Debut installation of Peabody Essex Museum's new curator of Chinese and East Asian art
Wedding Headdress, China, kingfisher feathers, silk, enamel, brass, beads, pearls, semi-precious stone. © 2001-2014 The Peabody Essex Museum
SALEM, MASS.- The Peabody Essex Museum presents Double Happiness: Celebration in Chinese Art, an installation featuring a selection of more than 30 works spanning 3,000 years which have been drawn from the museum's renowned Chinese collection. Organized by Daisy Yiyou Wang, PEM's recently appointed curator of Chinese and East Asian art, this installation examines how festivals, ceremonies and celebrations have long inspired creative expression in Chinese culture. Double Happiness: Celebration in Chinese Art is on view through mid-2015.
"Life in China is marked by a cycle of celebratory and commemorative events," Wang says. "The artworks on display -- from humble burial figurines to exquisite imperial ceramics -- evoke the occasions for which they were created: the opulence of a royal wedding, the liveliness of a drinking party, the sadness of a funeral procession and poetic evocation of spring."
Double Happiness is organized into five sections -- The Altar, Seasons, Weddings, Feasting and Reverence for the Dead -- and features ceramics, jewelry, jade, sculpture, glass and metalwork. Symbols from nature and myth, conveying messages of happiness, longevity, fertility and family harmony, embellish objects associated with weddings.
Daisy Yiyou Wang oversees the museum's Chinese, Japanese and Korean collections. Prior to this appointment, she served as Chinese art specialist at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, where she contributed to a number of exhibitions, including Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Cave Temples of Xiangtangshan (2011) and the artist Cai Guo-Qiang's Explosion Event on the National Mall (2012). Wang's publications cover topics ranging from Buddhist art to contemporary art and the history of collecting Chinese art.
With the goal to share the best practices and develop new partnerships, Wang founded the American Alliance of Museums' China Program, the largest annual U.S.-China museum professional exchange program. Her work was merited with a Smithsonian Scholarly Studies Award and a Valuing World Cultures Award. Wang was a Smithsonian Post-Doctoral Fellow, a Getty Museum Leadership Fellow, and a grant reviewer for the Getty Research Institute and the Smithsonian. She earned her Ph.D. in art history from Ohio University, and her M.A. in English literature and her B.A. in international law and affairs from the University of International Relations in Beijing.
Bowl with dragons, phoenixes, gourds, and characters for happiness, Qing dynasty © 2001-2014 The Peabody Essex Museum
Portrait of Daisy Wang. Courtesy Peabody Essex Museum
Two rare Aboriginal shields realize over $45,000 and two new global fine records set at Clars
Two Aboriginal Peoples Northern Australia shields. Sold for $47,600. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
OAKLAND, CA.- On July 12, 13 and 14, Clars Auction Gallery hosted their monthly fine art, jewelry and decorative art auction. The sale would become their largest July auction in the firm’s history realizing just over $1 Million. The success of the sale was fueled by both exceptional estate property and Clars’ global marketing on several platforms.
FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS
The excitement began on Saturday when two (2) Aboriginal Peoples Northern Australia shields came up for sale. The shields came to auction as part of the ethnographic collection of a prominent San Francisco (CA) estate. They were both made of fig tree wood, had carved handles and carved bosses to the front. They measured 34.5” long x 14.25” wide. Prior to the sale, because of the difficulty of putting an age on the shields, they were conservatively projected to likely be post WWII by Clars and another major auction house. Based on this assumption, they were both assigned pre-sale estimates of $400 to $600 (US).
The bidding opened on the first shield at $400 but quickly became a heated phone battle between two Australian collectors. The increments jumped from $100 to $1,000 skyrocketing the final sale price to $23,000. It was a repeat performance for the second shield which also earned the same amount. In the end, both shields were bought by the same Australian collector. After the sale, Deric Torres, Vice President and Director of Furniture and Decorative Art for Clars Auction Gallery commented that, after further evaluation, these shields were in fact, likely 19th century, not Post World War II. Australian fine art and decorative art have made for several exciting sales at Clars. In February, “Possum Dreaming” by contemporary aboriginal artist Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (1932-2002) achieved the highest price ever for this artist in the United States selling for $131,000 (US).
The Decorative Arts and Furniture category continued to have exceptional results throughout the next two days. Almost tying the world record price for its form, a Murano glass “Pulcini” bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, circa 1963, sold for $4,000, solidly surpassing its high estimate of $2,500. Also surpassing high estimate was a pair of Meissen covered urns which garnered an impressive $9,000. Selling for solidly within estimate were a pair of Napoleon III boulle style commodes which earned $7,500 and a pair of Empire ormolu and patinated bronze ewers fetched $10,000. Rounding out this category, a slick 2012 Nissan 370 Z Touring Coupe sped off for $22,500.
Pair of Empire ormolu and patinated bronze ewers, attributed to Claude Gallé, Paris circa 1810, each having a single handle accented with Classical style winged nymphs, above the spout having a figural mask mount, and rising on a pedestal base terminating on paw feet, 22.5″h Sold for $10,115. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
2012 Nissan 370 Z Touring Coupe. Sold for $22,610. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
FINE ART
Two new world auction records were set during this sale. The first, an oil on board painting by Douglas Hofmann (American, b. 1945), titled Madam Derriere, soared past its high estimate of $2,000 achieving the new record price for the artist of $11,900. The second was a colorful, majestic oil on canvas by Tarmo Pasto (American, 1906-1986). Titled “California Foothills,” this work sold for $2,300, more than doubling the previous record of $1,080.
Douglas Hofmann (American, b.1945), Madame Derriere, oil on board, signed lower right, sight: 39.25”h x 42.25”w, overall (with frame): 45”h x 47.25”w. Sold for $11,900. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
Another high achiever was the large, but dramatic, bronze sculpture by Bob Grieves (b. 1986) titled, “Shanandoah Farewell,” which amazed the crowd to settle at $15,470, well above its $8,000 to $12,000 estimate. Works by Peter Max continued to be strong with a vibrant acrylic on canvas titled, “Better World,” landing well past its $4,000 to 6,000 estimate selling for $11,900.
Bob Grieves (American, b. 1986), “Shenandoah Farewell,” bronze sculpture, title placard lower center base, mounted on wood base, overall (with base): 27″h x 59″w x 20″w. Provenance: Estate of Dean and Margaret Lesher (former owners of the Contra Costa Times). Sold for $15,470. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
JEWELRY
Once again, it was a spectacular jewelry offering that took top lot of the sale. A fancy light brownish pink unmounted diamond weighing 1.51 cts. sold for $24,000. A Rolex Submariner stainless steel wristwatch, circa 1971, and retailed by Tiffany stunned the crowd earning well over twice its high estimate selling for $15,500.
Fancy Light Brownish Pink unmounted diamond, one unmounted round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.51 cts., accompanied by a GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report #216103058, dated April 29, 2014, stating Fancy Light Brownish Pink, Natural, Even, VS1. Sold for $23,800. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
Rolex Tiffany & Co. submariner stainless steel wristwatch, ref. 5513, circa 1971. Sold for $15,470. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
ASIAN ART
Typical for Clars, the Asian art section had a high sell through rate and was a well-rounded sale with items from various categories all performing well. The category had a great start with the first lot, a painting in the manner of Fu Baoshi (Chinese, 1904-1965), Scholars Playing Chess, experiencing competitive bidding bringing the final price to eight (8) times its high estimate selling for $9,250. In the jades offered, a celadon nephrite carving intricately sculpted with a cricket perched on a bitter melon achieved $5,300. The Himalayan offerings performed above their estimates including one thangka of Penden Lhamo which sold for $3,300.
Manner of Fu Baoshi (Chinese, 1904-1965), Scholars Playing Chess, ink and color on paper, the left with a colophon bearing signature and sealed ‘Fu’, painting: 32″h x 15.5″w, overall (scroll): 71″h x 18.75″w. Sold for $9,520. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
Chinese celadon jade carving, featuring a cricket perched on a bitter melon, 3.5″w; Provenance: Estate of Carolyn T.C. Chang, Tucson, Arizona, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970′s. Sold for $ 5,355. Photo courtesy Clars Auction Gallery
Bonhams to sell 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Series 1 Cabriolet
The 1957 Turin Show, Ex-Carlos Kauffman. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Series 1 Cabriolet. Coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. Chassis no. 0759 GT. Engine no. 0759 GT. Photo: Bonhams.
The magnificent Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet destined for Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale is a very early, stylish example, and only the eighth of some 40 units ever built.
Having spent its life in Italy and Venezuela, it now travels to California for the highly anticipated auction, with an estimate of $6.5 million to $8.5 million. It will be offered without reserve.
Its chassis frame was delivered to the Pinin Farina plant in September 1957, and upon the assembled car's completion with this strikingly handsome body it was promptly exhibited at the 39th Salone dell' Automobile in Turin's Valentino Park exhibition hall.
In January 1958, this Cabriolet was then shipped to the Venezuelan Ferrari importer, Carlos Kauffman, in the South-American state's capital city of Caracas.
Newly registered on Venezuelan plates, it was later pictured in the factory's official 1959 Ferrari Yearbook, whose compilers every year made much of the burgeoning marque's growing global appeal. On the streets of Caracas the car turned all heads with its original white paint scheme later changed to a bright green hue. Its original price there was at 80,000 Venezuelan Bolivares.
The car later received its first private owners in Luis and Carmen Perez Dupuy. The pair went on to sell it to a Mr. Gustavo Guttierez, who retained the car until 1986 (by which time it had been repainted bright red). Ultimately, in 1991 it was inducted into the Maranello Rosso Collection in San Marino, and returned to its native Italy.
This magnificently imposing Cabriolet has been well maintained and most sympathetically restored, with its exterior Bianco paintwork providing a striking counterpoint to its Pelle Naturale Conolly leather upholstery.
Of all the road-going Ferraris from the Maranello Rosso Collection, this ex-Carlos Kauffman, 1958 Turin Show car, is particularly admired as a Ferrari of enormous distinction, rarity and surviving originality.
The ten entries from the Maranello Rosso Collection are:
1. 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta
2. 1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT Coupe
3. 1968 Ferrari 365 GTC Coupe
4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta
5. 1978 Ferrari 312 T3 Formula 1 Racing single-seater
6. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Pinin Farina Cabriolet
7. 1968 Ferrari Dino 166/246T Formula 2/Tasman racing single-seater
8. 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM Endurance Racing Coupe
9. 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona uprated to Competition Specification
10. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale Aerodinamica
Bonhams' two-day Quail Lodge auction will take place August 14 and 15, with the Maranello Rosso Collection of Ten being offered on Thursday, August 14. For more details on this exciting sale, please visit Bonhams.com/Quail.
Bonhams to offer ex-1930 Mille Miglia class winning OM 665 SS MM Superba at Goodwood Revival
1930 OM 665 SS MM Superba. Photo: Bonhams.
LONDON.- The historically significant 1930 OM 665 SS MM Superba is to be offered at Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction on Saturday 13th September 2014.
Boasting an impeccable competitive career, the pre-war sports racing car began life with class winning success in the gruelling Mille Miglia 1000 mile race around Italy in 1930. It continued with entries in a number of the most noted endurance races of its day including the Targa Florio and Tourist Trophy.
Perhaps lesser known than other Italian thoroughbreds, OM, which stood for Officine Meccaniche and translates as 'Mechanical Workshops' brought its engineering expertise from the manufacture of locomotives and rolling stock into motor car production in 1917 with the acquisition of Brescia based car builder Zust. The four and six cylinder cars that they built through the 1920s and 1930s were proven to be particularly competitive, achieving numerous wins in National and Regional events, firmly establishing their reputation with first, second and third place finishes in the 1927 Mille Miglia.
After its career in international racing the OM was stored away in the Midlands of the United Kingdom, until decades later reappearing when discovered in the 1960s. Recognition of its importance today can be attributed to the exhaustive research made by its owners in this period who have systematically pursued any leads to its history in an age when those associated with the car in the 1930s were still alive.
James Knight, Bonhams Global Head of Motoring, said: "the Bonhams Goodwood Revival sale is an annual spectacular of classic motoring – with this year is set to be no different. Bonhams motoring department is again set to display some spectacular cars, today announcing the first of this intriguing list: the OM.
"Of most interest for the SS MM - or SS Mille Miglia model - is its automatic acceptance for the legendary Mille Miglia race, by way of having originally competed in this event in period. This hallowed status enables its next custodian to relive successes of the likes of Bassi and Gazzabini on the arduous 1000 mile course as well as numerous other events.
"Initial thoughts are that the OM should realize a high six-figure sum. It has been sympathetically restored and comes with one of the most comprehensive history files we have seen, having passed through a handful of noted collectors all the while being actively campaigned as it had in period."
Bert Stern (American, 1929-2013), Audrey Hepburn, taken in 1963
Bert Stern (American, 1929-2013), Audrey Hepburn, taken in 1963. Photo Scottsdale Auctions & Appraisals
12 x 18 , ed. 7/50. Signed in crayon in the margin recto; artist's stamp & Signature verso. Estimate $5,000 – $7,000
PROVENANCE: Obtained directly from the artist;
Walter Knox Collection Scottsdale, AZ.
Though this rare image is numbered #7/50 this was the last one Bert Stern signed before his death making there only 7 known copies.
Bert Stern (American, 1929-2013), Elizabeth Taylor in 1962, promoting 'Cleopatra?'
Bert Stern (American, 1929-2013), Elizabeth Taylor in 1962, promoting 'Cleopatra?'. Photo Scottsdale Auctions & Appraisals
13 x 19 paper size, 12 x 18 image size, ed. 9/50 dated 2012. Signed in crayon in the margin recto; artist's stamp & Signature verso. Estimate $5,000 – $7,000
PROVENANCE: Obtained directly from the artist;
Walter Knox Collection Scottsdale, AZ.
Though this rare image is numbered #9/50 this was the last one Bert Stern signed before his death making there only 9 known copies.
Scottsdale Auctions & Appraisals, 7056 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251 - Tel: 480-874-1007 - Or at www.liveauctioneers.com
René Boivin Conch Pearl Amethyst Peridot Ring
René Boivin Conch Pearl Amethyst Peridot Ring. Photo (c) Pat Saling
Price upon request.
Pat Saling, 608 Fifth Ave, NY, NY 10020, United States. Tel: 212-582-3355
Rare Belle Epoque Conch Pearl Diamond Platinum Butterfly Brooch, Circa 1900
Rare Belle Epoque Conch Pearl Diamond Platinum Butterfly Brooch, Circa 1900. Photo (c) MOBOCO
Rare Belle Epoque Platinum Diamond and Conch Pearl Butterfly Brooch. Circa 1900. 8 Carats of Diamonds (the center Antique Cushion Cut Diamond is about 1 Carat). Beautifully hand fabricated with complete back azuring. 2 inches wide and 1 inch tall. The Conch Pearl is 4 Carats. Typically Conch Pearls are only found in sizes of 3 Carats or less. Conch pearls are one of the most Rare and valuable of all natural pearls. They cannot be cultured but most be discovered in the wild. It has been estimated that approximately 1 in 10,000 Conch Mollusks produce a pearl, and of these only a few possess the color, shape and flame pattern necessary to be considered a gem. The color of conch pearls varies greatly. Pearls are most often found white, brown, beige, yellow, orange, pink, or red. Pink and red being the most sought after. Price: $55,750
MOBOCO. Newport Center, Newport Beach, CA, United States. Tel: 949.653.2206
Edwardian Conch pearl and Oriental Pearl Ring
Edwardian Conch pearl and Oriental Pearl Ring. Photo (c) Sandra Cronan Ltd.
An Edwardian ring set with one conch pearl and one natural Oriental pearl, each with a small diamond to to centre, with an intricate diamond set platinum mount. Price: $19,000
Sandra Cronan Ltd. 16 Albemarle St. First Floor, London, W1S 4HW, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 2074 914 851
Art Deco LaCloche Paris Conch Pearl Ear Pendants
Art Deco LaCloche Paris Conch Pearl Ear Pendants. Photo (c) Bentley & Skinner.
A fine pair of La Cloche Art Deco conch pearl, enamel and diamond drop earrings, the conch pearls suspended from a diamond and black enamel geometric top, by LaCloche Freres, circa 1920s. Price $90,300
Bentley & Skinner, 55 Piccadilly, London, W1J ODX, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 2076 290 651
