Catalog: Sold Items (421)

A fine pair of antique portrait miniatures of a man and woman signed Dubbison and dated 1823 oil on Ivory in leather cases. In very good antique condition the lady has a restored hairline crack to her left. measuring approx. 3 x 4 inches. a beautiful pair.

A fine antique Chinese rosewood jewelry box with white jade inlayed plaques. Opens to a group of silk lined drawers for jewelry. Measuring approx. 12.5 x 8 x 6 inches. In very good antique condition.

A original pastel of a Mexican woman by Rodolfo Nieto on heavy paper measuring approx. 12 x 16 inches signed and dated lower right 1965.

Biography

Rodolfo Nieto (b. Oaxaca, July 13, 1936 - d. Mexico City, June 24, 1985) was a Mexican painter of the Oaxacan School (apprenticed under Diego Rivera, later served Rivera as an assistant. Nieto attended the Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado "La Esmeralda", Mexico City, where he studied with Carlos Orozco Romero. Desiring to broaden his artistic influences, Nieto moved to Paris in the early 1960s. While in Paris, Nieto won the Biennale de Paris Prize for painting in 1963[1]. He again won the Biennale de Paris Prize for painting in 1968. In 1970 he won the Bienal of Caen, and Bienal de Menton. He returned to Mexico in 1970. In Europe Nieto had gained fame, and recognition in the art world, but in Mexico his art was rejected. He met his wife, Nancy Nieto, a painter in her own right, at the grand opening of David Alfaro Siqueiros Polyforum in Mexico City. One of the last things he told Nancy was “Keep my paintings. Someday they will be very valuable

An original Portrait of a Cavalier or noble man oil on canvas signed lower right and dated 1911. Measuring 10 x 12 inches in a fine antique frame overall 16 x 18. in excellent condition a fine example of this important American artists portrait work.

Biography

Born in Ogdenburg, Germany, Henry Raschen became one of America's leading painters of Indian portraits and figures in the 19th and early 20th centuries and was the first California artist to be committed to Indian themes. He also painted still lifes and landscapes, the latter with skillful play of light and shadow. In 1868, he and his family emigrated to Fort Ross, California where they spent one year and then settled in San Francisco. He took early art lessons at the San Francisco Art Association under Charles Nahl and Virgil Williams and also studied with noted figure painter of altar pieces, Joseph Harrington. Feeling the need for more extensive training, he went to Munich in the late 1870s and became part of the numerous California artists then studying in Munich at that time. There he became friends and a painting companion of William Merritt Chase, and he also traveled in Italy and France. In 1883, he settled in San Francisco and for the next eight years went with landscape painter Carl Von Perbandt on excursions among Indian tribes of California and the Southwest, and he gained much attention for the life-like quality of his paintings. From 1890 to 1894, he lived and had his studio in Munich where he was a successful painter and teacher, and after returning to San Francisco, won the gold medal at the Munich Exposition of 1898. He went on an expedition with Army General Nelson A. Miles when Miles and his troops captured Apache Chief Geronimo at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, 30 miles northeast of Douglas. Many years later in Oklahoma, Raschen sketched Geronimo whom he visited in prison at Fort Sill. In the early 20th century, a key person in establishing Raschen as a major artist in San Francisco was Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, mother of publisher William Randolph Hearst. In 1906, damage from the earthquake and fire caused him to move across the bay to Oakland where he painted until his death in 1937. Source: Edan Hughes,

A fine Original Drawing with color by Alexandre Gabriel Decamps 1803-1860. A north African scene of a mosque and minaret signed with monogram lower right. In good antique condition some minor restored edge tears 1 cm each paper discoloration with age. Image measuring approx. 9.5 x 12.5 framed in a quality antique frame overall size 17 x 19.

Biography Decamps, Alexandre Gabriel 1803-60, French genre and historical painter, engraver, and lithographer. First known for his caricatures and illustrations, he turned to painting in thick impasto and strong color. One of his richest sources was the Middle East, which he depicted in vivid detail. His Good Samaritan and Night Patrol at Smyrna are in the Metropolitan Museum New York.

A original oil painting of the The Copenhagen (København) was a Danish sailtraining vessel rigged as a five-masted steel auxiliary barque(1921–1929). It was, according to Alan Villiers, the largest and finest sailing vessel in the world at the time it vanished. Oil on canvas signed lower right indistinctly and titled measuring 17 X 25 image framed size approx. 23 X 31. In good antique condition some age cracking. A nice historical decorative painting.

A fine original oil by Christian Jorgensen a view of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome in the distance. Oil on Canvas signed lower right in excellent original condition framed in a period art nouveau frame. Measuring 20 x 24 canvas size. Biography. Born in Oslo, Norway on Oct. 7, 1860 Christian Jorgensen moved to San Francisco with his mother in 1870. He showed artistic promise at an early age, and when the School of Design opened in 1874, he was among the first to enroll. At 14 he was greatly influenced at that school by Virgil Williams, who was both teacher and father figure. Jorgensen later became an instructor at the School of Design and served as assistant director from 1881-83. He then established a studio at 131 Post Street where he continued teaching, and by the mid-1880s was a successful landscape painter. For five years he and his wife, Angela, traveled by horse and buggy to the sites of the 21 California missions and during this period he produced 80 watercolor studies of the missions and a complete set of oils. In 1899, he pitched a tent in Yosemite, and after several months, obtained a permit to build a studio-home there and continued painting there during the warm months for 19 years. (His home in Yosemite is now used as headquarters for the government rangers.) In 1905 he built a boulder home in Carmel (this later became the Hotel La Playa) where he and Angela lived for a few years; most of his time was spent at the family home in Piedmont, CA. The Jorgensens made trips to Italy (1892-94), Mexico (1907), the Grand Canyon (1910) and New England (1916). Jorgensen enjoyed a long career and continued painting until his death in Piedmont on June 24, 1935. Exhibitions: San Francisco Art Association, 1884-1905; Mechanics' Institute (SF), 1884-97; California State Fair, 1886-96 (medals); Bohemian Club, 1899-1922; Cosmos Club (Washington, DC), 1906; Sequoia Club (SF), 1907; Del Monte Art Gallery (Monterey), 1907-09; Rabjohn & Marcom Gallery (SF), 1908; Alaska-Yukon Expo (Seattle), 1909; Courvoisier Gallery (SF), 1909; Kanst Gallery (LA), 1915. Collections: California Historical Society, Bohemian Club; Athletic Club (Oakland); Sonoma Mission; Mechanics' Inst. Library (SF); Orange Co. (CA) Museum; Yosemite Museum. Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"

A beautiful and finely woven vintage Navajo two grey hills rug. Design featuring an elaborate concentric medallion center stepped corner elements within a crenellated reciprocal border and solid outer frame in brown black white and grey. Measuring approx. 5 ft. 1 in. by 3 ft. 8 in. A fine example of this most desirable design of Navajo weaving in Very fine condition.

Two Grey Hills rugs are woven of natural, undyed, handspun wool in whites, blacks, & browns. Weavers produce subtle shades of these basic hues by carding together various colored wools. Because of the considerable time and effort required to prepare the wool for this style, weavings using these yarns may cost twice as much as those made from commercial yarns. Like other styles with borders, many Two Grey Hills rugs have a spirit line or spirit trail-- a single line of light colored weft near the top of the design, running through the border to the edge of the rug. This spirit line is meant to release the weaver's creative energies from the rug back to the Universe so that a weaver's spirit will not be trapped within the completed rug.

Oil painting of a Venice canal with children. Signed lower left by Robert Ward Van Boskerck (1855-1932), an Impressionist landscape painter. Boskerck was elected to the National Academy of Design in New York City as an associate in 1897, and an Academician in 1907. He exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, and other major museums. Work by this artist is held by the New York City in the Union League, Lotus Club, and Fencers Club, and the Layton Art Gallery. Image 30"L x 20"W. overall framed size 40" x 30".

A W Best Navajo indian camp near bear mt. Arizona oil on canvas signed lower right measuring 8x10 inches framed in a hand carved 24k gold leaf frame approx. 16 x 18 overall. In excellent condition.

biography

Arthur William BEST 
1859 - 1935 Arthur William Best was born in Mount Pleasant, Canada on July 17, 1859. He and his brother Harry attended public school in Mount Pleasant and were members of a small band. Arthur played the cornet; Harry, the violin. When the band broke up in Oregon, the brothers learned to paint before moving to San Francisco in 1895. Arthur and his wife Alice established the Best Art School at 1625 California Street and a residence at 309 Broderick. He was a staff artist for the San Francisco Examiner (1904-06). Arthur was commissioned by Southern Pacific Railroad to paint pictures of the Southwest and Mexico for travel and tourist publicity in 1905. Many of his oils and watercolors were destroyed by the earthquake and fire of 1906. His landscapes include depictions of the Arizona desert, Grand Canyon and the Sierra Nevada. He died in Oakland on January 26, 1935. Member: San Francisco Art Ass'n; Berkeley League of Fine Arts; Bohemian Club. Exhibited: Oregon State Fair, 1891 (first prize); Mark Hopkins Art Institute, 1898, 1904; San Francisco Art Ass'n, 1904-16; San Francisco Artists Society, 1905; Berkeley Art Ass'n, 1908; California State Fairs (awards); Alaska-Yukon Expo (Seattle), 1909 (bronze medal); Del Monte Art Gallery, 1910, 1912; Sorosis Club, 1913. Works held: Oakland Museum; Phoenix Museum; University of Oregon; Charles M. Russell Gallery (Great Falls, MT); Santa Fe Railroad.

A beautiful example from the Meiji period c. 1900 green foil background with flying cranes over ocean waves. Measuring approx. 5 inches tall 12.5 centimeters. In excellent condition no damage to this piece. There is some seperation in the foil under the enamel this is in the making or firing and is not damage see pictures. A fine and beautiful example.

A fine antique Greek pottery kylix a grand tour example c.1890. Decorated in Classic greek figures two handles and pedestal stand. Measuring 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A beautiful example would enhance any interior.

A fine Chinese Ming dynasty period large storage jar with dragon design the top has loops to tie the wooden top for long term storage. Beautiful museum quality example large in size and fine in form measuring approx. 35.5 inches.

Bourcieria Torquata An original John Gould Hummingbird lithograph published in 1861 Beautifully hand colored with watercolor and added iridesence. Hallmandel and Walto printers London in good antique condition some age toning and light foxing. Slightly trimmed measuring approx. 14 x 21 overall size. A fine example of this important work one of the finest images. A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds Written by John Gould
Published by John Gould (London, England)
5 volumes and supplement, 1861-1887 John Gould (1804-1881) was a British ornithologist, artist, and successful businessman. Sometimes referred to as the "English Audubon," Gould had an illustrious career in which he served as official taxidermist to King George IV and established himself as Queen Victoria's favorite illustrator of birds. Gould was so devoted to the study of birds that he asked for his epitaph to read: "Here lies John Gould, the Bird Man." Though he chronicled a wide variety of bird species, from partridges to toucans, spanning all corners of the globe from Great Britain to Australia, Gould had a particular interest in hummingbirds. He developed a personal collection of 1500 mounted and 3000 unmounted specimens, containing at least 300 different species of hummingbird. A Monograph of the Trochilidae represents Gould's stunning effort to create a comprehensive guide to all the varieties of hummingbird with a high degree of accuracy, detail, and beauty.Gould's five volumes on the hummingbird contain 360 hand-colored lithographic illustrations. Gould would draw rough pencil or watercolor sketches of hummingbird specimens, which then served as guides for a team of artists (including his wife, Elizabeth). Gould also worked with lithographers, who used pure gold and silver leaf (applied underneath the watercolor) to achieve a lifelike illustration of the hummingbird's iridescent feathers.

An exquisite example with a floral design motif on a gold foil background. Made with silver wire and I believe the box binding is sliver although tarnished. Measuring 4 x 3 x 2 1/4 inches in excellent condition no damage. This would be a fine addition to and collection.

An original conte crayon drawing of a male nude by Couse framed in a quality 24k gold leaf frame. Provenance the estate of the artist with estate stamp on the reverse. Eanger Irving Couse (1866–1936) was an American artist and a founding member and first president of the Taos Society of Artists. He is noted for paintings of Native Americans, New Mexico, and the American Southwest. His house and studio in Taos have been preserved as the Couse/Sharp Historic Site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties. In 1911 Couse was elected to the National Academy of Design.[3] He also became active in the Taos art colony. In 1915, Couse was one of the six founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, and was elected first president. Another founding member was the artist J. H. Sharp, who adapted a chapel near Couse's house as a studio. Later Sharp built a combined house and studio on the land. The adjacent properties are recognized jointly as the Couse/Sharp Historic Site, and are preserved and operated by the Couse Foundation. Among Couse's works in public galleries are Elkfoot (National Gallery, Washington); The Forest Camp (Brooklyn Museum of Art); The Tom-Tom Maker (Lotos Club, New York); Medicine Fires (Montclair Gallery, New Jersey); and Shapanagons, a Chippewa Chief (Detroit Museum of Art).

Antique gold gilt Thailand amulet exqusite ancient Buddha. Provenance purchased from and English ambassador to Thailand from his personal collection. Measuring 3" x 1.5" or 8cm x 4cm. In all original antique condition.

A beautiful Meiji period Japanese carved Ivory figure of a bride exqusite detail signed by the carver. In pristine condition measuring 9 inches tall or 23 centimeters. A fine addition to any collection

A beautiful original Nels Hagerup oil painting of a sail boat off the coast of San Francisco ocean beach. In excellent all original condition canvas size measuring 18x24 inches in the original antique frame. A fine example of this noted artists work.

biography

Nels Hagerup (1864-1922) was born in Christiania, Norway in 1864 into a family that included the composer Edward Hagerup Grieg. Nels Hagerup studied at the Christiania Art School, Royal Academy in Berlin, and in Copenhagen with Carl Locher. After sailing to the West Coast as a merchant seaman in 1882, he settled in Portland, Oregon. There he was an instructor of drawing at the Bishop Scott Academy (now called Hill Academy) and was a founder of the Portland Art Association. About 1892 he moved to San Francisco where he remained. He worked there as a stevedore on the waterfront and later established a home and studio in the Sunset District at 1224 46th Avenue within walking distance of the ocean. Hagerup painted nearly 6,000 oils of sand dunes, ships and marine scenes. One of his more important works is the 16' x 18' mural in the Assembly Room of the San Francisco Merchants' Exchange Building. Hagerup was a master of atmospheric seascapes. He died of a heart attack in his studio on March 13, 1922. Exhibited: Lewis & Clark Expo (Portland), 1905 (gold medal); Alaska-Yukon Expo (Seattle), 1909 (gold medal); California Historical Society, 1963 (retrospective). Works held: California Historical Society; San Bruno (CA) Public Library.

Frank Montague Moore Carmel or Monterey evening nocturne oil on board signed lower right F.M. Moore. A beautiful painting with a amazing sense of light. In excellent condition measuring 12 x 16 inches approx. overall size 19 x 23 inches. A fine painting by this highly acclaimed artists would be a nice addition to any collection.

Biography

Born in Taunton, England on Nov. 24, 1877. Moore studied at the Liverpool Art School and Royal Institute. In 1903 he immigrated to America and further studied with Henry Ward Ranger. By 1910 he was an established artist in NYC; in that year moved to Hawaii where he was purchasing agent for Hawaii Plantations and later served as director of the Honolulu Academy of Arts. In 1928 he sailed for California and worked briefly in Pasadena where he painted the Picture Bridge, a series of 41 murals in the Huntington Hotel. After a few months in San Francisco, he settled on the Monterey Peninsula. There he specialized in poetic depictions of the coast and other local scenery. Moore died in Carmel, CA on March 5, 1967. Member: Salmagundi Club; NY WC Club; AFA; Pasadena Society of Artists. Exh: Calif. WC Society, 1928; Nicholson Gallery (Pasadena), 1928; CGA; PAFA; St Louis Museum; GGIE, 1939; LACMA, 1942; Salmagundi Club, 1943; Santa Cruz, 1944; Society for Sanity in Art, CPLH, 1944 (1st prize and Logan medal); Carmel AA, 1945-46; NAD. In: Orange Co. (CA) Museum; USMC Headquarters (SF); Auckland (NZ) Museum; Honolulu Academy of Art. Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"

A masterpiece of Georgian furniture this beautifully crafted table utilizes the best of form and proportion with exquisite hand carving. The tripod birdcage stand features a fluted column ornately carved legs ending in ball and claw feet. The table top is of pie crust form carved from a single piece of solid mahogany. The table measuring approx. 30 inches accros and 20 inches tall, is in excellent antique condition it has been refinished at some time in the early 20th century. I believe this piece is of Irish origin.

A fine original oil painting signed lower left oil on canvas painted in his time studying in France measuring approx. 16 x 28 in excellent condition.

biography

Born in New York City in 1836, Ransome Holdredge came to California via the Isthmus of Panama in 1858 and worked as a draftsman at the Mare Island Naval Yard. His paintings of the 1860s and early 1870s were signed "Holdridge" and were done in the realistic style of the Hudson River School. During this period he maintained a studio in San Francisco's Donahoe-Kelly Bank Bldg and exhibited locally. In 1874 he and Hiram Bloomer held a joint sale of their paintings to finance European studies. He left in that year and spent about two years studying in France. His obituary states that he was a field artist for Scribner's publications and was with Major Reno's troops at the time of the Custer massacre in 1876. After his studies in France, he returned to San Francisco with a distinctly different style. Paintings done after that time show the influence of the Barbizon School and were signed "Holdredge." His works were in great demand during his lifetime, received rave reviews by the local press, and were often considered superior to those done by William Keith. Holdredge traveled extensively throughout the Northwest, Southwest, the Rockies and western Canada, often living for long periods of time among the various Indian tribes. Due to his malnutrition and alcoholism, his paintings done during the latter part of his life were not of good quality. Like his friend Jules Tavernier, he made considerable money as an artist but did not manage his money well. He died penniless at the Alameda County (CA) Infirmary in April 1899 and was buried at public expense. ASSOCIATIONS San Francisco Art Association (cofounder) Bohemian Club EXHIBITIONS California State Fair, 1881-83 Mechanics' Institute (SF), 1868, 1880, 1886 COLLECTIONS Bohemian Club Oakland Museum Society of California Pioneers Orange County Museum California Historical Society Nevada Museum (Reno) Bancroft Library (UC Berkeley) Crocker Museum (Sacramento) Oregon Historical Society Source: Edan Hughes,

Sterling silver overlay porcelain tea service tea pot sugar and creamer. All in excellent condition without chips or cracks featuring a beautiful art nouveau silver overlay design. The tea pot measures approx. 8 in. by 8 in. the service is probably Lennox but it unmarked.

Original oil on canvas c.1932 "Portrait Schooner Danmark" By Christian Pedersen (1870-1950) renowned marine artist. The Danish Navy Schooner Danmark was visiting NY Worlds Fair in 1939. At the outbreak of World War II she was ordered to remain in US waters to avoid capture by the Germans. Loaned by Denmark she was used to train more than 5,000 US navy sailors. Returning to the US she was given a place of honor leading the NY 1964 Worlds Fair parade of tall ships. Canvas size 25"W x 17.5"H. framed 32.5" W x 24.5" H.

Green Jade carved bat brooch or pin China circa 1900 with a silver filigree backing and pin mount. A fine quality translucent jade the brooch in excellent condition measures approx. 3 3/4 in. or 10 cm. wide. This jade brooch would make a fine addition to any jewelry collection.

Chinese export Canton porcelain platter circa 1840. A large and beautifully hand painted decorated example in excellent condition no chips cracks repairs etc. some minor glaze flaws bubbles on edge. Measuring approx. 19.5 inches by 16 inches.

August Ludecke-Cleve (1868-1957): A beautiful antique German impressionist Landscape of cows in a meadow with a view through the trees. Bold brush work and bright colors. This is a very good and large example of this artists work. Measuring approx. 32 x 43 inches in excellent condition. Provenance: Stanford Museum Sale. Artist Biography: August Ludecke-Cleve first studied at the Art Academy in Dusseldorf then at the Munich Academy. Before the second world war (his studio was bombed) he had exhibitions in Dusseldorf. Ludecke-Cleve was better known for his landscape paintings before the war but from the 1930's onwards cows and tulips became his trade mark.

A beautiful Tiffany Favrile art glass large center bowl with engraved grape leaf designs signed LCT Favrile on bottom. A gold color with peacock blue hues accent this ribbed form bowl. Measuring approx. 12 inches across and 3 inches in depth in excellent condition no chips or cracks some minor use wear to center and bottom edge. A magnificent example of American art glass c. 1910.

A large Chinese carved Ivory figure of the god of longevity, Shou Lao. Carved from one whole tusk an antique item in very fine condition artist signed. Measuring approx. 14 inches tall a fine example of Chinese art. Shou Lao is depicted in the traditional manner as an old man with a long white beard and a high, bald forehead holding his gnarled staff in one hand and the peach of immortality in the other, also a symbol of longevity.

William Adam Carmel California hidden garden oil painting on canvas board framed in an original arts and crafts period frame. Signed lower right in excellent condition measuring approx. 12 x 16 inches a fine example of this sought after artists work.

Biography

William ADAM 1846 - 1931 William Constable Adam (1846-1931) was born in Tweedmouth, England on August 29, 1846. He studied under Delecluse in Paris, Brydall and Greenlees in Glasgow, and in Buenos Aires before immigrating to Boston in 1893. After moving to California in 1898, he soon settled in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Known as "Professor" Adam, he gave art lessons in his rose-covered cottage at 450 Central Avenue. With a bright and colorful palette of both oil and watercolor, he specialized in views of the Monterey area such as sand dunes, cottage and garden scenes, and the local flora. Adam died in Pacific Grove on October 17, 1931. Member: Boston Art Club; Lowell (MA) Art Club; Glasgow Art Club. Exhibited: Royal Scottish Academy; California State Fairs (medals); Del Monte Art Gallery (Monterey), 1907-12; Berkeley Art Ass'n, 1908; Sorosis Club, 1913; California Artists, Golden Gate Park Museum, 1916; Rabjohn & Morcom Gallery (San Francisco), 1916. Works held: City of Monterey Collection; Santa Cruz City Museum; Silverado Museum (St Helena, CA); Shasta State Historical Monument.

Antique bronze south east Asian opium weights in the form of birds or roosters. Complete collection numbering 9 weights in tapering sizes the largest 5 inches tall. I good condition with a great patina.

Gorham Sterling silver art nouveau floral design bowl elaborate monogrammed initials GER in center marked sterling with Gorham mark and number. In excellent condition some minor scratches measuring approx. 5.5 inches by 1.5 inches.

An exqusite example of enamel work on ginbari style foil background depicting a dragon swirling and coiling around the neck of the vase. Artist signed on the bottom measuring approx. 9.5 inches tall. In excellent condition but for some discoloration or tarnish on the silver foil under the enamel and some fine stress lines (see picture) overall a masterpiece of this Japanese art form.

A fine Antique Chinese carved hong mu rosewood statue of a seated emperor or high official. Intricately carved with the finest details of dragons and decorative carved chair. Of the finest quality measuring Approx. 15 inches tall in good antique condition some minor losses to dragon on right arm of chair.

Original French master classical figural watercolor and ink drawing. Image 10"L x 8"W. archival framed and matted overall size 16 x 18 inches.

A beautiful antique Italian original painting gouache on paper in an exquisite French matte and frame. Measuring Approx. 6x8 overall framed size 11x13 inches. In excellent condition one of a pair see #341 sold together or separate.