CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston is a city of visual delights. Its residents revere the antebellum architecture and antiques that are so much a part of the culture in the Southeastern coastal city of churches and palmettos. But few visitors to the region ever have the opportunity to view the interiors of Charleston’s fabulous mansions, except for those that are museums or otherwise open to the public. Believe it or not, the best way to see how the genteel Charleston family lives is through a local auction, like the one being hosted on September 27th by Charleston Estate Auctions. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Their Sunday afternoon event includes the best of what historic Charleston has to offer, with a beautiful array of pedigreed estate antiques, art and jewelry.
Several of the fine 19th and early 20th century oil paintings on offer came from a consignor who has homes in both Charleston and Paris. One of the artworks is a seascape by Ernest William Lara (1870-1940). An original oil measuring 14-1/2 x 10-1/2in (sight), it depicts sailboats in a misty harbor.
Lara’s work is included in the National Collection in the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth, England. The nicely framed painting offered in the auction is estimated at $600-$900.
From the same collection comes a stunning still life titled Bouquet de Fleurs by Juliette Cambier (Flemish, 1879-1949. An accomplished artist, Cambier studied in Paris at the Academie Renson and was a frequent exhibitor throughout Europe. She is regarded as a great still life and portrait painter, particularly acclaimed for her portraits of mothers and children. Her paintings today can be seen in many of Belgium’s museums including those at Ixelles, Liege, Tournai and the National in Brussels.
Chinese antiques include an exquisite polychrome-decorated porcelain sweetmeats set in its original lacquered presentation box with carved dragon image in high relief.
Superb Japanese artistry is evident in the very rare circa 1895-1905 Shimamura Sei porcelain berry set consisting of a serving bowl and six individual bowls. The hand-detailing must be seen to be believed. this special set was never intended for export. Each piece is finished with wonderfully sculpted rims, expertly gilded bands and hand-painted floral medallions. The colors are perfection, and there’s even a cobalt ground on some of the rim accents. Very special, indeed!
A fabulous selection of estate jewelry has been cataloged. For the lady who likes emeralds, this is the right choice:
But diamonds are still a girl’s best friend.
Diamonds and sapphires have been a dazzling and desirable combination for centuries.
Bid absentee or live via the Internet on any item in Charleston Estate Auctions’ Sunday, Sept. 27 sale through LiveAuctioneers.com. Start time is 1 p.m. Eastern Time. For additional information, call Ann Valverde at Charleston Estate Auctions, 847-817-6552; or email charlestonestateauctions@gmail.com.
About Charleston Estate Auctions:
Charleston Estate Auctions is a full-service auction and estate sale company with a distinguished reputation across the Low Country. Staff appraiser Ann Valverde has more than 40 years’ experience in identifying, valuing and selling antiques, art and fine jewelry. Charleston Estate Auctions is the only auction house in its geographic region with licensed, insured appraisers in-house.