Garth's January 29 Auction Packs A Punch! Winter weather often packs a punch on Ohio, but this January, Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers is presenting an auction of fine art, furniture and decorative arts which packs a punch for bidders
estimate of $5,000 - $7,000. Getting organized for the New Year? The Wooton Desk Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, Indiana had it all figured out in the late 19th century. Their Standard Grade desk (est. $6,000 - $12,000), in walnut, burl walnut, bird’s-eye maple and poplar will keep you mesmerized by the task at hand, as you fill the dozens of cubbies and drawers. If you go mad for marquetry, you have several choices, including a wonderful Dutch-style cupboard with hairy paw feet, estimated at $3,000 - $4,000. Feel like Chinese? You’ll find many affordable examples, from altar tables, cabinets and even a stepback cupboard; mostly in Elmwood with traces of old lacquer and hand painted decoration.
Accessories abound, with a fine selection of textiles including Chinese robes, a woman’s headdress, and Oriental rugs. There’s no shortage of ivory, either. Top lots include an impressive ivory vase in three parts, with continual carving of a banquet scene around the circumference (est. $1,500-$2,500); a dragon boat with figures and a pagoda representing the racing of dragon boats during the Duanwu Festival (est. $600-$900); and a set Buddhist prayer beads, China, 19th century, with pierce-carved ivory beads strung on silk with blue and green cloisonné spacers and pendants (est. $1,500-$2,500). Important jade offerings include a pair of large Nephrite statues of Quan Yin, the “goddess of mercy” (est. $1,500-$3,000). In Sanskrit, her name is Padma-pâni, or "Born of the Lotus." Quan Yin, alone among Buddhist gods, is loved rather than feared and is the model of Chinese beauty. No other figure in the Chinese pantheon appears in a greater variety of images, of which there are said to be thousands of different incarnations or manifestations. Quan Yin is usually depicted as a barefoot, gracious woman dressed in beautiful, white flowing robes, and these sculptures do not disappoint.
Rounding out the auction, several lots of precious metals are sure to make the market. A large set of Peruvian sterling flatware, weighing in at a total (approximate) weight of 185 ozt (excluding hollow-handled pieces), is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. A George III silver compote tips the scales at 52 ozt and bears the mark of Emes and Barnard, London, 1810 (est. $1,000-$2,000). A very cool silver plate Cathedral "Magic" castor set, patent date of 1855, has a turn handle that opens six doors to reveal holders for condiment bottles (est. $300-$500). For those who love their bling, an 18K gold ladies Presidential Rolex (with box and certificate) is a steal at $5,000 - $8,000.
A bit uncommon in Garth’s salerooms, but a hot field for today’s collectors, is an interesting African collection that includes about a dozen lots from Reverend William Edwards Fay and his wife Annie, missionaries from 1881-1907 in Portuguese West Africa (today known as Angola). The collection includes a watercolor by their son William Fay, who became a fairly well known illustrator and was a pupil of Duveneck (est. $250 - $500).
Garth’s Asian, Continental & American Auction of Furniture, Accessories and Fine
