Second sale of the Flower majolica collection blooms at Strawser March 16

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KULPSVILLE, Penn. — The second of three auctions dedicated to the remarkable majolica collection of Edward Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017) will be held by specialists Strawser Auction Group on Saturday, March 16. The Flowers began collecting majolica relatively late in life, in the late 1990s, but the bug bit them hard. Across a trio of sales (the first held last August, the last to be held later this year) more than 600 pieces, mostly acquired in the last 20 years, will be offered by Strawser Auction Group via LiveAuctioneers.

Two items are expected to vie for top honors in the second sale – 185 lots in all – with estimates of $25,000-$30,000 each. The first is a Minton ‘Hare and Duck’ head game pie dish and cover, affectionately known among collectors as the Bunny Tureen. The model is one of several by the French émigré animalia sculptor Paul Comoléra, who worked at the Minton factory from 1873 to 1877.

The second is a George Jones teapot, one of only a few known formed as a Chinese junk filled with cargo, with the cover modeled as a figure in Chinese costume. “In my 30 years of selling majolica this is the first one I’ve ever offered,” said Michael Strawser.

A Copeland 1876 memorial vase was produced specifically for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia – an event where many British majolica factories exhibited their wares. The vase is modeled as three back-to-back gray eagles guarding the American flag and shown with spears and three cobalt blue shields. This design, among the most coveted of Copeland’s majolica output, is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Several pieces in the Flower collection were recently part of the renowned Majolica Mania exhibition that was launched in New York City in the fall of 2021, traveled to the Walters Museum in Baltimore in early 2022, and finished at Stoke-on-Trent in the UK in fall 2022.

These include a pair of rustic vases modeled with peacocks by William Brownfield circa 1875, and a vase of around the same date formed as a pair of herons by Brown Westhead Moore & Co., possibly designed by Mark V. Marshall of Doulton Lambeth fame. They are estimated at $1,500-$2,000 and $1,500-$2,000, respectively.

Another rarity, best known from the collecting literature, is a Minton inkwell and cover, modeled as a bird atop an upright pinecone. It’s one of only three known, with another pictured in Victoria Cecil’s influential 1982 catalog Minton Majolica.

It is an indication of collecting fashion that a large Palissy style ‘art of the earth’ basin, inscribed and dated Avisseau, Tours, 1856 for French ceramicist Charles-Jean Avisseau (1795-1861), shared the top price of the first sale at $40,000. The March 16 event includes a similar teapot by the Avisseau modeled as a snake climbing an ivy-clad tree trunk. After buying this piece in 2014, Ed Flower commissioned the contemporary ceramics sculptor Jonathan Court and the decorator Nicola Rose to recreate a missing frog cover. Both artists signed their names on the underside. It comes to auction with an estimate of $3,000-$4,000.

Continental European wares, once the slightly poorer relation to pieces by the best Staffordshire factories, were a strength of the first sale. Particularly well-received was a menagerie of large naturalistic models by the Massier Brothers, Choisy Le Roi, and Hugo Lonitz factories. All had lived together cheek-by-jowl in the Flowers’ Bay Shore, New York residence.

Highlights in Part II include a circa-1880 Delphin Massier elephant and howdah floor jardiniere, estimated at $6,000-$9,000, and a monumental model of a jay perched on a tree stump by Hugo Lonitz, estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
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Minton ‘Hare and Duck’ head game pie dish and cover attributed to Paul Comoléra, estimated at $25,000-$30,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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George Jones teapot formed as a Chinese junk filled with cargo, estimated at $25,000-$30,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Pair of rustic vases modeled with peacocks by William Brownfield circa 1875, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Charles Avisseau Palissy Ware teapot circa 1855 with a later cover, estimated at $3,000-$4,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Minton inkwell and cover modeled as a bird on a pinecone, estimated at $1,500-$2,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Delphin Massier elephant floor jardiniere, estimated at $6,000-$9,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Hugo Lonitz model of a jay, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Copeland 1876 Centennial Exhibition vase, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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Herons vase by Brown Westhead Moore & Co, estimated at $1,500-$2,000 at Strawser Auction Group.
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The unparalleled Flower Majolica collection excelled at Strawser

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KULPSVILLE, Penn. — As a dealer since the age of 19, London-based Nick Boston has helped build some of the greatest majolica collections. But few collections of 19th-century tin-glazed earthenwares are as large or as varied in scope as that assembled by the property lawyer Edward Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017).

“Their ‘way’ was a very scholarly way but also a very passionate way, which in my experience is how the greatest collections are built,” Boston recalls. “Rarity, whimsy, history and aesthetics, the Flower collection has it all.”

The Flowers were inveterate collectors: first it was American Impressionism, then artist-signed prints and British art pottery (61 lots sold by Doyle New York in December) and majolica.

Across three sales more than 600 pieces, mostly acquired since the bug bit hard 30 years ago, will be offered by specialists Strawser Auction Group (with a 23% buyer’s premium). The first tranche of 190 lots was presented in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania on August 23.

It is an indication of collecting fashion and the Flowers’ love of all members of the majolica family that a 22in (55cm) Palissy-style ‘art of the earth’ basin shared the top price of the sale.

A large signed and dated example of an increasingly popular type, it sold well above its $2,000-$3,000 estimate to an internet bidder for $40,000 ($49,200 including buyer’s premium). Teeming with life, from a pike laying in a pool of water in the center to a lush border populated by lizards, a snake and a frog, it is inscribed and dated Avisseau, Tours, 1856 for Charles-Jean Avisseau (1795-1861). The French ceramicist, based in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, is often credited with rediscovering the techniques of Bernard Palissy (circa 1510-1590) although his most ambitious creations often went well beyond those of the Renaissance potter. Similar mid-19th-century exercises in historicism were exhibited by Avisseau at the Great Exhibition 1851.

Also signed and dated 1856 was an Avisseau ‘grotto’ group modeled as a naturalistic forest floor scene with a snake, lizard and frog climbing on rocks and vegetation. Measuring 6 by 10in, it took $18,000 ($22,140 including buyer’s premium) against an estimate of $3,000-$5,000. It had been sold by the auction house in October 2017 for $14,000.

Continental European wares, once the slightly poorer relation to pieces by the best Staffordshire factories, were a strength of the sale. Particularly well-received was a menagerie of large naturalistic models by the Massier Brothers, Choisy Le Roi and Hugo Lonitz factories. All had lived together in the Flowers’ Bay Shore, New York residence.

A 2ft high model of a hawk perched on a rocky ground with ferns and branches, made by Hugo Lonitz circa 1875, was estimated at $20,000-$25,000 and earned $40,000 ($49,200 with buyer’s premium). In fine condition, save a small loss to the tail feather, it is the same model that sold for $30,000 in October 2017. The only other one known sold at Christie’s New York in November 2011, where it realized $56,250.

Also among only two known examples, a Lonitz jardiniere modeled as a hoopoe perched on an open tree trunk brought $10,000 ($12,300 with buyer’s premium).

A floor vase by Hippolyte Hautin Boulanger & Cie of Choisy le Roi, France is one of only three that are known. The 2ft 1in model of brightly glazed male and female golden pheasants strutting around a broken vase is signed for Louise Robert Carrier Belleuse, the son of the better-known sculptor Albert Carrier Belleuse and Hautin Boulanger’s premier modeler. It took $6,500 ($7,995 with buyer’s premium).

Several pieces in the Flower collection were recently featured in the exhibition Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850-1915, which was launched at the Bard Graduate Center, New York City in the fall of 2021 and traveled to the Walters Museum in Baltimore in early 2022 before ending at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, England in January.

Among the pieces chosen for Majolica Mania was an extraordinary work by Brown Westhead Moore & Co. This 2ft 1in high vase modeled with clouds and a coiling dragon was designed by Mark V. Marshall (better known for his work at the Doulton Lambeth factory) for display at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition 1876. An example is illustrated in the second volume of The Masterpieces of the Centennial International Exhibition Illustrated, published in 1876-78. With a professional repair to the top rim, it realized $10,000 ($12,300 with buyer’s premium).

Also from Majolica Mania was a circa-1875 George Jones cabaret set or tete-a-tete with each of the elements designed as cobalt blue drums, with yellow stringing. Drumsticks form the spout of the teapot with a drummer boy’s hat as the finial. One of only two known complete sets with all the elements in good condition, it achieved $37,500 ($46,125 with buyer’s premium).

Among the most popular lots from the George Jones factory was a pair of tulip and butterfly pattern candlesticks – rare elements from a dressing table for which the original George Jones artwork still survives. As each of the pieces could be purchased separately, some of the larger elements or the optional extras were sold in only small numbers. The candlesticks, seemingly the only pair known, sold at $21,000 ($25,830 with buyer’s premium) followed by bids of $6,000 ($7,380 with buyer’s premium) each for a matching single chamberstick and an oval dressing table tray.

After retiring in the early 2000s, Edward and Marilyn Flower attended almost every majolica auction held by Strawser Auction Group. Rarely outbid when they spotted a piece they had to have, they were particularly strong buyers when the collection of Marilyn Karmason, who co-authored with Joan Stacke Graham the 1989 book Of Majolica: A Complete History & Illustrated Survey, was sold by Strawser in 2005.

Some of the best-known Minton models have also fallen from the sums they commanded at that sale.

Sold at $37,500 ($46,125 with buyer’s premium) was a well-preserved version of the celebrated cobalt blue Flat Iron teapot modeled with a frieze of mice to the sides and a large white cat wrapped around the handle. The design has an uncertain attribution to Christopher Dresser. The example in the Karmason collection hammered at $65,000 in 2005.

Bought at Doyle’s in New York in December 2021 as part of the collection of Joan Stacke Graham was a George Jones Sea and Sky Stilton cover and stand modeled with aquatic life in a cobalt sea and avian life in a turquoise sky. A fine form in good condition, it had brought $15,000 in New York and this time made $13,000 ($15,990 with buyer’s premium).
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Large Palissy style ‘art of the earth’ basin by Charles-Jean Avisseau, $40,000 ($49,200 including buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Charles-Jean Avisseau ‘grotto’ group signed and dated 1856, $18,000 ($22,140 including buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Hugo Lonitz model of a hawk, $40,000 ($49,200 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Pheasants floor vase by Choisy le Roi, signed for Louise Robert Carrier Belleuse, $6,500 ($7,995 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Minton Flat Iron cat and mouse teapot, $37,500 ($46,125 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Brown Westhead Moore & Co floor vase designed by Mark Marshall, $10,000 ($12,300 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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George Jones tulip and butterfly pattern candlesticks, $21,000 ($25,830 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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George Jones Sea and Sky Stilton cover and stand, $13,000 ($15,990 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Minton Drum pattern cabaret set, $37,500 ($46,125 with buyer’s premium) at Strawser Auctions.
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Outstanding single-owner majolica collection offered at Strawser, Aug. 23

Minton Majolica cobalt teapot, modeled as a flat iron, estimated at $20,000-$25,000
Minton Majolica cobalt teapot, modeled as a flat iron, estimated at $20,000-$25,000
Minton Majolica cobalt teapot, modeled as a flat iron, estimated at $20,000-$25,000

WOLCOTTVILLE, Ind. – Strawser Auction Group will hold the first of three sales dedicated to the outstanding majolica collection of Ed Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017) on Wednesday, August 23, online and live in the Holiday Inn ballroom at 1750 Sumneytown Pike in Kulpsville, Penn. The auction will begin at 10 am Eastern time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Gallery Report: Maud Lewis work was a showstopper at Miller & Miller

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall compiles the most notable auction highlights from across the United States and also the world. The May 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases a bumper crop of standout results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Maud Lewis painting, CA$91,450, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

An oil-on-board painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970), titled Traffic Jam, sold for $91,450 in an online-only Canadiana & Decorative Arts auction held March 25 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1820s Georgian period Canadian breakfast table in mahogany, attributed to Thomas Nisbet, rose to $16,520; and a circa-1820s Montreal key hole wall clock by Martin Cheney earned $20,060. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Art Deco-style jardiniere, $26,620, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

An Art Deco-style bronze jardiniere, after a vase by Pierre Lenoir (French 1879-1953) and Marcel Guillard (French 1896-1932), for Etling, Paris, sold for $26,620 at an Estates & Collections auction held April 20-22 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, Study of a Brown Bay Horse by Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822-1899) brought $15,730; and a 1970 Modern Head Relief by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) hit $14,520.

Ludwig van Beethoven letter, $99,000, RR Auction

A handwritten letter by composer Ludwig van Beethoven sold for $99,000 in an online auction that ended April 12 at RR Auction in Boston. The one-page letter, penned sometime in September 1823, was written in German and signed “Beethoven.” It concerned sending his work Missa Solemnis (Latin for “Solemn Mass”) to London and was addressed to Franz Christian Kirchhoffer. In the letter, Beethoven invites Kirchhoffer and his nephew Karl to lunch at his flat on Sunday.

Cartier Coussin watch, $34,650, Hindman

A Cartier 18K gold Bamboo Coussin watch sold for $34,650 at a Watches Auction held in April by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a Cartier 18K gold Tank watch rang up $16,380; a Cartier 18K gold dual-time Tonneau watch realized $8,820; a Roger Dubuis perpetual calendar chronograph Hommage watch commanded $28,350; an Alfred Dunhill lighter with a clock went for $7,560; and an 18K gold Jaeger-Lecoultre watch garnered $21,420.

Toshiko Takaezu ceramic, Moon$541,800, Rago/Wright/LAMA

Toshiko Takaezu’s (American, 1922-2011) ceramic creation titled Moon sold for $541,800 at a Post-War Ceramics Auction held April 13 by Rago/Wright/LAMA in Lambertville, New Jersey. It was a new world auction record for the artist. Also, John Mason’s Untitled (Vertical Sculpture) went for $258,300, setting a new world auction record for the artist; Betty Woodman’s Pillow Pitcher finished at $69,300; Peter Voulkos’s Untitled (Stack) changed hands for $44,100; and Viola Frey’s Bubble Man achieved $27,720.

Negro Motorist Green Book, $50,000, Swann Auction Galleries

A 1949 copy of the Negro Motorist Green Book sold for $50,000, breaking the previous record of $27,500, in a Printed & Manuscript African Americana auction held March 30 by Swann Galleries in New York. Also, an inscribed carte de visite by the early photographer James Presley Ball achieved $125,000; a Civil War-era photograph of Black Union recruits at Camp William Penn brought $52,500; and a copy of the Harlem Renaissance-era literary magazine Fire! went for $32,500.

Late Georgian tea caddy, $2,375, Roland Auctions

An English late Georgian shell-inlaid tea caddy of sarcophagus form sold for $2,375 at a Multi-Estates Auction held April 1 at Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York. Also, an 18th-century American Chippendale mahogany and marble table settled at $18,750; a GIA-certified 3.34-carat diamond in a platinum ring slipped onto a new finger for $34,375; a set of 12 Chinese paintings mounted in a fold-out book brought $50,000; and a Neoclassical-style gilt bronze chandelier made $5,000.

Qing dynasty Manchu empress’s robe, $100,000, Lark Mason Associates

A Qing dynasty Manchu empress’s 12-symbol embroidered yellow gauze robe, or jifu, sold for $100,000 in an online Asia Week auction that closed March 30 at Lark Mason Associates in New York City. Also, a Qing dynasty Chinese amber figure of Shoulao realized $26,250; and a large 20th-century Nine Peach and Blossoms vase went to a determined bidder for $22,500.

Alphonse Mucha’s The Stars$114,000, Poster Auctions International

Alphonse Mucha’s (Czech, 1860-1939) decorative panel poster from 1902, titled The Stars, sold for $114,000 at Rare Posters Auction #89 held March 26 by Poster Auctions International in New York City. Also, Geo Ham’s Monaco Grand Prix 1933 realized $20,400; Leonetto Cappiello’s 1903 Absinthe Gempp Pernod finished at $26,400; Ludwig Hohlwein’s Besuchet den Tiergarten from 1912 earned $13,200; and Charles Loupot’s 1929 Cafe Preccia: Maquette attained $18,000.

1859 Comstock Lode mining document, $16,875, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An 1859 document dating to the very beginning of the Comstock Lode silver rush in the U.S. sold for $16,875 at a Big Bonanza auction held March 30-April 2 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a U.S. $10,000 gold certificate, cancelled and not redeemable, printed in Washington, D.C. and dated May 3, 1917, achieved $2,875; and a collection of six antique Oklahoma I. T. (Indian Territory) crown top bottles brought $3,000.

Warhol Mick Jagger print, $131,250, Heritage Auctions

Artist Andy Warhol’s 1975 screenprint portrait titled Mick Jagger, signed by the Rolling Stones front man, sold for $131,250 at a Prints & Multiples auction held April 18 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a 1989 set of four lithographs by Keith Haring, titled Pop Shop III, realized $125,000; Joan Mitchell’s large lithograph diptych titled Sunflowers brought $93,750; and Pablo Picasso’s linocut from 1962 titled Grande Tete Femme earned $62,500.

Majolica dish and cover, $62,225, Doyle

A Mintons majolica hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover attributed to Paul Comolera sold for $62,225 at Part 2 of the sale of the Joan Stacke Graham Majolica Collection, held April 4 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a circa-1875 T.C. Brown Westhead, Moore & Co. Egyptian Revival Majolica garden seat realized $50,400; and a circa-1875 Mintons majolica Japanese boat spill vase designed by Johann (John) Hasselmann Henk brought $28,350.

Wasatch Gasoline sign, $324,000, Dan Morphy Auctions

A Wasatch Gasoline 48in-diameter porcelain service station sign sold for $324,000 at an Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana Auction held March 21-23 by Dan Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a Polly Gasoline porcelain neon service station sign with a parrot mascot flew to $78,000; a Mohawk Gasoline porcelain service station sign with a Native American down feather graphic earned $312,000; and an Idaho Chief Gasoline service station sign made $138,000.

Tiffany Arabian lamp, $7,200, Treasureseeker Auctions

A Tiffany Studios Arabian lamp with a signed Favrile shade and a signed brass base sold for $7,200 in an online-only Spring into Treasures: Fine Art & Collectibles sale held April 16 by Treasureseeker Auctions in Pasadena, California. Also, a Meiji-era silver and enamel floral box went for $3,840; a cat painting by Jules Leroy finished at $3,520; a 19th-century malachite and bronze clock decorated with a cherub and a rooster reached $3,300; and a Japanese silver and enamel vase settled at $2,560.

Saturday Night Fever suit, $260,000, Julien’s Auctions

The iconic white suit John Travolta wore when playing the character Tony Manero in the movie Saturday Night Fever sold for $260,000 at a Hollywood: Classic and Contemporary auction held April 22 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, Bela Lugosi’s vampire mirror cigarette box from the 1931 film Dracula achieved $130,000; a coat and hat worn by Warren Beatty in the movie Dick Tracy made $91,000; and a hoverboard from Back to the Future II floated to $91,000.

Porfirio Salinas painting, $47,200, Amero Auctions

An untitled Texas landscape with bluebonnets by Porfirio Salinas sold for $47,200 at a Spring 2023 Spectacular Sale held March 26 by Amero Auctions in Sarasota, Florida. Also, a pair of Spring Festival pattern elongated hexagonal tables by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne earned $18,880; a pair of Egyptian-style bronze figures by Emile Louis Picault brought $10,620; and an equestrian-themed painting by Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski, titled Morning Ride, galloped off with $44,250.

Tiffany & Co. bird brooch, $17,500, John Moran Auctioneers, Inc.

A Tiffany & Co. mother-of-pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire and onyx bird brooch sold for $17,500 at an auction titled Jewelry from the Estate of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, held March 29 by John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. in Los Angeles. Also, a pear-shape 26-carat diamond ring realized $979,000; a Zambian emerald and diamond ring brought $21,250; and a David Webb 18K gold rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet changed hands for $28,125.

Pair of Chinese bowls, $94,500, Freeman’s

A pair of Chinese famille rose-decorated Balsam-Pear bowls with a Jiaqing six-character seal mark and of the period sold for $94,500 at an Asian Arts auction held April 18 at Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a pair of Chinese yellow-glazed bowls with the Kangxi mark and of the period rose to $81,900; a Chinese carved beige jade table screen left the room for $75,600; and a Chinese blue and white porcelain figural plaque from the Kangxi period earned $44,100.

 

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

Majolica expert’s personal collection leaped to $544K at Doyle

Mintons hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover, $62,225
Mintons hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover, $62,225
Mintons hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover, $62,225

NEW YORK – On April 4, Doyle held the landmark auction of The Joan Stacke Graham Majolica Collection: Part II. Showcased was exceptional examples from the extensive collection assembled by the majolica expert and author of Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey. This remarkable sale soared past its estimate with a total of more than $544,000. The top lot, an iconic Mintons majolica hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover, achieved $62,225.

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Doyle delivers more majolica treasures from Joan Graham collection, April 4

Mintons majolica Hare and Duck Head game pie dish and cover, estimated at $20,000-$30,000
Mintons majolica Hare and Duck Head game pie dish and cover, estimated at $20,000-$30,000
Mintons majolica Hare and Duck Head game pie dish and cover, estimated at $20,000-$30,000

NEW YORK – Doyle will hold the landmark auction of the Joan Stacke Graham Majolica Collection: Part II on Tuesday, April 4, starting at 10 am Eastern time. Showcased will be exceptional examples from the extensive collection assembled by the majolica expert and author of Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Antique majolica cheese dishes are genuine keepers

George Jones kingfisher cheese dish. Image courtesy of Nick Boston
George Jones kingfisher cheese dish. Image courtesy of Nick Boston

NEW YORK — Cheese keepers come in a variety of forms and with all manner of decoration, but they are arguably at their best when they are bold and lavish. Among the most beloved styles of these covered cheese dishes, aka Stilton dishes, are examples made in majolica. As a ceramics form, majolica was highly popular in the Victorian era — it was more affordable than porcelain, so it was accessible to more homes. By the early 20th century, it was supplanted by more modern materials as consumer tastes changed and as the dangers posed to workers who applied the colorful lead glazes became known. Today, majolica cheese keepers remain highly prized by collectors and those who appreciate fine ceramics.

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Majolica celebrated at Strawser Auction Group May 25, 27-28

Minton majolica boar's head tureen with matching fitted tray, est. $40,000-$60,000
Minton majolica boar's head tureen with matching fitted tray, est. $40,000-$60,000
Minton majolica boar’s head tureen with matching fitted tray, est. $40,000-$60,000

WOLCOTTVILLE, Ind. – A three-day, semi-annual Antique Auction featuring more than 1,800 lots of furniture, silver, estate jewelry, fine art, lighting, glass, porcelain and majolica will be held May 25, 27 and 28 by Strawser Auction Group. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Majolica Mania bewitches at Walters Art Museum

Lobster dish, Minton Ceramics Manufactory, artist Matilda Charsley. Majolica, designed 1868. Courtesy the Walters Art Museum, photo credit Bruce White
Lobster dish, Minton Ceramics Manufactory, artist Matilda Charsley. Majolica, designed 1868. Courtesy the Walters Art Museum, photo credit Bruce White
Lobster dish, Minton Ceramics Manufactory, artist Matilda Charsley. Majolica, designed 1868. Courtesy the Walters Art Museum, photo credit Bruce White

BALTIMORE — The Walters Art Museum transports visitors back to the Victorian era with Majolica Mania, an exhibition that highlights the beauty and inventiveness of a once wildly popular ceramic with ties to Baltimore. Majolica Mania opens March 13 and is on view through August 7. Admission is free.

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Everard to auction superlative estate art, jewelry & decoratives, Feb. 23-24

Contemporary American artist Philip Taaffe is known for process-based abstractions. This work is a signed oil-on-paper mounted to canvas, dated 1991-1992. Framed size is 30 1/8 inches by 42 inches. Estimate $10,000-$15,000

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A growing interest in items that are unique or finely crafted has the auction market off to a robust start in 2022. Everard Auctions & Appraisals’ February 23-24 Winter Southern Estates Auction is ready to meet the demand with more than 650 lots of fine and decorative art from select sources in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and beyond. Absentee bidding is now in progress, with Internet live bidding slated to begin at 10 a.m. ET on both days of the auction series through LiveAuctioneers.

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