Michaan’s Jewelry Department has procured stickpins from the extensive collection of Jack Taylor (lot 036, $250-350; lot 037, $150-250; lot 038, $200-300; lot 039, $200-300). After years of working in the watch and jewelry businesses, Taylor began to take notice of stickpins that would show up in his jewelry store. Instead of disassembling the retro pins and converting them into more modern jewelry items, Taylor saved them from obscurity and began a stickpin collection.
The affinity for stickpins that began in the late 1940s continued to grow up until his recent death, with the collection reaching numbering more than 400 pins. The pins are compromised of gold, gold-filled, silver, gemstone and pearl pieces in floral, novelty, Masonic, monogram and cameo motifs, to name a few. Due to the large quantity the Taylor Collection will be offered for months to come, with the September estate sale giving the first glimpse into what is undoubtedly a jewelry treasure.
Stately decorative items dominate the Asian Department’s September offerings with wonderfully unique items at the forefront of the sale. A few such intriguing pieces are a stone pig foot (lot 261, $800-$1,200), a porcelain wall vase (lot 214, $250-$350) and a porcelain pillow (lot 217, $700-$900). Special in its own right is a Dehua-style porcelain Guanyin (lot 223, $700-$900). The seated figure is shown with a Buddhistic lion to her right and a scroll in her left hand representing the Guanyin or “Goddess of Mercy,” worshipped by those seeking salvation from misery and woe. These figures are fired in Dehua kilns, which are located in central Fujian where creation of various white-bodied wares from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to the modern period have been produced.
Conveying a touch of Old World Italy is lot 470, an Italian Della Robia-style ceramic tondo ($500-$700). Measuring 31 1/2 inches in diameter, the piece centers a serene, gently colored Madonna and Child. The effect plays quite well against the vibrant blue background surrounding the figures as well as to the border of summer fruits and foliage encircling the piece. A perfect item for garden or outdoor decorating, the Italian Renaissance styling and use of color make it an appealing addition to any decorative collection. The tondo will be offered among silver, period furniture and a multitude of decorative items.
Renowned California plein air painter Edgar Payne’s Sailboats in Harbor (lot 660, $10,000-15,000) highlights the Fine Art Department’s contributions to the sale. Throughout his career Payne had an appreciation for natural locales of raw, rare beauty. This source of inspiration took him through the Southwest, the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia and Alberta.
Undoubtedly, the picturesque seaside was one of the factors that lead him to Laguna Beach, where he founded and became the first president of the Laguna Beach Art Association and the Gallery of Laguna Beach. It was during this time in the 1920s that he began painting sailboats. Sailboats in Harbor is a prime example of his technique and sense of composition. Striking is the use of bold color used in the sails that contrasts beautifully with the soft, muted tones of the surrounding sky and water. The angular lines of the sail masts provide visual drama and spatial separation, pulling the eye nicely about the composition as well.
Previews will be Sept. 2-4 during business hours and by appointment.
For a full listing of upcoming auctions or to view a complete catalog, visit www.michaans.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
