From art boxes to antique science books, Roland’s Feb. 4 auction delivers

Maitre verrier covered art glass box by Kyohei Fujita, estimated at $2,500-$3,500

Maitre verrier covered art glass box by Kyohei Fujita, estimated at $2,500-$3,500

GLEN COVE, N.Y. – An extremely rare two-volume set of books by Thomas Martyn (1760-1816) titled The Universal Conchologist, and a Japanese maitre verrier art glass box by Kyohei Fujita will both appear in Roland Auctions‘ Multi-Estates Auction on Saturday, February 4. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Begun in 1784, The Universal Conchologist took Martyn several years to produce, and was intended to be a guide to all known shells. After one failed attempt at publication, a second edition was issued to wide acclaim, mainly composed of hand-colored engravings. A copy of the book is rumored to have been owned by Captain Cook himself. The two-volume set is estimated at $12,000-$15,000.

Thomas Martyn, ‘The Universal Conchologist,’ estimated at $12,000-$15,000


Thomas Martyn, ‘The Universal Conchologist,’ estimated at $12,000-$15,000

In the Asian arena, Roland will present an exquisite Kyohei Fujita (Japanese, 1921-2004) maitre verrier covered art glass box in a case, dating to the 1990s and signed Green Glass Mountain. Contemporary yet deeply rooted in Japanese decorative arts tradition, Kyohei Fujita was without a doubt the most renowned Japanese contemporary glass artist of his era. The box is estimated at $2,500-$3,500.

Cartier 14K gold compact with inlaid rubies, estimated at $4,000-$6,000

Cartier 14K gold compact with inlaid rubies, estimated at $4,000-$6,000

Decorative items and jewelry already gaining pre-auction attention include a vintage Cartier 14K ladies compact with rubies inlaid into the clasp. It is housed in a leather Tiffany cover, engraved with the name “Lois,” and estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Equally worthy of mention is a Faberge 14K egg pendant with a jeweled frog. The hardstone pendant features a jeweled gold open-work surround in the form of intertwined water lily stems supporting a resting frog, its flower leaves set with diamonds. It bears the mark of Faberge workmaster Johan Victor Aarne (Finnish, 1863-1934) and carries an estimate of $2,800-$3,800.

Antique carousel horse, estimated at $1,500-$2,500

Antique carousel horse, estimated at $1,500-$2,500

The February 4 auction will include an antique carousel horse, hand-carved and boasting well-painted wood. It is estimated at $1,500-$2,500. Contemporary art choices will include a Samson Pollen (American, 1931-2018) mixed media work, Noir, depicting a gun-holding man with a woman in lingerie sitting at his feet. It comes from the estate of Samson Pollen and has an estimate of $2,500-$3,500.

Giorgetti Italian Modern Progetti armchair, estimated at $1,000-$1,500

Giorgetti Italian Modern Progetti armchair, estimated at $1,000-$1,500

A Roland auction wouldn’t be complete without Mid-century Modern furnishings. A standout among standouts is a Giorgetti Italian Modern Progetti armchair. Designed by Umberto Asnago, the curved back and seat features black leather surrounding the Pau Ferro wood arms. It has a label to its base and an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.

 

Click to view top auction results on LiveAuctioneers: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/