LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding at the 258-lot auction to begin at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Cleveland ceramicist Gary Spinosa is represented by Lot 133, a strikingly large piece, for this artist, standing at 18 inches tall. Known for his elegant sculptural forms this piece is no exception. Spinosa’s sculptural works embody human myth, animal spirits and also hidden in each “stone or shrine, often symmetrical and iconic, is a self-portrait of the artist who lives with a deep, personal connection to his creations.” (John Bavaro, Bruce Gallery Director, Edinboro University). Spinosa has five works in the auction.
Spinosa’s skill in his chosen medium is inspired in part by the sublime ceramicists of China’s Ming dynasty. Lot 150 is a museum-grade 16th-century Longquan celadon Yen-Yen baluster form vase with foliate carved decoration, and an impeccable provenance from the original collector in the early 1900s.
From the 16th century to the 1960s lot 232A is an Italian-made Gino Sarfatti iconic Triennale floor lamp. This oft-copied award-winning designer was born in Venice in 1912, and studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Genoa. This aerodynamic floor lamp has been a perennial favorite of movie and TV set designers since it was launched, most recently being featured in AMC’s Golden Globe-winning series Mad Men.
If the Italians and Danes were masters of mid-century modern design, surely the Americans are masters of design when it comes to arms and armaments. Lot 196A is a working World War II scale miniature of a U.S. naval cannon. Standing at 6 1/2 inches tall and 17 1/2 inches long, this diminutive model is extraordinarily detailed. Using weapons-grade steel and brass with iron elements and complete with spring-action firing pin, the unknown machinist working for the U.S. Defense Department who created this cannon produced a beautiful work of art.
A warrior from ancient times, St. George, who slew the last remaining dragon in Libya, according to legend, is depicted in two notable lots by Hungarian ceramicist Istvan Gador. Lot 169 is a ceramic plaque depicting St. George on horseback with the dragon writhing at the end of his lance. Lot 170 is also a ceramic plaque showing St. George with the conquered dragon curled at his feet. Both pieces reflect Gador’s unique application of color and style. From Christian saints to Buddhist and Hindu gods, Lot 146 is a 19th-century bronze figure of Yama, lord of the Underworld. This small bronze stands at 5 1/2 inches tall, is ornately detailed and in good condition.
Equally ornate is Lot 204, a stunning Louis XV-style kingwood and ormolu mounted bureau plat. This is a large, early 20th-century, example with an inset leather top. Lot 205 is another 20th-century piece of furniture crafted by noted cabinetmaker Maitland-Smith. A mahogany drinks cabinet in the form of a Georgian-style dollhouse, complete with leaded glass windows, doors that open, a leather-top pull out shelf, and a roof and cabinet doors which open to reveal shelves. This is a delightful and whimsical piece.
In the late 19th century Jules Moigniez the renowned French sculptor was creating his signature animal bronzes. Lot 104 is a familial group of Merino sheep rendered by Moigniez in exquisite detail. Moigniez exhibited regularly at the Salon between 1859 and 1892.
Rounding out the lots of note at Gray’s spring auction is Lot 52 a hand-woven camel hair tapestry panel by Ahmed Gareeb, a contemporary Iraqi artist living and working in the United States. Gareeb’s work is in collections all over the world, and he was recently invited to exhibit at Art Dubai. Gareeb draws from his experiences straddling the Arab and Western worlds and infuses his work with a deep historical context, using calligraphy and color to draw the viewer in to a more complex story of his particular struggle. Gareeb has four large and powerful textiles in this auction.
This is just a small selection from the fine furniture, paintings and decorative arts to be sold at Tuesday’s auction. In addition to live online bidding provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, there will be telephone bidding and absentee bidding offered directly through Gray’s Auctioneers.
The showrooms will be open for previews Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
For details visit the website www.graysauctioneers.com or phone 216-458-7695.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
