Catalog: Sold Items (421)

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain famille rose medallion large center bowl circa 1900. The bowl hand painted with traditional rose medallion motif of floral and butterfly designs plus mandarin figures and court scenes. Measuring 12 inches by 4 inches deep in excellent condition one minor restored flea bite to rim and some wear to enamel. A fine example.

A beautiful antique Indian statue of a Hindu female deity standing approx. 14 inches tall finest details patina and form. A beautiful piece would enhance any collection.

A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure flower designs on a foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring approx. 4.5 inches tall.

A fine Antique Japanese bronze censer Meiji period artist or makers signed. A incredibly finely detailed casting with dragons and shishi dogs and traditional Japanese design elements. Measuring approx. 21 inches tall in good condition some repairs or re-soldering to the handles and base supports causing some discolorations to the patina. All in all this is a remarkable piece at a very reasonable price.

A beautiful example with subtle blue enamel hues and a pair of crane with flowers. Meiji period c. 1900 in fine condition no damage an exquisite miniature measuring approx. 3 5/8 inches tall 10 centimeters, a fine addition to any collection.

Japanese mixed metal bronze censer with gold silver and brass inlaid details of a rooster and hen with chick and a blossoming flower motif. In excellent condition no damage some slight variations in bronze patina. Measures approximately 7 inches tall or 18 cm. a fine form with tripod feet. This is beautiful example of Japanese Meiji period metal work.

A beautiful oil painting on board signed lower left of a Dramatic landscape. Titled on the reverse Twilight glow and with the University of Nebraska Museum label with inventory number 1029 Attributing this painting to Blakelock and a partial museum exhibition label. Measuring 6 x 8 inches framed in a quality presentation frame 13 x 15 inches overall. This is an absolutely stunningly powerful image by this renowned artist.

Biography

Born in New York City, Ralph Blakelock earned a reputation for nocturnal, misty scenes, especially moonlit landscapes, large oak trees, and Indian encampments. He also did a small number of floral still lifes. His work has a mysterious quality, which some associated with the type of music he habitually played on the piano during interludes from his painting. Towards the end of his career, his paintings became increasingly haunting, a reflection of his insanity brought on by horrible poverty and his inability to support his family of nine children. He was both a late exponent of the Hudson River School of painting and also of the American West. He also foreshadowed the romantic, visionary, and modern tendencies that marked the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries. This romanticism, especially of escapism, was increasingly pronounced towards the end of his career. Blakelock was the son of a prominent English-born, New York physician, and first took medical studies, but his love of music and art led him away from medicine. He graduated from the College of the City of New York, studied briefly at Cooper Union, and at the Free Academy of the City of New York. In 1867, he first exhibited at the National Academy of Design to which he was ultimately elected, after he was incarcerated for insanity. During this time, he painted a series of New York City scenes, primarily of un-glamorous areas such as his work, Shanties, New York City. He also painted in Hudson River Style and was in locations that included the Adirondacks and the White Mountain. It is thought he learned this style during his brief and only art education at Cooper Union. Primarily self taught, he declined his father's offer to pay for more extensive art schooling, and instead, at age 22, embarked on a three-year (1869-1972) horseback tour of the West. He lived with plains Indians, painting pictures of their villages, and traveled and painted through the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas. In San Francisco and Oakland, he painted city scenes, the tree landscapes, and coastal views, and then he headed south to Mexico. These western paintings were also in the Hudson River style, although they were rough and more painterly. Returning to New York, he developed what became his signature expression: quiet, moody, nocturnal scenes accented with bright colors depicting light, and trees silhouetted against the sky. He had a labor-intensive technique, which was building up of multi layers of thick paint, scraping some away, and "adding more to build a complex tonality". (Zellman 420) It is said that his real travels were introspective from which he created these moody, dark landscapes, and they did not satisfy the current public taste for uplifting Hudson River style painting. Ahead of popular taste, his work was overlooked, and crooked dealers took advantage of him. With the desperation of trying to support his huge family, he sold his work cheaply. Ironically, many years after his death, his work became so valuable that forgers, including a dealer who changed the signature on canvases of Blakelock's artist daughter, Marian, to that of her father, sold paintings at very high prices by using his signature. Norman Geske, Director Emeritus of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska, became the authenticator of Blakelock's work, and has seen many, many illegitimate so-called Blakelocks. Under Geske's direction, a catalogue raisonne has been published that classifies paintings with Blakelock's signature into three categories according to their degree of perceived authenticity. In 1899, the artist had a mental breakdown and spent the last twenty years of his life in an asylum in Middleton, New York. He died on August 9, 1919. However, his work had already begun increasing in value, and by 1916 was bringing as high as $20,000. Of Blakelock's career, Norman Geske wrote: "Considered in the context of American landscape painting in the second half of the nineteenth century, Ralph Albert Blakelock can be seen first as a late exponent of the Hudson River School, second as a highly personal contributor to the painting of the American West, and third and most important, as part of the romantic, visionary, and modern tendencies that marked the turn of the century."(16)

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 Japanese Archaic style bronze vase Meiji period c.1899 signed on bottom. A beautiful piece in form and design with rich bronze patina. Measuring approx. 9.5 inches tall in good antique condition some minor scratches and soft dent. A fine addition to any collection.

Original Russian impressionist painting by Emil Hirschfeld signed lower left oil on canvas measuring 11 x 18 inches in good condition some age craquelure a beautiful atmospheric seascape. Emil Benediktoff Hirschfeld 1867-1922 Born in Odessa in 1867, the Russian painter lived thirty years in Concarneau France. In with the broad sweep of foreign artists in the late nineteenth he came out to meet the French realist painting, deeply influenced by Courbet, he spent time in Munich and Paris He arrived in Concarneau in 1891. Here he established a successful career know for his picturesque maritime paintings. He exhibited at the Salon of the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Hirshfeld died prematurely at the age of 54 years, his legacy lived on in his art represented in many private and museum collections worldwide.

Japanese bronze Ichibana bowl circa 1900 signed with a rich dark patina and relief design of Japanese figures gathering blossoms for ichibana floral arrangement shishi dog feet and elephant handles. In excellent condition measuring approx. 11” wide 8” deep and 3.5” tall.

Julian Walbridge Rix early California landscape oil on wood panel scene of Marin county landscape looking toward Mt. Tamalpias and San Francisco bay. Measuring approx. 10.5 in. by 13 in. framed in a ornate gilt frame 18 in. by 20 in. overall. A fine example of this renowned artists work.

biography

Known for poetic landscapes, often sunset, illuminated by atmospheric light, Julian Walbridge Rix was early in his career an active painter in California and then on the East Coast. He was born in Peacham, Vermont on December 30, 1850 and moved with his family to San Francisco in 1853. Because of his mother's death, he went back to Peacham four years later to live with his grandmother and graduating from Peacham Academy in 1868. He returned to San Francisco where he was apprenticed to a trading firm and later worked in a paint store painting signs and doing decorative work. Primarily self-taught, he was briefly a pupil of Virgil Williams at the School of Design. He became close friends with Amédée Joullin and Jules Tavernier, and when the latter established an art colony in Monterey in 1876, Rix was one of the "Bohemians" who followed him there. His studio in Monterey was in the French Hotel, but in 1879 he returned to San Francisco and shared a studio with Tavernier at 729 Montgomery Street. The art market in San Francisco during this period was not a healthy one which prompted Rix to move to Paterson, New Jersey in 1880 and subsequently establish a studio in New York City. This milieu was what he seemed to need to find artistic success. His work was exhibited at the National Academy of Design during the 1880s. He studied art briefly in Europe during 1889 and upon his return, he found that his watercolor and oil paintings were in great demand in the East. He maintained an active interest and participation in the San Francisco art scene and in 1883 sent back 200 paintings for a successful solo show. In 1888 his illustrations appeared in "Picturesque California." Rix returned to California for several months in 1901 and painted the valleys and mountains near Monterey and Santa Barbara. A handsome man with a New England accent and blond sideburns, he never married and was called the Adonis of the profession. Following a kidney operation, Rix died in New York City on November 24, 1903 and was buried in the cemetery plot of a patron-friend in Paterson, New Jersey. Source: "Artists in California, 1786 to 1940" by Edan Milton Hughes

Fine antique Japanese carved wood and gilt lacquer Buddha and shrine 19th century. Professional repair to the back of shrine otherwise very fine condition. Measuring 9 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide.

A beautiful example of this exquisite art form in a floral vase on tinted silver foil background. Artist signed measuring approx. 5 inches tall 13 cm. In excellent condition no damage. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

A Japanese Bronze Water dropper Suiteki in the form of a Samurai Helmet. Meiji period c. 1900 measuring 3 1/4 L x 3 W x 2.5 H. in excellent condition nice patina.

A fine antique Navajo Indian rug centering a cross-filled complementary stepped diamond medallion, with four-corner Hooked diamond accents, solid color banded border, in beige dark brown, red, white and grey brown. Measuring approx. 7 ft. 3 in. by 4 ft.6 in. A fine antique native American textile in excellent antique condition.

Provenance

From the collection of American pop culture legend Andy Warhol sold at the sale of Warhol’s estate at Sotheby’s in New York on April, 28, 1988 lot # 2479 Warhol was an avid and knowledgeable collector of fine art, furniture, jewelry and decorative objects. Over time, his 27-room Manhattan townhouse was filled to overflowing with the fruits of his obsessions. Exquisite Art Deco furniture and American folk art vied for space with Navajo Indian blankets and Empire sofas. After Warhol's death, Sotheby's auction house was given the daunting task of inventorying the contents of the townhouse and selling them at what has become a series of legendary auctions, which Time magazine characterized as "the most extensive estate sale in history, and the glitziest."

A beautiful example of this exquisite art form in a floral vase on tinted silver foil background. Measuring approx. 6 inches tall 15.5 cm. In excellent condition no damage. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

Emille Galle art nouveau art glass miniature vase circa 1890s. A frosted clear glass with a lavender color etched and wheel cut floral motif signed Galle. In excellent condition no chips or cracks some residue in interior. Measuring approx. 2.5 inches tall a fine addition to any collection.

Exquisite Japanese scalloped rim bowl finely decorated with scenes of demons and dragons artist signed in excellent condition no chips or cracks or restorations a fine example of Japanese Satsuma wear. Measuring 7 x 3.5 inches approx.

“The Love Letter” by A.V. Hugenett 1902 oil on canvas of a beautiful young woman holding a love letter and a bouquet of flowers. Signed and dated top right in excellent condition measuring an impressive 30x40 inches framed in a toned gold frame some minor restoration overall size approx. 40 x 50 inches. A stunning decorative painting would make a fine addition to any collection.

Fine antique Japanese ivory netsuke of a man hiding under a basket from an Oni signed Mitsu Nobu . Measuring approx. 2.5 inches in length.

A beautiful Chinese Cloisonne Tea pot of very large size featuring gilt bronze handle and top with exquisite foo dog images in cloisonne design. In excellent condition measuring approx. 13 tall and 16 inches at its widest point.

A beautiful Japanese Art nouveau carved wood urn or vase stand finely carved details of Iris flowers measuring approx. 28 inches tall. A fine decorative piece.

A Japanese Bronze Water dropper Suiteki in the form of a Turtle, Meiji period c. 1900 measuring 3 1/4 in. L x 2.5 in. W x 1 in. H. in excellent condition nice patina signed.

Japanese Imari porcelain Tea Caddy or ginger jar Meiji period circa 1900. Beautifully hand painted in traditional Imari design and colors. Measuring approx. 8 inches tall in excellent condition no chips or cracks or repairs. Measuring approx. 8 inches tall.

William Keith California Landscap at evening sunset through California Oaks with cows at a distant watering hole. A dramatic moody classic Keith painting oil on canvas signed lower right William Keith and lower left SF for San Francisco. Measuring 18x14 inches framed in a modern gold leaf gallery frame 26x32 inches overall. A fine example of this important early California and American painter such an influential artist and teacher he is sometimes referred to the Dean of California Artists. Works by Keith have sold for as much as $121,000 at auction.

Artist Biography.

Brought to New York City in 1850, William Keith was apprenticed to a wood engraver in 1856 working for "Harper’s" magazine. In 1858 (or 1859) he visited California for "Harper’s" and then after a trip to Great Britain, settled in California as an engraver in 1862. He began exhibiting paintings in 1864 in San Francisco where he opened his studio, after having been taught painting by his wife. The Northern Pacific Railroad commissioned him to do landscape paintings along its route about 1868. In 1869-70 he studied in Dusseldorf, Germany; in 1871-72, he shared a studio in Boston with William Hahn; and in 1872, he returned to California. A nature lover, he found there was “scarcely a mountain in three-fourths of California where he had not kept vigil for days as a time, studying every detail of color, flower, rock, forge, shadow, and sunshine.” Keith became Thomas Hill’s rival in monumental landscapes, saying, “I’d be satisfied if I could reach the power and success of Tom Hill.” When George Inness visited California in 1890, he worked in Keith’s studio for many weeks, and they made sketching trips together. The result for Keith was an influenced style reflecting the subjective rather than the spectacular. His "Majesty of the Oaks" painting sold at auction in New York City in 1903 for $2,300., and about the same time "Glory of the Heaven" sold at auction in San Francisco for $12,000. Of medium height with unruly curly hair, Keith had his studio next to the live oaks on the Berkeley campus where it was the center of the university-oriented California culture. The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed 2,000 of Keith’s works.

A fine Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Bowl, Qianlong mark Circa Late 19th Century early 20th. The Exterior all intricately hand painted decorations with two senic painted panels and large and small flower design all on a blue sgraffiato floral ground of the most beautiful detail and color. Interior of bowl is robins egg blue color glazed. Everted mouth rim Circular raised foot with underglaze blue Qianlong reign mark, although we believe this piece to be late 19th century early 20th. Foot rim remains unglazed. Measuring 7.5 in diameter and 4 inches tall or 19 x 9 cm. The Condition is excellent no chips cracks or restroations. An exquisite example would make a fine addition to any collection.

A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure flower designs on a foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring 4.5 inches tall.

A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure depicting a Dragon on a sliver foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring approx. 6.5 inches tall. A masterpiece work of cloisonné art.

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.

Chinese Ivory carved reclining beauty or doctors model circa 1900 measuring approx. 6.5 inches in length 16.5 cm. In excellent condition yellowing from age this piece would make a fine addition to any Ivory collection.

Original painting Seven Angels tempera and oil on embossed gold paper. By Carlo Facchinetti Italian (1870-1951). Signed and titled with artists address in Florence Italy on verso. image 7" in diameter. Presented in an Italian carved 24k gold leafed frame.

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Tiffany Studios Indian pattern patinated bronze desk set consisting of a ink well letter holder stamp box and blotter paper ends. In all original excellent condition beautiful Tiffany quality excellent brown with green highlights patina. A fine set would be a nice addition to any collection.

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.

A Tibetan Tara Buddha bronze and sliver with inset coral and turquoise 20 th century measuring approx. 8.5 inches tall. A fine example.

A beautiful original oil painting of a young girl reading oil on board signed upper right and dated 1918. Exquisite detail and light a masterpiece by this famed artist. A fine addition to any collection. Biography

A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Van Soelen trained in art at the St. Paul Institute from 1908 to 1911, and then attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, 1911-1915. The Pennsylvania Academy awarded Van Soelen a Cresson Traveling Scholarship which enabled him to tour and study in Europe in 1913 and 1914. Shortly after launching his art career back in the United States, Van Soelen headed west, seeking relief from tuberculosis. After spending time in Utah and Nevada, he settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1916. Working as a commercial illustrator, he also began to sell his fine art paintings. To acquaint himself with the people and landscapes of New Mexico, Van Soelen spent time in the small towns and ranches of the region. Early on, scenes of ranch life became his favorite subjects. Van Soelen married Virginia Carr in 1922 and the couple moved to Santa Fe before permanently settling in nearby Tesuque, New Mexico in 1926. Van Soelen's reputation grew rapidly throughout this time, but like other New Mexico's easel painters, most of his customers were in the East. In the 1930s he established a second studio in Cornwall, Connecticut to be closer to that market. Van Soelen painted in a detailed, realistic style with a slightly muted palette and strong draftsmanship. Though most famous for his ranch-life genre paintings, he also painted landscapes and formal portraits, and produced several popular lithographs on cowboy themes. In 1938 Van Soelen won a mural commission for the Post Office in Portales, New Mexico. He was a Fellow of the National Academy and exhibited in various juried exhibitions including the National Academy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Chicago Art Institute. In 1960 he was named Honorary Fellow in Fine Arts by the School of American Research.