A jovial scene is depicted in Tito Conti’s The Card Players, 1879 (lot 023, estimate: $2,000-$4,000). The oil painting is from a Wisconsin collector and depicts three jaunty men enjoying a game of cards and the local spirits. A woman is seen entering the room as well, bringing some food to the festivities. Conti’s expert attention to detail, atmosphere and color vividly brings the piece to life. He is currently considered a master of the Italian School and one of Italy’s most important 19th century figure painters.
A prominent jewelry selection in September lies in an omega necklace and Gary Walby pendant-brooch lot (lot 318, $1,200-$1,500). A 14-karat yellow gold omega necklace is accompanied by a pendant-brooch featuring opal, amethyst, iolite, tourmaline, citrine and diamonds. The inlaid stones are set in a graphic, 14-karat yellow gold mounting. The colored stones are then arranged in a prismatic fashion, flanked by opal and accented by approximately 0.30 carats of diamonds. The piece bears the hallmark of jewelry artisan Gary Walby. The pieces will be offered among over 250 lots of jewelry including certified jadeite jade, South Sea pearls, period pieces and premiere maker watch brands such as Tiffany & Co., Patek Philippe and Rolex.
The Asian Art department’s offerings include scholar’s objects, porcelains, scrolls, snuff bottles and jade lots. A highlight is found in an unusual collection of Chinese silk clothing (lot 562). The lot includes a black three-quarter sleeve length jacket with a bright red lining. Woven medallions with the symbol for longevity framed by depictions of bats decorate the coat. Five frog closures, a mandarin collar and two slit pockets complete the jacket. The jacket is then accompanied by a matching sheath dress with form enhancing darts about the waist. A similarly styled second jacket is included in the lot as well. The primary style difference lies in the woven longevity symbols, which are instead encased by a continuous floral motif. The three pieces will be offered in the September Estate Auction at an affordable estimate of $300-$500.
Notable lots of quality silver service pieces are abundant in September. Some of these lots include an Aesthetic Movement Schulz & Fisher sterling four-piece tea service with associated silver plate tray from an established San Francisco family (lot 657, $3,000-$4,000), a Gorham sterling flatware service in the Chantilly pattern (lot 666, $4,000-$6,000), a Shreve & Co. sterling punch bowl (lot 711, $1,500-$2,000) and a modern Christofle France plated four piece tea service with an ebony handled tray designed by Fjerdingstad (lot 700, $1,500-$2,000).
Highlighting the offered decorations and collectibles is an assembled set of 12 Schoenhut circus figures (lot 961). The delightful pieces remained in the family of the consignor since his childhood and were recently gifted to him upon his mother’s passing. The toys are believed to be circa 1910 and include depictions of Buffalo Bill, a rhinoceros, a zebra, a polar bear, a giraffe, two clowns, two donkeys and two horses, one surmounted by a woman. These joyous pieces of classic American toy craftsmanship are being offered at an auction estimate of $800-$1,200.
For more information call Michaan’s front desk at 510-740-0220.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
