18th c. CHINESE LACQUER SCREEN

Last Thursday.....well.....it was just one of those days when the bidding was super high on everything that we wanted. Here's what we did NOT win:

A lithograph by my favorite contemporary Japanese artist Toko Shinoda--she is 104 and still working--was coming up. I sold two of her lithographs earlier this year 

and really wanted this one. I love the ascending blocks (seem to be reaching for the heavens) anchored by the reeds. It was not to be: the one litho went for double what I had paid for the pair.

Amazing lamps and one was damaged

The selling price point confirmed my suspicions: they were part of an 18th c. garniture--the price soared so fast that I couldn't even get my hand out of my pocket.......

Gerry (textile collector) coveted this Chinese forbidden stitch collar

This piece, too, went sky high.

But, as we were wondering whether to leave, my little eye spotted a Chinese Lacquer Table Screen (and I do own a few screens) that had not been unfolded--I knew it was good as it was a folded 10-panel example. I barely glanced at the screen (not wanting to draw attention to it) and waited another hour for it to come to the block. And sure enough it was a "sleeper" (auction term for an item that didn't draw attention or appropriate bids). It came home with me and for just about what I wanted to pay.... finally!!

I didn't get a chance to study the screen until Roberto brought it in on Saturday--and this is what we discovered

Yes. The screen is truly amazing. An 18th c. screen composed of ten 8-inch hand-planed painted panels of an Emperor with highlighting in gold leaf. I didn't look at the reverse until G. came to help me take photos today. (Ooops, left my phone at shop so I can't show photos) The reverse panels are just as beautiful (maybe more beautiful) as the front panels as they are incised/carved court scenes. The front panels have had some restoration work; whereas, the reverse panels appear to be all original. I've scoured the Internet and haven't found any screens quite like this one--and I love it. 

Look what Roberto accomplished in less than 4 hours: the Altar Table is nearly unrecognizable

Of course, the screen is to-die-for placed on the console. Just a bit over the top. And I'm grateful...

Well, true to form, mr. small "t" not-my-president continues to work his magic. A government in chaos and shut down.....draining the swamp. Where would our country be without the millions upon millions of dreamers who have come to start a new life here? Where will we be without the current generation of dreamers who work to make this nation stronger and more compassionate than ever?

The Second Women's March will go down in history. The commitment and vision to effect positive change is growing. Hopefully, by this time next year there will be a huge change in the balance of power in the Congress--dare I say, maybe a new president?

Jones is calling me to bed.

Blessings for the week.

Mary & Jones & Cole

JUST A LITTLE SLEEPER--OR TWO...............

There are many reasons for "sleepers" at auctions. (A sleeper is an auction lot that is ignored by the bidders present) One of the major reasons for "sleepers" is that there is something glaringly "off" about the item up for bid. The cast iron console below is a perfect example of what throws off/discourages potential bidders: The top is a total mess and a misfit for the gorgeous cast iron base. Just look at the iron work--stupendous--detailed, chiseled, beautifully finished with gold leaf and applied patina. And the top looks like a bad bathroom tile job.

So this where my little eye and creativity go to work...And we almost didn't buy it because I hesitated over struggling with the logistics of transporting this very heavy base, but Richard saved the day and stuck his hand up just in time.  Here are a few more photos--sorry about the quality.

The console is at the glass fabricator (last two photos) waiting for its new black glass top. See what happens to the console with that horrible top in the dumpster??

I really don't know what to call this guy: 20th c. Louis XV grotto, but acanthus leaves instead of shells? The glass will extend about 1/2 to 3/4 inch over the edge of the iron support.  Can't wait to see what it will look like back at the shop.

Here is a second example of an auction sleeper:

  

These are photos that I took when I previewed Thursday's auction. The auction house had this item tagged as a "table top"......one look at it, with the gorgeous raised lacquer koi fish would make anyone think that it wouldn't work as a table. And they would be right--this would never work as a table top. The problem is that this is not a table top; it's a drop-dead gorgeous 20th c. Japanese lacquer panel. I wish my photos were better--I'll update with better photos on Monday. The white crackle raised lacquer koi fish were created with a complex technique that I think is called eggshell lacquer (not sure) that is raised about 1/16 to 1/8 above the black lacquer surface. The panel is quite large--about 40" x 48" (I clipped the photo) and is stunning, with beautiful movement to the circular koi grouping. Lesson--never believe what a tag says, it could be wrong.

I guess it all comes to one huge imperative at any auction: ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK and know what your are looking at.

I'm not going to say what we purchased these sleepers for--but I was prepared to pay several times more than what the bidding ended at.

And I am so grateful. Business has been spotty at best, the Government Shutdown has really impacted so many of us in the design sector. I am also very grateful that we now have a functioning Federal Government--and that business is picking up.

MIA UPDATE

I spent Friday with Mia--we ran errands for the shop and went to Costco and then out to lunch. She doing very well!! But there are some deficits resulting from the radiation treatments....I am sure that as her little brain heals and new cells replace the damaged ones, she will be just fine. It is still a journey (as I sigh and sigh) and I pray that her pituitary starts working again. Her medication schedule is very precise and she really hates the taste (can't blame her). The shots she takes like a little trooper.

Thank you for all of your prayers.

Be well,

Mary & Jones (and Cole)