The Hot Bid: Civil War Black regiment flag bound for glory at Morphy’s

The 127th Regiment United States Colored Troops (USCT) Civil War battle flag measures 72in. x 55¼in., excluding the fringe. It has a $150,000-$250,000 estimate. Morphy Auctions image

What you see: The battle flag of the 127th Regiment of the USCT (United States Colored Troops), from Pennsylvania, which fought in the Civil War in 1864 and 1865. It was painted by African-American artist David Bustill Bowser.

The expert: Craig D. Womeldorf, chief executive officer, Morphy Auctions.

How rare are battle-used Civil War regiment flags of any kind? It’s such a wide range. There are battle flags from many regiments, Union and Confederate. They had to have flags in battle to identify the regiment. As you can imagine, they were used heavily. Some got lost and destroyed. They’re very rare.Continue reading

Rare Chinese pottery stands out at Michaan’s June 8 sale  

Rare Chinese ‘number two’ Jun ware narcissus bowl. Estimate: $200,000-$300,000. Michaan’s image

ALAMEDA, Calif. – June marks the midpoint of a stellar year for Michaan’s Auctions. 2019 has brought outstanding sales of private art collections, rare ephemera and collectibles, and exceptional jewelry. In May, Michaan’s introduced property from a San Francisco collection featuring many Asian art treasures. The sale of this exceptional property continues at the June 8 Gallery Auction where Chinese porcelains are among the highlights. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.Continue reading

Italian designers rule in mid-century modern auction June 5

Art Deco bar cabinet attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 55¾in. high x 40in. wide x 18in. deep. Estimate: $2,500-$3,000. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Everything needed to decorate a room in mid-century modern décor is offered in an online auction that will be conducted by Jasper52 on Wednesday, June 5. Seating, cabinetry and lighting, many by renowned Italian designers of the era, are featured in this sale. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.

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Dragon robes: powerful dress for success

This bright yellow imperial brocade embroidered silk dragon robe earned $120,000 in July 2016 at Augeo Gallery. Photo courtesy of Augeo Gallery and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – In the Chinese culture, imperial dragon robes carried gravitas and the best examples were worn by royalty and top consorts as indicators of their identity and status. A robe was akin to a uniform and before the People’s Republic did away with imperial rule and the dragon emblem, dragons were an important motif in robes. Imperial tailors spent thousands of hours painstakingly stitching and embroidering these elegant robes, using gold thread.

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