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Fine Chinese rosewood and cloisonne bench, estimated at $6,000-$10,000

Briggs offers Ivo Ispani Asian art estate collection, June 18

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Fine Chinese rosewood and cloisonne bench, estimated at $6,000-$10,000
Fine Chinese rosewood and cloisonne bench, estimated at $6,000-$10,000

GARNET VALLEY, Pa. – Briggs Auction is pleased and proud to offer The Ivo Ispani Estate Collection for auction on June 18. This exciting collection includes a vast assortment of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ceramics, bronzes, works of art, decorative arts, antique furnishings, and more. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

This extensive collection truly reflects Ispani’s love of antiques–especially the excellence and crafts of Japan and China—that were his lifelong passion. His scholarship and love of research is inherent in the attention to detail every piece in this collection, including his extensive collection of reference books that grew exponentially over the years. This carefully curated auction is a testament to his good taste and love for beautiful crafts and the workmanship of others, and, in a way, it all started with a pair of jeans.

Japanese Kano school six-panel screen, estimated at $1,000-$2,000
Japanese Kano school six-panel screen, estimated at $1,000-$2,000

Ispani began his career as a waiter on cruise ships in the 1970s. On one cruise to Odessa in Ukraine, he traded a pair of jeans for a Russian icon, and that first purchase sparked his interest in antiques. He left the cruise ship to work for an antique dealer in Italy where he learned and expanded his trade. He eventually made his way to the U.S., became a citizen, and continued as an antique dealer with a reputation for integrity and honesty, and a true enjoyment of the people he met through his business, many who became lifelong friends.

Trio of Chinese Qianlong porcelain pieces, estimated at $400-$600
Trio of Chinese Qianlong porcelain pieces, estimated at $400-$600

Highlights of the June 18 auction will include a fine Chinese carved hardwood bench with detailed cloisonne panels; a collection of Japanese Hirado-ware sake cup stands; a scholar’s table screen collection; several Japanese Kano School painted screens; a collection of Japanese woodblock prints; some antique furnishings, including a beautiful Gothic carved walnut bedroom suite and a Chinese Chippendale mahogany breakfront china cabinet; a surprising collection of contemporary art, as well as a fine selection of antique paintings and prints; and of course, the extensive reference library.

Japanese square bronze planter, estimated at $300-$500
Japanese square bronze planter, estimated at $300-$500

“He had an excellent eye for finding hidden gems, and we are incredibly honored to handle this collection in its entirety,” says Stephen Turner, owner of Briggs Auction, Inc. “We miss his presence in the industry keenly, and hope that this auction will spur new and seasoned collectors alike to keep his spirit alive, and hopefully alight their own passion for these pieces.”

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