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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Garth’s Summer Auction Sessions Estimated to Generate $1M – $1.5M

Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers has just released a catalog of over 1,000 lots selling in four sessions during the highly anticipated two-day summer auction. The firm hopes for another round of summer fireworks in the saleroom as Asian Art and Fine & Vintage Jewelry cross the block on Thursday, July 24, with Iconic 20th Century Design and European Furniture and Decorative Arts selling Friday, July 25. “We moved the Asian Art session to Thursday in an effort to make participating more convenient for bidders in China,” comments company President, Amelia Jeffers. “With the quality of goods in that session, we hope it will bring even more bidders to the table.”

An engraved Steuben Vase by Fernand Leger, ca.1939
An engraved Steuben Vase by Fernand Leger, ca.1939
The Asian Art session will feature a wide selection of items including jade, bronze Buddhas, export silver, soapstone, wood carvings, ceramics and Japanese export furniture. Not surprisingly, a Scroll Painting signed by Xu Beihong, (19 July 1895 – 26 September 1953) is already attracting attention. A cult icon in 20th Century China, Xu Beihong studied in Paris at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and traveled throughout Europe, soaking up Western perspectives and techniques. Returning to China in 1928, he became a professor of art in both Beijing and Nanjing. Known for his shuimohua (Chinese ink paintings) of horses and birds, Xu Beihong drew on his extensive training in Europe to bring a western perspective to a traditional Chinese art form. The scroll painting was first brought to Garth’s attention during a filming of the appraisal show Kentucky Collectibles produced by KET in Louisville, KY. Jeff Jeffers, an appraiser for the show and Garth’s CEO reviewed the scroll during a taping, when the owner shared that it had been in her attic for over 20 years after she and her son had fallen in love with the scroll and purchased it at an estate sale in Indiana. After the recent passing of her son, she decided that the best way to honor his legacy would be to share their found treasure with collectors and institutions worldwide. The scroll will be sold as lot #1087 during Garth’s Asian session on July 24th with a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-80,000.

Other items included in the session came from estates, longtime collectors and pickers who have scoured smaller auctions and shows to find quality objects worthy of an international auction scene. Among the top lots is a 19th century or earlier Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, most likely of Tibet decent. The seated figure sits on a lotus throne with a figural base and flaming crest.Traces of original blue paint and many turquoise and coral insets are still intact; the striking piece is expected to sell for $25,000-35,000. A set of five nicely made graduated bronze bells, cast with with inscriptions and a verdigris patina are sure to raise paddles with an estimate of $3,500-5,500.

Additional highlights of the Asian session include a Satsuma Censer, featuring a floral design with a phoenix and gosu blue accents; the Satsuma carries a presale estimate of $600-900; and an early 20th Century Blanc De Chine Figure in a robed Quanyin with headdress, standing on a lotus blossom (Est: $400-800). Three lots represent a Group of 18th-19th century Sample/Pattern Books, printed in soft covers and including patterns of nature prints and landscapes, all three lots carry a pre-sale estimate between $400-800. Another Pottery Vessel, attributed to the Han dynasty has traces of the original polychrome slip design and is expected to sell for $350-550. An interesting and early 20th century, wool Monogolian Kilim with a phoenix and geometric bands carries a presale estimate of $400-700. A late 19th century, Japan Firefighter’s Uniform is made up of a wool coat with a matching neck guard, a leather head covering and a short lightweight work jacket with company markings on the back, all dyed indigo, the dazzling uniform is sure to draw the bidders attention (Est: $600-800).

In the Spring of 2014, Garth’s announced their newest hire: jewelry specialist, Barbara Chambers, a fine jewelery expert based in St. Louis, MO. Ms. Chambers has been accumulating items for this auction for the last several months and the result is a sale that includes several elegant pieces ranging from antique to modern; including an array of stately diamonds and and several notable lots of earrings and brooches. Highlights of the jewelry session include a Diamond Reverie eternity necklace featuring ninety-three round brilliant cut diamonds in graduated sizes with a total weight of 25.00 carats. (Estimate: $35,000-40,000).
Pair of large Diamond Hoop Earrings set in 14K white gold with fifty round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 10.00ct.tw (Est: $14,500-16,000). Savvy bidders shouldn’t miss the classic pair of twenty-first century Diamond Stud Earrings weighing 4.30 carats, set in 14K white gold, the studs are expected to sell for $22,500-$28,000. Would-be grooms have a chance to better their odds of a “yes”, with the 2.90 carat solitaire diamond engagement ring (Est: $8,000-10,000). Another dazzling option is an early 20th century marquise diamond ring set in a platinum-filigree mounting, weighing 2.13 carats and surrounded by forty old cut diamonds, with a presale estimate of $10,000-12,000. A classic Cartier diamond eternity ring, set in 18K yellow gold with pave’ diamonds on three sides for a total of ninety-six round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.50 ct.tw is expected to cross the block for $7,500-9,000. A stunning pair of Tiffany & Co. diamond and pearl earrings set in platinum with four cultured pearls with each an average size of 7mm and eighty-eight round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.00 carats, have a presale estimate of $5,000-6,000. If color catches your eye, don’t miss the mid 20th century Coral Bead Necklace made of red coral beads in graduated in sizes with an estimate of $6,500-8,500. The light-catching cover lot for this session, an 18 inch long Amber and Diamond Necklace with three
strands of amber beads and three large oval amber cabochons is expected to go to a lucky bidder for $5,000-7,000. The Tiffany & Co. Scarab Bracelet set in 14K gold with oval carved stones also offers a pop of color. (Estimate: $1,200-1,500). With something for every price point, the jewelry auction also includes diamond stud earrings estimated at $200 – $400, and designer handbags including a canvas and leather Gucci ‘Jackie O’ Hobo Bag with silver toned hardware and the classic Gucci buckle could be a deal with an estimate of $150-250. For the gents the sale will include a large selection of pocket and wristwatches.

Friday morning, June 25th, Garth’s is sure to bustling again with the Iconic 20th Century Design session commencing at 10 am. Many of the Danish modern pieces that will cross the block, including the Arne Vodder, Christensen & Larsen and Arne Jacobsen are from a private collection located in Cleveland, Ohio. Many of the pieces incorporate excellent provenance, including the original bills of sale. The morning bidders will see a signed Side Table by Gustav Stickley. The rectangular top is set with twelve green Grueby tiles over a pegged arched apron embracing simplicity, honesty to construction, and truth to material. Gustav Stickley is widely recognized as a leader of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Utilitarian designs were enhanced with simple coloration techniques as well as mortise and tenon joinery which was exposed to highlight the structural qualities and the handcrafted character of each piece of furniture. Stickley worked closely with Grueby Faience Company of Revere, Massachusetts; employing the matte cucumber green tiles as a simple enhancement, for which Grueby is best known. (Estimate: $15,000-20,000).

An engraved Steuben Vase by Fernand Leger, ca.1939 is sure to be an extremely popular piece for the sale. The bulbous form has etched abstract and geometric decoration over “F. Leger,” while the underside is inscribed “Steuben.” The vase will be sold with the authentic Steuben labeled presentation box and the original labeled Steuben shipping box. The vase was purchased from Steuben New York, NY., by descent to the current owner. Steuben Glass Works, founded in 1903 by Frederick C. Carder and Thomas G. Hawkes,quickly became known as America’s preeminent glass manufacturer. By the beginning of the 20th century Steuben moved away from colored and iridescent glass, for which the company was known, towards highly refracted clear glass in chic stylish forms. On January 10,1940, Steuben opened the exhibition, The Collection of Designs in Glass by Twenty-Seven Contemporary Artists, highlighting works in glass by important modern artists such as Henri Matisse, Giorgio de Chirico and Fernand Leger – fusing together emerging modern art and design with traditional decorative arts. Steuben Glass Works
ceased production in 2012. (Estimate $30,000-40,000). Additional highlights of this session include a Monumental Cast Bronze Art Deco Chandelier with graduated etched glass panels with a presale estimate of $4,000-6,000. A salmon colored Sofa Compact by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is expected so sell for $1,000-2,000 as in referenced in The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames. A Pair of Womb Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll has a presale estimate of $2,000-4,000.

Nine works by the native Columbus, Ohio artist Bevlyn Simson, (AMERICAN, B. 1917) will be offered midday including an acrylic-on canvas, unsigned Abstract Sculpture by Simson. The three-dimensional sculpture features geometric designs throughout in tones of blue, grey, black, white, green, yellow and pink. (Estimate: $2,000-$3,000). Best known as working in a self described, “neo-geometrical” style – Bevlyn embodied the idea of modernism by creating brightly colored and unusually shaped geometric paintings, often forming a bridge between traditional, two-dimensional canvas and three-dimensional sculptures which created unique visual perceptions. Simson graduated from The Ohio State University with both Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters of Fine Arts degrees. Throughout her career, Simson won countless awards and completed many national and international exhibitions highlighting the strength and consistency of her work. Simson’s work is included in many public and private collections including those of The J. B. Speed Museum of Art (Louisville, Kentucky), Fordham University (New York), Kyoto City University of Fine Arts (Kyoto, Japan), United States Consulate (Paramaribo, Suriname), Chase Manhattan Bank (New York), Children’s Hospital (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Lehman Brothers (New York), and President Richard M. Nixon.

In addition, a Pair of vibrant-blue vinyl Swan Chairs By Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen with a continuous shaped upholstered back and seat, clearly show the exceptional workmanship of Jacobsen. The pair is expected to bring $1,000-2,000. A pair of Elizabeth Lounge Chairs by I.B. Kofod-Larsen for Christensen & Larsen also present a continuous shaped upholstered back and seat, with flanked shaped arms transitioning to circular tapering legs.(Estimate: $4,000-6,000). A Triptych by Laddie John Dill, ( American, B. 1943), is a mixed media on plywood with geometric forms of glass and gray composite. The whimsical piece carries a presale estiamte of $8,000-12,000. The last lost of the sale is sure to resonate with many collectors. A 1987 Mercedes Benz 560SL Convertible equipped with V8 automatic transmission, alloy wheels and every other amenity a driver could want, including the detachable hardtop for those perfect summer days. Ex. Toy Barn (Dublin, Ohio, Estimate: $6,000-8,000).

There is sure to be no shortage of engaged bidders in the room for the last session of the day, European Furniture and Decorative Arts. With a wide breadth of items including paintings, English silver, William & Mary, and Jacobean furniture, Baker Historic Charleston furniture, African masks, taxidermy mounts, books from the 15th-19th centuries there is something to entice every buyer. Leading the strong collection is an eye-catching George III Silver Tureen, marked London 1791-2 by makers John Wakelin and William Taylor. The urn is in neoclassical taste and a similar pair of Wakelin and Taylor tureens of nearly identical form, sold at Christie’s (London), June 2011, lot 315. (Estimate: $5,000-8,000). Also available is a pair of George III Silver Candlesticks, marked London, 1762-3 and William Cafe with a presale estimate of $3,500-4,500. A Pair of Regency Silver Candelabra marked for Sheffield, 1822-3 and John Green and Company will be offered shortly thereafter. The period-engraved animals on the bases make the pair very appealing from a design perspective. (Estimate: $1,000-2,000). An additional three sets of candlesticks matching the candelabra, also by John Green and Company will be offered in the follow three lots.

Leading a strong selection of furniture is an 18th century, George III Desk and Bookcase, Ex Max Webber, (Massachusetts, Estimate: $1,500-3,000). A 17th-18th century Jacobean Chest of Drawers will follow suite along with a Jacobean-style joint foot style and a William and Mary Armchair. A large KPM oval Plaque of a young girl, is signed “L. Sturm, Dres-
den, 1886” (Ludwig Sturm) and shows an impressed KPM with arrow on the back. (Estimate:$800-1,200). New and seasoned buyers are sure to be attracted to several pieces of fine art in this last session as well. An oil on canvas after Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, (Italy, 1483-1520). The well done, mid 19th-century copy of the Renaissance work is most likely a professionally painted copy from the Grand Tour era. The original work, painted ca. 1505, was housed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence starting in 1704. Florence was one of the stops during Grand Tours and the painting Tribuna of the Uffizi by Johann Zoffany (1772-1778) shows the Madonna of the Goldfinch hanging on the wall of the gallery. (Estimate: $800-1,200). A captivating 18th century, half-length portrait of Reverend Lyon of Spalding carries a presale estimate of $1,000-2,000. The subject is almost certainly Reverend Stephen Lyon, a French Huguenot who served as president of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society from 1713 until his death in 1748. In the Society’s archives is a reference, penned by the Archdeacon of Lincoln, to a portrait of Lyon in the collection of the Earl of Westmoreland at Apethorp in Northampton, in which the reverend is depicted as a “young Divine.” Another striking Portrait of a seated Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska possibly by Sir Godfrey Kneller will also be offered during the session with a presale estimate of $2,000-4,000. Maria Clementina Sobieska (1702-1735) was the granddaughter of King John III Sobieski of Poland. On September 3, 1719, she married Prince James Francis Edward Stuart of Wales (1688-1766). His father, King James II, was deposed shortly after his birth (during the Glorious Revolution), but the younger James still claimed the throne as James III upon his father’s death in 1701. His numerous unsuccessful attempts to take the throne he claimed inspired the nickname “The Old Pretender.”

Preview hours will be available July 21st thru July 25th or by special appointment. Previews are free and open to the public and will be held in Garth’s main gallery located at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware, Ohio. For a copy of the illustrated catalog accompanying this sale, to leave bids or request condition reports, please contact Garth’s at 740-362-4771 or via email at [email protected]. The digital format of this catalog may be viewed at www.garths.com. Garth’s website enables users to view every lot in the auction, and bid live, in real-time, through http://www.garthslive.com.

Garth’s is accepting quality items for the upcoming fall auctions including Americana, Firearms, Asian Art and Fine & Vintage Jewelry. For further information regarding how to sell at Garth’s, or for a valuation of your item(s), please contact Garth’s at 740-362-4771 or via email at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GarthsAuctions
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