Spinosa shines at Gray's March 29 auction Interesting collection of contemporary art, significant collection of bronzes, fine period furniture and good collection of Asian ceramics and artifacts at Gray's Spring Auction March 29, 11am.
News-Antique.com - Mar 25,2011 - The Spring auction at Gray’s on Tuesday March 29 features a delightful and surprising collection of contemporary art together with a fine selection of furniture and decorations. Cleveland ceramicist Gary Spinosa is represented by Lot 133 a strikingly large piece, for this artist, standing at 18” tall. Known for his elegant sculptural forms this piece is no exception. Spinosa’s sculptural works embody human myth, animal spirits and also hidden in each “stone or shrine, often symmetrical and iconic, is a self-portrait of the artist who lives with a deep, personal connection to his creations.” (John Bavaro, Bruce Gallery Director, Edinboro University). Spinosa has five works in the auction.
Spinosa’s skill in his chosen medium is inspired in part by the sublime ceramicists of China’s Ming dynasty. Lot 150 is a museum grade 16th century Longquan celadon Yen-Yen baluster form vase with foliate carved decoration, and an impeccable provenance from the original collector in the early 1900’s. From the 16th century to the 1960’s lot 232A is an Italian made Gino Sarfatti, iconic Triennale floor lamp. This oft copied award winning designer was born in Venice in 1912, and studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Genoa. This aerodynamic floor lamp has been a perennial favorite of movie and tv set designers since it was launched, most recently being featured in AMC’s Golden Globe winning series ‘Mad Men’.
If the Italians and Danes were masters of mid-century modern design surely the Americans are masters of design when it comes to arms and armaments. Lot 196A is a working World War II scale miniature of a US naval cannon. Standing at 6.5 inches tall and 17.5 inches long this diminutive model is extraordinarily detailed. Using weapons grade steel and brass with iron elements and complete with spring action firing pin the unknown machinist working for the US Defense Department who created this cannon, created a beautiful work of art.
A warrior from ancient times, St. George, who slew the last remaining dragon in Libya, according to legend, is depicted in two notable lots by Hungarian ceramicist Istvan Gador. Lot 169 is a ceramic plaque depicting St George on horseback with the dragon writhing at the end of his lance. Lot 170 is also a ceramic plaque showing St.George with the conquered dragon curled at his feet. Both pieces reflect Gador’s unique application of color and style. From Christian saints to Buddhist and Hindu gods, lot 146 is a 19th century bronze figure of Yama, Lord of the Underworld. This small bronze stands at 5.5 inches tall, is ornately detailed and in good condition.
Equally ornate is Lot 204, a stunning Louis XV style kingwood and ormolu mounted bureau plat. This is a large, early 20th century, example with an inset leather top. Lot 205 is another 20th century piece of furniture crafted by noted cabinet maker Maitland-Smith. A mahogany drinks cabinet in the form of a Georgian style, doll’s house, complete with leaded glass windows, doors that open, a leather topped pull
