6 Handmade Persian Rugs With Serious Detail

Hand-knotted rugs and carpets have been used as floor coverings since the Bronze Age (between 4000 and 3000 B.C.). Through the ages, civilization has developed nothing that can compare to the beauty, warmth and comfort that handmade rugs add to a home. And lucky for you, this week’s rug auction features handmade rugs ranging from antique to modern.

Leading this 116-lot offering is a large Persian Tabriz, circa 1890, with an overall leaf design on a red background. This stunning 9×16 foot antique rug, fresh from an estate, is expected to sell for $10,500-$14,000.

Tabriz rug, rare leaf design, wool, 9 feet x 16 feet, circa 1890. Estimate: $10,500-$14,000. Jasper52 image

 

An exquisite, but without quite the age, is a fine Persian Isfahan Serafian carpet woven between 1960 and 1990. This intricate masterpiece, which features Kurk wool pile on a silk foundation, would have taken two skilled weavers two or three years to complete. It is in superb condition and measures approximately 7×10 feet.

Isfahan Serafian carpet, Kurk wool pile on a very fine silk foundation, 7 feet x 10 feet, 1960-1990. Estimate: $6,900-$9,200. Jasper52 image

 

Anyone searching for a long gallery-size rug needn’t look farther than the 19th-century Persian Ferahan rug. This rug, which exhibits a fine classic design in terra-cotta red, measures approximately 8×23 feet.

Ferahan area rug, 19th century, 7 feet 8 inches x 23 feet. Estimate: $7,350-$9,800. Jasper52 image

 

Rugs from Nain, a desert city in central Iran, are among the finest hand-knotted examples produced in modern times. It would take many months or even several years for a master weaver to complete a single Nain rug, depending on the fineness of knots and size. The knots in Nain rug contain some 250-500 knots or more per square inch. Two such rugs are featured in this collection. These rugs are woven with the Persian symmetrical knot and are constructed of wool and silk mixture pile woven on cotton foundation. Nain neighbors Isfahan, and for this reason the designs follow the famous Isfahan, influenced by Shah Abbas design. They usually include skillfully drawn flowers, foliage and vines.

Most often woven in blue and beige and shades of brown, Nain rugs are seldom found in red. This gorgeous example, approximately 9×13 feet, has a $15,225-$20,300 estimate.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 8 feet 9 inches x 12 feet 8 inches. Estimate: $15,225-$20,300. Jasper52 image

 

A blue Nain rug exhibiting a classic design measures approximately 11×14 feet. These two Nain rugs were not machine-made, and in fact they were hand-knotted in Iran.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 10 feet 7 inches x 14 feet. Estimate: $20,355-$27,140. Jasper52 image

 

Moving on to Europe, this auction also features a fabulous needlepoint rug made in 1920. Featuring a scene of a lady and a shepherd and his flock, the work is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

European needlepoint rug, 12 feet x 7 feet 6 inches, 1920. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

View the full Fine and Antiques Rug auction and discover your next unique find.

Dip into a Seasoned Collector’s Toy Box

There are few collector categories that can rival the global appeal of antique and vintage toys. Ask any toy enthusiast and they’ll tell you the “toy bug” plays no favorites. No matter where you grew up or what your age may be, you’re sure to recall with fondness your own favorite childhood toys, and that’s often what leads to an exploration and appreciation of toys of an even earlier era. Many in the know say the smart way to start a collection is via the auction route. Nothing can beat buying from a collection that has already been upgraded and refined, like the one offered in this week’s Vintage Toy sale.

A gem of a collection, the 79-lot assemblage features early European tin wind-ups, including automotive; comic character toys, Japanese vehicles with colorful original boxes, banks, clowns, and German toys by Lehmann, Gunthermann, and other manufacturers.

There are some surprising rarities in the sale, like this 1901 Fernand Martin “Le Pianiste” (Piano Player). When wound up, the cloth-dressed musician appears to play the piano, his hands moving across the keys as he sways back and forth. The market for French-made Martin toys has never been stronger. This particular toy is expected to make $3,250-$4,000.

Vintage Fernand Martin French Mechanical Automaton, Estimate: $3,250-$4,000. Jasper52 image

 

Any serious European toy enthusiast would want at least a couple of Gunthermann toys in their collection. This auction offers several possibilities. A hand-painted 1910 Man Playing Cello has been professionally restored and is cataloged with a $1,000-$1,500 estimate.

Vintage Restored 1910 Guentherman Musical Cello Player, estimate: $1,100-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Other Gunthermann productions include a Little Boy Twirling Two Celluloid Balls, estimate $650-$800, and a Galloping Horse with Rider, $400-$500.

Vintage Wind-up Gunthermann Little Boy Twirling 2 Balls, Estimate $650-$800. Jasper52 image

 

When it comes to antique and vintage German cars, demand is always greater than the available supply. Lot 32, a handsome Lehmann ivory with red, lithographed tin LUXUS limousine with driver is in perfect working order and complete condition, even retaining its original battery-operated headlight bulbs. This 13-inch beauty is not often seen in the marketplace. The example offered here is estimated at $7,150-$8,800.

Prewar Germany Wind-up LEHMANN EPL 785 ‘Luxus’ Limo, Estimate: $7,150-$8,800. Jasper52 image

 

Lot 30, a vintage Fischer tinplate wind-up 4-door sedan finished in green and black is expected to make $500-$600.

Vintage FISCHER Tinplate Windup 4-Door Sedan Car, Estimate: $500-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Boxed construction toys include a 1950s Tru-Mix cement mixer truck, a postwar (ATC) Japanese tin Ford F-800 dump truck; a Momoya tin friction dump truck, and several tractors by desirable Japanese manufacturers.

Vintage ASAHI (ATC) Japan Tin Ford F-800 Dump Truck, Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

A treasure of the early comic character era, Lot 35 is a 1932 Chein production of wood and tin depicting Ignatz Mouse, the precursor to Mickey Mouse. The playful rodent retains its original King Features Syndicate Chein & Co decal and original leather ears. A bright, colorful charmer, the toy is entered with a $2,860-$3,520 estimate.

It has been well documented that Ernst Paul Lehmann, creator of the ingenious tin toys bearing his name, took his inspiration from things he saw in his own German village or during his travels. The latter seems to have been the case in his design known as Dare Devil, Lot 26. The toy depicts a man seated in a cart pulled by a zebra, something Lehmann is said to have witnessed while visiting Africa. The lithographed tin Dare Devil in this sale is in excellent, all-original condition and carries an $850-$1,040 estimate.

Vintage Lehmann (Germany) Tin Lithographed Windup EPL 752 Dare Devil Man on Zebra Carriage Cart, Estimate: $850-$1,040. Jasper52 image

Click to view the fully illustrated auction catalog for this weekend’s Vintage Toys Auction.

Function & Beauty in Luxury Vintage Watches

Wristwatches serve a dual purpose – they are both a utility that help you keep the time, while also a piece of jewelry worn to dazzle and delight. From military to luxury watches, this week’s collection of wristwatches feature pieces that dazzle both with their function and their design.

The 55-lot auction contains several military watches including a vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch. This watch was issued to the Royal Canadian Air Force in the early 1960s and is considered rare. Its white dial has evenly toned patina praised by collectors. The watch has been fully serviced; all functions work as designed.

Vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch, early 1960s. Estimate: $3,750-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

Another fine watch consigned from the rank of the military is a vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph Argentine Air Force watch. The case is engraved on the back: “N264 Univer Argentina Air Force Logo 92 48.” The chronograph watch incorporates the functions of a stopwatch for measuring time intervals.

Vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph, Argentine Air Force watch. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper542 image

 

Another beautiful chronograph in the auction is the 1950s Lip that features a black and gilt telemeter dial. This watch is in pristine condition.

Lip chronograph, black and gilt dial 1950s. Estimate: $3,700-$4,900. Jasper52 image

 

Also from the 1950s is an oversize Longines Calatrava watch, which is clean and keeping time. The dial, with the iconic Longines winged hourglass logo, shows minimal aging. This manual wind Swiss-made watch is estimated at $3,525-$4,700.

Oversize Longines Calatrava, 1950s. Estimate: $3,525-$4,700. Jasper52 image

 

A top-shelf timepiece in the sale is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo 3747 watch from the 1980s. Its thin case and blue dial paired with the class dauphine hands make it an instant icon. It has a high-grade Patek Philippe quartz movement and date feature and retains the original crocodile band with the classic ellipse-shape buckle.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo watch, Patek Philipe quartz movement, 1980s. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image

 

No luxury watch auction would be complete without a fine Rolex. One of the best in this collection is a classic men’s Datejust in 18K two-tone case.

Men’s Rolex Datejust watch, two-tone 18K, ss model 116233. Estimate: $8,500-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full collection here where you will discover timeless luxury from a variety of periods and styles.

 

American Decorative Arts With a Touch of Spice

Variety is the spice of life. And this week’s American Decorative Arts and Paintings sale is the spice cabinet for your life. Filled with American objects that delight with their elegant simplicity, this auction features a variety of paintings, American art glass, Folk Art & Advertising wares to add whimsy and elegance to your home. Take a look at a few standouts from this curated collection.

The auction catalog features two paintings by the Indiana artist Homer G. Davisson (1866-1957). Davisson studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia; Art Students League, New York City; and the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C. He exhibited his primarily pastoral landscapes at the Hoosier Salon, Swope Art Gallery, Fort Wayne Art Museum, and the Indiana Artists’ Club. Known for his impressionist landscapes, Davisson regularly summered in Nashville, Indiana, where he became a charter member of the Brown County Art Gallery Association in 1926. Featured in this auction are The Rockribbed Hills and The Pond.

Homer G. Davisson, ‘The Pond,’ oil on board, 16.5in x 14in, 1920, signed ‘H G Davisson’ on lower right. Estimate: $1,800-$3,000. Jasper52 image

 

Egyptian-born artist Maher Morcos is equally adept at portraying scenes from the Middle East as he is the Old West. His 1982 bronze sculpture titled The Fate of the Scout featured in the auction is numbered 7 out of 18.

Maher Morcos, ‘The Fate of the Scout,’ bronze with wood base, 20in x 22in x 14 in, 1982. Estimate: $700-$1,000. Jasper52 image

 

An Art Deco porcelain demitasse or espresso set in this sale was made in Germany by Rosenthal in 1930. This beautiful set is decorated in a stylized floral design and accented with gold trim.

Rosenthal porcelain demitasse or espresso set, Germany, 1930. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

This auction also includes a pair of Thomas Morgan table lamps with pineapple bases. Perfect for adding a touch of flair and personality to your living room.

Pair of Thomas Morgan table lamps. Estimate: $900-$1,000. Jasper52 image

 

Vintage perfume bottles have a legion of collectors. From Paris is a 6-inch tall bottle of Arlequinade perfume, which dates to 1912-1924.

Arlequinade perfume bottle, 6in high, 1912-1924, Paris, France. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000. Jasper52 image

 

This auction includes even more American art glass, folk art, Asian antiques, a Seth Thomas mantel clock and a handmade Gothic chimney cupboard. Take a look and discover your next treasure.

5 European Gravures Reveal Unique Views of The Past

Focusing on European gravures of the mid 1920s, we’ve curated a concentrated yet diverse auction featuring the Bauhaus photograms of Moholy-Nagy, the mesmerizing works of Renger-Patsch, and the artful photos of Man Ray. From within this collection of 70 black and white images by some of the most notable photographers, we’ve highlighted five gravures in this collection that are sure to transfix you with their unique views of decades past.

While Man Ray (1890-1976) considered himself above all a painter, he is as famous for his photography. A renowned fashion and portrait photographer, he was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements. Featured here is his portrait Kiki with African mask.

Man Ray, ‘Kiki with African mask,’ printed in 1934 by Neogravure Company, France. approximately 8in x 6in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,600. Jasper52 image

 

Another two images in the collection feature his take on the photographic technique of solarization in which a photographic print is wholly or partially reversed in tone – dark areas appear light or light areas appear dark.

Related to this effect is the photogram, a photographic images made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of a light-sensitive material such as photographic paper and then exposing it to light. Two mid-1920s photograms by Hungarian-born Laszlo Moholy-Nagy are featured in the auction, one of which is pictured below. Moholy-Nagy later immigrated to the United States, where in 1939 he opened the School of Design in Chicago, which became the Institute of Design.

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, ‘Photogramm I,’ printed in mid-1920s in Berlin, 6in x 9in. Estimate: $700-1,000. Jasper52 image

 

French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) pioneered the genre of street photography and was an early user of 35 mm film. Three of his classic candid photographic images are featured in the auction including this street scene titled Valencia, Spain 1933.

Cartier-Bresson, ‘Valencia, Spain 1933,’ printed in 1952 by Draeger, France, approximately 10in x 6in. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Hungarian-born photojournalist André Kertész (1894-1985) is represented in the auction with a still life composition titled Mondrian’s Glasses and Pipe. Made during what is known as his “French period,” the image shows the eyeglasses and pipe of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. With the threat of Nazi Germany looming, Kertész immigrated to the United States in 1936, where he rebuilt his career through commissioned work.

Andre Kertesz, ‘Mondrian’s Glasses and Pipe, 1926, Paris, printed in 1972 by Braun – Mulhaus, France, approximately 7in x 6 in. Estimate: $400-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Printed in the mid-1920s is Germany photographer Albert Renger-Patzsch’s Forest in Winter. The sharply focused and matter-of-fact style of his work exemplifies the aesthetic of The New Objectivity that flourished in the arts in Germany during the last years of the Weimar Republic.

Albert Renger-Patzsch, ‘Forest in Winter,’ printed in mid-1920s, Berlin. 7in x 9in. Estimate: $500-$600. Jasper52 image

 

These and dozens of other great images by famous photographers are featured in the gravures auction. View the full catalog here.

A Showcase of American Sterling Silver

Guests are coming for dinner? It’s time to break out the sterling. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing this weekend in our auction of great American silver. Set the impressive scene with these silver pieces and sets from the past two centuries. This diverse collection features world-renowned American silversmiths.

Heading the collection is a mid-19th century coin silver serving tray by William Gale of New York City. This large tray features impressive rococo and foliate handles and masterfully engraved vignettes of Mount Vernon, Monticello, West Point, a castle palm trees surrounded by more wildlife. The unique iconography and quality suggest a special production – not a special commission, where one would expect a more cohesive iconography and certainly some sign of ownership in the center. The thought is that this was therefore either a shop sample, kept to show the skill and repertoire of the engravers at Gale’s command, or a piece produced for exhibition, whether in his own shop window or in a formal event, perhaps the New York Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1853. In excellent condition, this unique piece is expected to serve up bids in excess of $10,000.

Large engraved coin silver serving tray by William Gale, New York, N.Y., circa 1851, 232 troy ounces. Estimate: $10,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

Hosting dinner for 12 people? No problem with this expansive sterling silver flatware set of Towle’s desirable Debussy pattern. The 131-piece set made in the late 1950s weights 185.5 troy ounces and has an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.

Towle sterling silver set of flatware, Debussy pattern, service for 12 plus service pieces, 1959, 185.5 troy ounces. 1959 Debussy. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

For a more intimate gathering, we offer this 44-piece set of sterling silver flatware in the Richelieu pattern from Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. sterling silver Richelieu flatware, 44 pieces including, partial service for six. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image

 

Also from Tiffany & Co. is a highly engraved sterling silver brandy flask. Numbers stamped on the bottom date the flask to 1879. The detailed engraving of grapes hanging from a vine is in excellent condition, as is the gold flashing on the inside.

Engraved sterling silver brandy flask stamped Tiffany & Co., monogram ‘AR’ on one side, 374 grams, 7 5/8in x 3 7/8in x 1 3/4in. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

 

From America’s jazz age comes a trio of sterling silver tazzas in the Modernist style by Reed & Barton in Taunton, MA. Pieces in the same motif are in the permanent collection of the Dallas Museum of Art.

Set of three Art Deco tazzas by Reed & Barton in the ‘Modernist’ style, circa 1928. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

 

An extraordinary decorative arts piece is this Tiffany & Co. fully hallmarked sterling silver and 24K gold gilt “topiary.” The exquisite handmade potted plant dates to the 1950s.

Tiffany and Co. sterling silver and 24K gold gilt ‘topiary’ with exquisite handmade details, circa: 1950s, 11in high. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

 

The 102-lot auction also features more than a dozen items made by Gorham including a punch ladle and ice scoops. Take a look at the full catalog here.

6 Rare Coins You Won’t Find In the Sofa Cushions

“We’re in the money!… We’ve got a lot of what it takes to get along!” 

The lyrics of The Gold Diggers’ Song from the Warner Bros. film Gold Diggers of 1933 are appropriate in describing this week’s auction of 250 vintage rare coins. Collector-quality gold and silver – U.S. and foreign – will be rolling out to the highest bidders. Take a look at 6 highlights from this catalog.

Several factors make the 1859 U.S. $3 Princess gold coin a rare find. The coins were not widely used in the Eastern U.S. and were largely unpopular. Collectors have since changed the status of this attractive design. The coin is sometimes referred to as a “Copper Spot” gold coin because it is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper and silver.

1859 $3 Princess ‘Copper Spot’ gold coin, original, mint AU. $4,125-$8,250. Jasper52 image

 

The auction opens with a rare 1955 Double Die Lincoln cent, a rare error that is estimated to sell for up to $7,000. Separately, this second 1955 double die Lincoln cent could sell for upward of $7,770.

1955 Lincoln cent, PCGS graded. Estimate: $3,885-$7,770. Jasper52 image

 

Two rare Morgan silver dollars from the San Francisco mint, named for designer and engraver George T. Morgan, stand out in the collection. This 1903-S Morgan has a PCGS AU50 rating and could top $10,000.

Rare 1903-S Morgan silver dollar, PCGS AU50. Estimate: $5,445-$10,890. Jasper52 image

 

This 1904-S Morgan silver dollar, PCGS AU53, is estimated at $3,135-$6,270. Both of these Morgan dollars are considered rare.

Rare 1904-S Morgan silver dollar, PCGS AU53. Estimate: $3,135-$6,270. Jasper52 image

 

Foreign coins in this collection are led by a rare 1906-S Australia sovereign, PCGS MS63, which could achieve $5,700.

1906-S Australia Sovereign PCGS MS63, extremely rare. Estimate: $2,850-$5,700 Jasper52 image

 

This diverse sale of coins spans centuries and origin. Peruse the full collection and get in the money.

6 Russian Icons Bursting With Color

As we conclude Easter Week, or Bright Week as it is called in Eastern Orthodox Church, imagery of Christ, the Apostles, the Virgin Mary and all the saints are brought to our mind. In celebrating and honoring these religious depictions, this week’s Russian Icons auction presents a vivid collection of icons.

A highlight of this collection is a 19th century Mother of the Burning Bush icon, which pictures the Mother of God holding Christ at the center of the composition, while the corners are occupied by events related to the biblical story of the Burning Bush. Vividly executed in gesso, gold and tempera, this icon is estimated at $8,000-$12,000.

Mother of the Burning Bushes icon, 19th century, Russia/Palekh, gesso, gold, tempera, 31 x 26 cm. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

St. Mary is also represented in the collection by an 18th century Russian icon of the Annunciation, at which the archangel Gabriel announced that she would conceive a child to be born as the Son of God.

Annunciation icon, Russia, 18th century, tempera on wooden board, size 36 x 31 cm. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

The baptism of Christ is depicted on two 17th century Russian icons in the auction, on of which is pictured here. Both have $5,000-$7,000 estimates.

Baptism of Christ icon, Russia, circa 1600, tempera on wooden board, 32 x 27 cm. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image

 

This 17th or 18th century Russian icon is devoted to the Old Testament Trinity. The detailed image is estimated at $8,000-$10,000.

Old Testament Trinity icon, Russian, 17th-18th century, 27 x 31 cm. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image

 

St. John the Apostle & Evangelist, an 18th century Russian icon, about 10.5 by 12.5 inches, expects to deliver $6,000-$8,000.

St. John the Apostle & Evangelist icon, Russian, 18th century, wood, 26 x 31 cm. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

 

A central Russian icon commemorating St. Trifon (Tryphon), who was martyred for his faith, is included in the collection. St. Trifon (d. A.D. 250) acquired fame as a healer, especially of animals. He is particularly invoked on farms and is also the patron saint of gardeners and winegrowers.

Martyr Trifon icon, 19th century, central Russia. two splints in the back. 12 1/4in x 10 1/2in (31 x 27 cm). Estimate: $3,500-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

The illustrious lives of the saint are celebrated throughout this collection, which can be viewed here.

Travel Old World Europe via Antique Maps

If you have a longing to visit Europe but dislike air travel, join us this week for our collection of antique maps of the Old World. Explore both land and sea from the comfort of your armchair with this array of maps of Europe and England.

First stop is England, which is represented by an unusual decorative map by famed cartographer John Speed that encompasses Cumberland and much of the English Lake District. The hand-colored map is from his 1611 atlas titled The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine. This double-page map includes an inset plan of the town of Carlisle and a description of “The Puct’s Wall,” aka Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient Roman fortification. Speed introduced town plans, vignette scenes of topographical, historical or archaeological interest to mapmaking.

Hand-colored map of Cumberland, encompassing much of the English Lake District. From John Speed’s atlas ‘The Theatre of the Empire Of Great Britaine.’ Estimate: $500-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Another colorful British map is of the city of London and surround area by T. Bowles and published in Germany 1741. It measures about 19.5 by 22.2 inches.

‘Regionis, Qvae Est Circa Londonvm, Specialis Repraesentatio Geographica, Ausführliche Geographische Vorstellung Der Gegend Um London’ (London and surrounding areas) by T. Bowles bei Homann Erben, 1741, 49 x 56.5 cm. Estimate: $450-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Laurent’s 1793 map of Manchester and Salford represents a topographical plan showing allotments of land to be developed. An inlet shows a strip road map from London to Manchester. This 18th century map measures about 17 by 14.5 inches.

Late 18th century map of Manchester and Salford, England, engraved by J. Cary. C. Laurent, Dec 3, 1793, London, 42in x 36.25in. Estimate: $500-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Heading east, the grand tour travels to southern Italy, guided by the 1832 Marzolla Atlas of the Two Sicilies. The volume contains 21 double-page maps detailing the extent of the United Kingdom’s of Naples and Sicily (1808-1861) and its individual provinces. Rich detail is given in the left and right margins of the maps as to population and dioceses within each of the provinces as well as customs, historical summary and products/industries of each province. The atlas measures 17.8 by 12.8 inches.

Rare Italian language atlas of the ‘Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.’ The union of the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily (1808-1861). B. Marzolla, 1832, Napoli, 17.8 x 12.8 inches with 21 double-page maps. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Pianta della Regia Città di Venezia is an aquatint plan of Venice, surrounded by 21 views of the city’s main monuments and sights. Designed by Bertoja, engraved by Lazzari and published by Gallo in 1831, this map measures 22.2 by 19.5 inches.

‘Pianta della Regia Città di Venezia,’ aquatint plan of Venice, surrounded by 21 views of the city’s main monuments and sights. Designed by Bertoja, engraved by Lazzari, published by Gallo. Venice, 1831, 22 1/2in x 19 1/2in. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Farther east comes a map of the Aegean Islands, from Crete to Macedonia and Romania. Published by G. Rossi in Rome in 1685, this map is adorned with an elaborate central title cartouche featuring Neptune and Persephone flanking a shell and sea monsters.

‘Arcipelago Mar Egeo,’ a map of the Aegean Islands, from Crete to Macedonia and Romania. Cartographer: G. Rossi, Rome, 1685, 17 1/2in x 21 5/8in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Not done with your European travel? This map collection also visits Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Russia. Not only will these maps serve as decorative pieces, they will also reveal a past vision of the world. Bon Voyage!

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 expresses that special methodology.

Hiramaki-e Lacquered Box

This Japanese Hiramaki-e box, beautifully lacquered with gold scrolling vines, delicate leaves and a repeating circular mon (family crest) against a black lacquer ground, was probably commissioned by a wealthy Japanese family during the Meiji period (1868–1912).

 

Japanese lacquer Hiramaki-e box with Mons, Meiji Period, 13 1/4in x 6 1/4in x 6in. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Utagawa Kuniyoshi Drawing of Shima

A nearly finished preparatory drawing by Utagawa Kuniyoshi for his “Views of Provinces of Greater Japan” series, circa 1845, is from a well-documented group of albums from the artist’s studio. It is an ink-on-paper work.

 

Utagawa Kuniyoshi, unfinished drawing representing the province of Shima, circa 1845, 13 x 10 inches, sumi (black ink) on thin paper. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Japanese Carved Three Monkeys Tonkotsu Sagemono, or Tobacco Box

Three Monkeys – See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil – comprise the theme of a meticulously carved tonkotsu, a Japanese tobacco box, which would have been suspended from a man’s belt or sash. This fine example dates to the mid-19th century.

 

Japanese tonkotsu sagemono, tobacco box, mid-19th century, largest monkey is 3 1/2 inches high. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

 

Mingei is a word meaning “arts of the people.” It was coined by Soetsu Yanagi, combining the Japanese words for “all people” (min) and “art” (gei). His keen eye discerned that many useful, pre-industrial articles made by unknown craftsmen had a beauty seldom equaled by artists of modern societies. This type of art shares a direct simplicity and reflects a joy in making, by hand, useful objects that are satisfying to the human spirit.

Meiji Period Carved Wood Daikoku Figure

A large Japanese carved wood Daikoku figure from the Meiji Period is a fine example of mingei. One of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku is the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen, where such carvings were traditionally displayed for good luck.

 

Large Japanese carved wood Daikoku mingei figure, Meiji Period, 24in high. Estimate: $750-$1,000. Jasper52 image

 

Bronze Vessel Depicting Ox and Boy

Also from the 19th century is a 6½-inch bronze ox, ridden by a boy. The body of the ox doubles as a container.

 

Japanese bronze ox and boy figure, 19th century, 6 1/2in x 6 1/2in x 3in. Estimate: $800-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

19th-Century Kiseruzutsu, or Pipe Case Carved from Stag Horn

A 19th-century Asakusa school kiseruzutsu, a Japanese tobacco pipe holder or case, is stag horn carved in the shape of a stem of Immortality Fungus with five heads. This exotic and elegantly carved piece is 7½ inches long.

 

Japanese Asakusa school pipe case, carved in a shape of a stem of Immortality Fungus with five heads, 19th century, 7 1/2in long. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

View the full catalog containing many other pieces that express the Japanese approach to decorative art.