Toshiko Takaezu’s breathtaking ceramics lauded at Rago, April 13

Toshiko Takaezu, Moon, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Courtesy of Rago/Wright/LAMA.
Toshiko Takaezu, Moon, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Courtesy of Rago/Wright/LAMA.
Toshiko Takaezu, Moon, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Courtesy of Rago/Wright/LAMA.

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – Rago, Wright, and LAMA present A Quiet Revolution: The Ceramics of Toshiko Takaezu on Thursday, April 13, featuring more than 60 works by the singular artist. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Abell to auction items from Connie Stevens, estate of Louise Fletcher, Apr. 6

14K white gold, platinum, diamond, emerald and onyx brooch formerly owned by Connie Stevens, estimated at $3,000-$5,000
14K white gold, platinum, diamond, emerald and onyx brooch formerly owned by Connie Stevens, estimated at $3,000-$5,000
14K white gold, platinum, diamond, emerald and onyx brooch formerly owned by Connie Stevens, estimated at $3,000-$5,000

LOS ANGELES – Fans and admirers of the beloved actress and singer Connie Stevens may bid on a stunning array of  jewelry, clothing, memorabilia and other items from her personal collection when Abell Auction Co. presents its Celebrity Collections sale on Thursday, April 6 starting at 9 am Pacific time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Breitling MI5 ‘spy’ watch among recent sellers at Chiswick

A Breitling Superocean Steelfish with an MI5 Security Service crest on the dial, one of a limited edition of 900 produced in 2009 to mark the centenary of the secret service, sold for £4,750, or around $5,800, at auction in London on March 22. Image courtesy of Chiswick Auctions
A Breitling Superocean Steelfish with an MI5 Security Service crest on the dial, one of a limited edition of 900 produced in 2009 to mark the centenary of the secret service, sold for £4,750, or around $5,800, at auction in London on March 22. Image courtesy of Chiswick Auctions
A Breitling Superocean Steelfish with an MI5 Security Service crest on the dial, one of a limited edition of 900 produced in 2009 to mark the centenary of the secret service, sold for £4,750, or around $5,800, at auction in London on March 22. Image courtesy of Chiswick Auctions

LONDON – The Watches sale at Chiswick Auctions on March 22 included a number of special modern issues – including a diver’s watch made for an MI5 employee.

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Horses came to American West by early 1600s, study finds

This late 19th- or early 20th-century Native American Yokuts polychrome basket decorated with horses and figures sold for $3,250 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2021. Image courtesy of Clars Auction Gallery and LiveAuctioneers
This late 19th- or early 20th-century Native American Yokuts polychrome basket decorated with horses and figures sold for $3,250 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2021. Image courtesy of Clars Auction Gallery and LiveAuctioneers
This late 19th- or early 20th-century Native American Yokuts polychrome basket decorated with horses and figures sold for $3,250 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2021. Image courtesy of Clars Auction Gallery and LiveAuctioneers

WASHINGTON (AP) – The horse is symbolic of the American West, but when and how domesticated horses first reached the region has long been a matter of historical debate. A new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, earlier than many written histories suggest.

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Mezuzahs: beauty and faith beckon at your door

A Menachem Berman 18K gold mezuzah from 1980, featuring a child’s blessing to grow, do good deeds, learn the Torah, and marry, achieved $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in January 2021. Image courtesy of J. Greenstein & Co., Inc. and LiveAuctioneers

A Menachem Berman 18K gold mezuzah from 1980, featuring a child’s blessing to grow, do good deeds, learn the Torah, and marry, achieved $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in January 2021. Image courtesy of J. Greenstein & Co., Inc. and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – Mezuzahs are small, hollow cases available in a variety of materials and styles which, according to scripture, Jews traditionally affix “upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates,” as recommended in the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:9). Ritually acceptable mezuzahs contain tiny handwritten parchment scrolls inscribed with Hebrew prayers affirming belief in the creator, and to some, promising personal safety.

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