John Moran Auctioneers’ March 6, 2012 Antiques Auction will present more than 300 carefully selected decorative and fine art items from estates and private collections, centering on a superb group of early 20th century French and American art glass encompassing many top makers and an array of techniques, color effects, shapes and floral and scenic designs. Moran’s is delighted to offer the items from two private collections, which are highlighted by three pieces of Daum Nancy, including a rare ”Prairie en fleurs” acid-etched and enameled glass cabinet vase, estimated to sell for $5000 – 7000, a small scenic pitcher (estimate: $6000 – 9000), and a small, squat-bodied vase decorated with delicate violets on a mottled amber ground shaded to white (estimate:$1500 – 2500). Gallé is represented by seven cameo glass items, led by a ‘’Prunus’’ (cherry blossom) boudoir lamp with its original shade, the flower sprays of deep pink-red cut back to a yellow ground (estimate: $2000 – 3000). The remaining twenty-six pieces include molded and acid-etched designs by Lalique, DeVez, d’Argental, Legras and deLatte, a large blue Aurene vase by Steuben, and multiple lots of Tiffany Favrile glass: a bronze-mounted trumpet-form vase (estimate: $1200 – 1800), a free-form cabinet vase featuring irregular pinches to the surface ($600 – 800), a set of lampshades, a pair of bronze and green glass candlesticks ($1800 – 2400), and a candle lamp with a delicate ‘’onion skin’’ finish ($1200 – 1800).
The sale offers Art Nouveau collectors examples of the style in other mediums as well. Complementing Émile Gallé’s glass works are three signed examples of his marquetry-inlaid furnishings: a two-tiered occasional table with curved legs (estimate: $1800 – 2200), a scenic panel depicting a bridge, and a double-handled tray that retains its original paper label. A large patinated, cold-painted and enameled bronze and ivory figural group by the Belgian sculptor Claire Jeanne Roberte Colinet (1885 – 1948), depicting three mysterious figures in an almost ritualistic pose, is a haunting example of the Art Nouveau passion for the exotic (PHOTO 4). Bearing the foundry mark of Les Neveux de J. Lehmann, it is exquisitely cast with crisp detail, and is offered with an estimate of $1200 – 1800.
A wealth of Continental furnishings of the 19th and early 20th century form a large portion of the sale, with Italian Rococo, Louis XV and Louis XVI style gilt bronze candelabra, girandoles, chandeliers, carved and gilt mirrors, settees, tables, clocks and garden statuary offered in abundance. A giltwood Louis XVI style console table topped with Breche d’Alep marble and signed by noted maker Charles Bernel, Paris, dated 1913, is a lovely standout (estimate: $1000 – 1500). A Continental white marble figure of ”Venus Antica”, modeled after Antonio Canova, is expected to earn $5000 – 7000. Leading the group, however, is a magnificent jardinière, of rich lilac and yellow-veined Brocatelle Violette du Jura marble, is mounted with finely modeled gilt-bronze satyr heads and fruiting garlands bearing the stamp of noted Parisian firm Maison Millet (PHOTO 5). Established in Paris in 1853 and remaining in operation until 1918, the Millet firm established a reputation for very fine execution of their own designs. Starting with the Exposition Universelle of 1889 (where they won a gold medal), the firm began making luxury furniture and decorative objects mounted with their bronze work, and during the 1890’s won many more prestigious prizes and medals, growing successful enough to open branch shops. Francois Linke is known to have been a client of Millet, purchasing models from them. Moran’s offers this highly desirable find with an estimate of $9000 – 12,000.
French, Russian and American sterling silver flatware and hollowware, Persian rugs, European and American fine art, Asian artifacts and eclectic estate items comprise the remainder of the sale. Among items to look for:
• A large bronze sculpture after Michelangelo by early 20th century sculptor Libero Andreotti (estimate: $15,000 – 25,000)
• An Allan Adler ”Modern Georgian” partial flatware service (estimate: $2500 – 3500)
• A French Ptolemaic armillary sphere, probably by Delamarche (estimate: $1200 – 1800) (PHOTO 6)
• A bound collection of 72 engravings by Paolo Fidanza after the Vatican Stanze murals by Raphael, published in Rome in 1762 – 63 (estimate: $2000 – 3000)
• A large 19th century Meissen porcelain mantle clock (estimate: $2500 – 3500)
• A late 19th century Russian silver candlestick bearing the mark of Faberge (estimate: $3000 – 5000)
Updated highlights are viewable at www.johnmoran.com. All of Moran’s sales are conducted at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA. Full sale catalogues are posted at www.johnmoran.com 2 -3 weeks prior to each sale. Bidding is available from the floor and via absentee, telephone or online through Artfact.com.
Consignments are accepted throughout the year for Moran’s Antiques and Decorative Arts Auctions, held six-seven times a year, their tri-annual jewelry sales, and for their California and American Fine Art Auction, held bi-annually. Moran’s next fine art Auction is scheduled for April 17th, 2012. Please contact Moran’s offices at 626-793-1833 or [email protected] for more information about the march 6th sale or any of their upcoming events
