View the fully illustrated catalog at www.LiveAuctioneers.com and register to bid today. The auction will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. Pacific. Bidders are welcome to preview by appointment the week of the sale. Absentee and phone bidding is also accepted.
Mantel highlights include an important 18th-century Louis XVI marble fireplace (estimate: $25,000-$35,000) with carrera marble inserts carved in high relief and a highly-prized Louis XVI Breche d’ Alep mantel, circa 1760-80, (estimate: $35,000-$45,000).
Lot 268 is an outstanding Adams-style chimneypiece fashioned of white and sienna marble. It is an exceptional example of a rare and sought-after design and has an estimate of $18,000-$22,000.
Additional fireplace highlights include an important and rare gilt-bronze-mounted Russian Empire mantel, circa 1800-1825 (estimate: $10,000-$15,000). The stone from which this mantel is carved was likely mined in the Ural Mountains. An exceedingly scarce matching pair of Louis XVI-style Rouge du Languedoc marble mantels with gilt-bronze mounts (estimate: $35,000-$45,000) is also included in the sale.
French architectural elements include a fine Louis XIV carved stone fountain, 17th-century (estimate: $25,000-$35,000) and over 800 square feet of beautiful 19th-century oak and walnut parquet flooring (estimate $5,000-$7,000) removed from a French chateau. Auction co-owner Eric Kjome said that it would make a perfect addition to anyone’s home, even if it isn’t a chateau in the French countryside.
Other auction treasures include a fine karelian-veneered Russian or Baltic gilt-bronze-mounted bureau plat, circa late 19th century (estimate: $2,500-$4,000) and a rare Russian singing bird box with Faberge hallmarks (estimate: $6,500-$9,000).
The large selection of Persian rugs – more than 65 lots – is highlighted by an exceptional and rare antique Sarouk, circa 1880. The rug measures 21 feet x 14 1/2 feet and has an estimate of $100,000-$125,000. While it might not be the rare magic flying carpet out of One Thousand and One Nights, its beauty is certain to work magic in any fine home – or Persian palace. Other carpets include a rare antique Sultanabad, an extraordinary antique Kashan, and a beautiful Turkish Polonaise, circa 1930.
Far Eastern treasures include Chinese ivories, carved jades, and fine ceramics, some dating to the 14th century, and a magnificent 19th century Sino-Tibetan gilt and patinated bronze Green Tara measuring 42 inches tall (estimate: $18,000-$25,000). Tibetan silver altar objects, an Egyptian mummy mask, and a pair of fine pre-Columbian Nayarit figures (estimate: $2,500-$3,500) are also included in this world-treasures sale.
Paintings from many different eras include a William Trost Richards watercolor (estimate: $2,500-$3,500), Dynamic Ejaculation by Otis Oldfield (estimate: $8,000-$10,000), an extensive collection of pastels by Raymond Nott, a Walter Ufer charcoal drawing (estimate: $1,200-$1,800), and a beautiful pair of early 19th-century American portraits by Chester Harding (estimate: $6,000-$8,000).
Two monumental works by John Koch (1909-1978) are also featured in the sale. The first, Bacchanal, measures approximately 71 inches by 83 inches and, with its Christie’s provenance, has an estimate of $40,000-$60,000. The second, Monument, also has a Christie’s provenance and is estimated to bring $50,000-$75,000. Eric Kjome points out that Koch oils have fetched more than $500,000 in recent years.
Late additions include two pastels by 20th-century abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell, each estimated to sell for $8,000-$12,000.
Rounding out the sale are some interesting Americana items, including a Pennsylvania jacquard coverlet, signed and dated 1850, a pair of rare signed Federal andirons from Boston, autographs by Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and Harry Truman, and one of the most viewed lots of the sale: an autographed black and white photograph of Madonna, Nude with Bike, (estimate: $300-$500).
Golden Gate Auction Gallery is located at 2 Henry Adams St. in the beautiful San Francisco Design Center. For auction details call us at 415-678-6486. Prospective bidders may also e-mail info@goldengateauctiongallery.com or log on to www.goldengateauctiongallery.com
Bidders are welcome to preview by appointment the week of the sale. Absentee and phone bidding is also accepted.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
