wind-up mechanisms.

Cartography : Where Art Meets Science

Antiquarian maps of all parts of the earth and beyond will be sold at a Jasper52 online auction on Saturday, Oct. 7. These original and often colorful engravings from as early as the 16th century show how the world was viewed at the time the maps were made. View the auction. Learn more about the […]

Japanese Antiques – Decorative Expressions of Nature

For many centuries Japanese artists have embraced the concept of “less is more.” The elegant simplicity of Japanese decorative art appeals to a market that extends well beyond the Far East. The Japanese approach to artistry often draws on nature for inspiration, sometimes with a witty touch. Here’s a selection of Japanese decorative art that […]

All That Glitters: Signed Designer and Modern Jewelry  

A classic line from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice observes, “All that glitters is not gold.” Those words appropriately describe this diverse selection of signed designer and modern jewelry that you might enjoy trying on for size. In addition to imaginative creations in fine, glittering gold, there are several gleaming examples in platinum or sterling silver, […]