Important collections highlight Rago’s Sept. 18-19 Craftsman auction
Aug. 24, 2004
Lambertville, N.J. - On September 18-19, David Rago Auctions will hold its nationally renowned Craftsman Auction, starting at 12 noon (Eastern time) on each day, with real-time Internet bidding provided by LiveAuctioneers.com. The high-end Arts & Crafts sale features more than 900 lots derived from several important collections of art pottery, tiles, select Mission furniture, and a strong selection of art glass. “I am excited about what we have to offer at the upcoming fall Craftsman auction,” said David Rago. “We have quality and rarity in all areas.”
Unlike auctions that have one or two highlights, this event includes many showstoppers. One exceptional piece is an early, large Gustav Stickley bookcase with four mitered, mullioned doors over four cabinet doors with copper ring pulls and strap hardware and a broad backsplash. It is estimated at $90,000-120,000.
Another rare offering is a Gustav Stickley leaded glass lantern, finely decorated with an array of roses. The lantern comes from a local New Jersey estate and is only one of three known examples. The estimated value of this wonderful lantern is $20,000-30,000
Other desirable pieces include a collection of 80 lots fresh to the market. The collection, from the 1970s, was acquired from the Ainsworth home in East Aurora, N.Y. Pieces of particular note include an unusual Roycroft Dard Hunter table lamp, a Roycroft Magazine pedestal, and a 12" plain dining table used by the staff at the Roycroft Inn.
Also included is a Karl Kipp cylindrical copper vase, two paintings by Alexis Fournier, Roycroft leather and books, a collection of Deldare, a Gustav Stickley dining room set, and a high chair carved with the name Silas, which belonged to Elbert Hubbard's nephew.
A sensational Gustav Stickley chandelier from the original bungalow in California, where it was stored in the attic, is also being offered. Other lots of special interest include an L & J.G. Stickley grandfather clock, coming from its original home, valued between $24,000 and $32,000; and a Gustav Stickley smoker's cabinet, circa 1904, that is the earliest variation of this model featuring heavier style hammered hardware.
Also featured is a rare Limbert two-door bookcase with overhanging top, in original finish, having three panes over a single larger pane in each door with four adjustable shelves to each side and pewter and copper inlay, complete with a key. "When you some across something as spectacular as these Stickley pieces, it is very exciting to bring it to the public," said Jerry Cohen, partner in the Craftsman auction.
Important Handel lamps from the collection of musician Kenny Loggins are featured, including an eye-catching example with a chipped-glass shade reverse-painted by John Bailey, with a moonlit tropical scene with a tall ship, on a three-socket bronze base with clefs.
Another desirable piece is the 22" by 26" signed oil on canvas by Granville S. Redmond depicting twilight on a hillside with sheep, estimated at $30,000-50,000.
Beautiful pieces of Tiffany also are to be auctioned. They include a fine Louis C. Tiffany rare circular copper box and cover, enameled with a stylized spray of iridescent gold, blue and green flowers in the Favrile style on a bronze ground, and an unusual 15½” Tiffany Studios leaded glass and bronze Nautilus desk lamp.
In keeping with its fine tradition, Rago Craftsman auctions will be offering many rare pieces of art pottery. George Ohr lots include a tall cylindrical vase with deep in-body twist and footed base covered in a superior raspberry, white and amber frothy striped glaze, and an outstanding tall lobed vase with pinched rim with burgundy, gun metal green and light green volcanic sponged stripes on ivory ground.
Rookwood entries include a tall sea-green, bottle-shaped vase, beautifully painted by Sally Toohey with blue bell flowers on a black-to-celadon ground, 1899; a Rookwood Iris glaze tall vase painted by A.R. Valentien, with two rooks on a pine branch, 1904; and a painted matte Rookwood small bulbous vase with roosters, 1911, by C.S. Todd.
Grueby is also well represented with a collection of 20 pieces, including an outstanding Grueby Kendrick vase by Wilhemina Post, with full-height tooled and applied leaves reticulated below a row of shorter flat leaves, estimated at $19,000-22,000. A reticulated version of the Kendrick vase is very rarely seen, especially in such fine condition. Also being offered is an 11¼” tall Grueby vase by Wilhemina Post with a five-sided neck in matte brown and ivory buds.
Newcomb College lots include an early and rare bulbous vase, 1909, by Leona Nicholson, with incised, modeled and surface-painted freesia blossoms, estimated at $30,000-40,000; and a fine chocolate set with tall pine motif, carved by Anna F. Simpson. Two pieces that are sure to draw interest are an early corseted Newcomb College vase by Leona Nicholson with a band of green scarabs on a blue, green and yellow ground, circa 1906, complete with the original Newcomb College stand covered in gunmetal glaze; and a Newcomb College transitional ovoid vase carved by A.F. Simpson, with light blue chrysanthemums on deep-blue ground, circa 1912.
Also destined for auction success are a desirable Adelaide Robineau hemispherical vessel, covered in a spectacular café au lait and verdigris crystalline glaze; and an Arequipa tall vase, carved with foliate design in sheer green and turquoise glaze, which is most likely from the L. Solon period.
Also being auctioned is an exceptional Saturday Evening Girls large bowl, decorated in cuerda seca with large white geese on a bright yellow ground, estimated at $12,500-17,500.
A striking selection of tiles includes two Rookwood scenic vellum plaques mounted in their original frames, one painted by E.T. Hurley, “The Brook in Winter,” with a snowy landscape at dusk in pinks, blues and whites, circa 1918; and the other painted by Fred Rothenbusch, “A Peak” with a mountainous Western landscape in blues and ambers, circa 1929.
Other exquisite and unusual tiles include a large, rare Moravian plaque of Socrates which is covered in green and ivory glaze, two rare 8" colorful tiles by William DeMorgan, an exceptional Claycraft double wall sconce, and fine works by De Porceleyne Fles.
Preview all lots in the fully illustrated online catalog, then either leave an absentee bid or bid live online during the actual auction event, at www.liveauctioneers.com.
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