Nye & Co. Estate Treasures Auction
September 8-9,10 am
973-984-6900
www.nyeandcompany.com
BLOOMFIELD, N.J. — Nye & Company Auctioneers’ two-day, online Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction features property from the Bishop-Peabody-Metcalf family, the NAMITS collection, the estate of Peter Benchley (author of JAWS, Princeton, N.J.), and several private collections. It is slated for Wednesday and Thursday, September 8 and 9, at 10 am Eastern both days. Up for bid are thousands of lots of fine and decorative arts.
Headlining the auction are works from a private collection based in New England. The collection features a group of early American furniture, folk art and Northeastern Indian baskets. Of particular note is a richly figured maple Queen Anne high chest. The collection also has two early mirrors that are rare survivors. The first is an early Eighteenth Century diminutive looking glass that is in untouched condition and of the late William and Mary/early Queen Anne period. A William and Mary japanned courting mirror has only traces of the japanning remaining, but is a rare example of the Boston craft.
The collectors also amassed a collection of colored and potato-stamped Northeastern Indian woven splint baskets in various colors, shapes, sizes and condition. The collection also includes a selection of quilts from the Eighteenth through the early Twentieth Century. Highlights include a “Whig rose” example, as well as “log cabin” and “flying geese” patterned quilts.
Continuing along the theme of folk art, the NAMITS collection features a gilt- and paint-decorated zinc and iron optician’s trade sign that was purchased from dealer Alan Katz. Also included in the sale are some painted cast iron banks acquired from Gemini Antiques, including a Clown and Globe bank.
The collection also contains a diverse selection of inlaid tea caddies, boxes and miniature chests of drawers from both sides of the Atlantic. The collector’s tastes also dipped into the contemporary and modern design aesthetic and include a pair of hemp rope and wood Christian Astuguevielle designed chairs. These tall-backed chairs are reminiscent of weeping willow trees that can be seen in early folk art needlework and paintings.
Another collection with a strong hold in the traditional decorative arts is being offered by descendants of the early New England Bishop-Peabody-Metcalf families. Of note is a collection of Asian arts that includes carved jade, Japanese baskets and carved boxes that were part of the collection of Heber R. Bishop, who assembled one of the finest collections of carved jade in the world. A portion of his collection was bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum in 1902. Of particular note is a cast bronze vase that possibly dates from the Sixteenth Century.
Dovetailing nicely with this group is a selection of Asian arts that were collected by Charles Shultz, a collector from Montclair, N.J. This connection with the aforementioned family was buoyed by the fact that Shultz purchased several items that were part of the Heber R. Bishop auction of 1906 at the American Art Galleries in New York City. Two Japanese bamboo baskets were woven by the basket weaver Tanabe Chikuunsai (1877-1937). Also acquired at the Bishop auction was a pair of Samurai warrior chainmail sleeves.
The sale also features a selection of printed books dating back as early as the Sixteenth Century. Included is a selection of early American printings and Revolutionary War period books and period travel books with pull-out maps. There is also an early topographical map exhibiting the plan of Fort Washington (now Fort Knyphausen). For those who like American and English literature, there are several large sets, including works by Washington Irving, Rudyard Kipling, Herman Melville and Charles Dickens.
Fine art is also well represented in this auction. There are several works that were exhibited at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. Many works descended in the Clinedinst family who count the highly acclaimed artist, Benjamin West, as one of their descendants.
In traditional furniture there is a selection of contemporary pieces, including a pair of Weiman kidney-shaped sofas, dining tables and chairs. The sale is has a selection of chandeliers and lighting by designers such as Sean Lavin, Thomas O’Brien and Chapman & Myers.
Highlights from the estate jewelry and watches category include pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Company and Spiral Brequet Remontion, plus unmarked turn-of-the century engagement rings comprising old-mine diamonds from private collections.
An online preview is currently conducted through September 8-9. For more information, www.nyeandcompany.com or 973-984-6900.Preview/Pre-Bid starting on August 25.
Online at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.invaluable.com, www.bidsquare.com and www.liveauctioneers.com.
A Queen Anne figured maple high chest of drawers, New England, 1750-1770
A Chippendale mahogany blockfront chest of drawers, Boston, 1760-1780
A cast zinc and iron optician’s trade sign, American, late 19th century
Sterling Silver Presentation Repousse Footed Bowl, Bigelow-Kennard & Co., Boston
A pair of Royal Worcester hand-painted porcelain vases, signed John Stinton
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