Saturday, September 30, 2017

GORGEOUS NAPOLEON III GILT BRONZE CACHE POT



I don't usually write about gilt bronze objects--my favorites pieces are more earthy with lots of patina. But this French c. 1860-70 gilt bronze cache pot is the exception. The vessel is so finely cast with beautiful lion paw feet, floral garlands and bows with pine cone finials that it takes my breath away. It even retains its tin liner. The detail photos say it all.





This piece measures a mere 6.5"w x 7"h x 3"d but it has tremendous presence.

Jones had his hair cut today and loves being handsome--his favorite word.

******I just learned that Habitat for Humanity has boots on the ground in Puerto Rico. I have been donating to the Red Cross relief efforts, but made a donation to Habitat yesterday--they accept Paypal.

Sending prayers to Puerto Rico. (Our government's inadequate response to this disaster is shameful; we need to make our voices heard in protest to mr. trump's ignorant tweets and statements)

Mary & Jones & Cole

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

DONGHIA KLISMOS CHAIRS DESIGNED BY JOHN HUTTON


My friend Gerry and I purchased the above set of Donghia klismos Chairs at auction over the week-end.
The chairs were designed for Angelo Donghia by the prolific American designer, John Hutton. I had not heard of John Hutton (1947-2006) until we purchased these amazing 1980s Klismos-form chairs.......I recommend studying up on this furniture designer whose work encompassed all segments of furniture design.
Anyway, I brought the chairs to shop today and took a few quick photos. The chairs really are stunning: the bent wood seats are clad in fine leather (other examples are veneered in rosewood or simple lacquer) with incised details. 








We are very fortunate that all six of the chairs are in very good condition with normal desirable patination to the leather. Mint condition would be boring, in my opinion.
Klismos chairs are my favorites--the form dates back over 2000 years to Ancient Greece and Egypt. Several years ago I wrote an extensive post on Klismos chairs--I don't know how to add a link to that post. Maybe I will have figured that out by tomorrow?! 
It's getting late and I need to be  up bright and early to work with my upholsterer.

Sending Blessing,
Mary & Jones & Cole

Thursday, September 21, 2017

NO WORDS

The disasters in Mexico, The Caribbean, India and Pakistan, etc. --topped off with Mr. trump's horrendous  speech to the United Nations this week and a third--and more horrendous attempt at shredding of our health care system--make me incredibly concerned about our future. I am usually a very positive person.....this week, not so much. 
We desperately need leaders of supreme integrity to rule the nations of the world.
We need leaders who will finally make peace, not greed, the stated goal for all.
We cannot loose another day. Hopefully action will soon be taken against trump (small "t") and all those who have lied and obstructed justice.
We all need to pray.
Blessings,
Mary

Monday, September 18, 2017

THURSDAY'S LOOT


YES!! She came home with me.....I almost didn't bid, but then I caught a glimpse of her beckoning and I was a goner........I paid a huge amount of money and got a lot of dirty looks from my buddies who also wanted her......nothing ventured, nothing gained. 
And then 4 McGuire "Target" bar stools---these are really great and in the highest McGuire grade (pricey)......


And a set of 3 mid-century Paul McCobb-style benches/ottomans in suede


Here are the 2 French Walnut stools from a couple of weeks ago in their new dresses



The tiny Louis XVI footstool is super cute--the upholstery is silk mid-night blue velvet with the nail heads. And then I bought a pair of these mid-century night stands/chests......(Camilo owes me--big time--which means that the new lacquer is already paid for and I will be dropping them off to Camilo tomorrow).


I feel very fortunate to be able to put these chests into inventory as I haven't been able to find a pair in many months and I always try to keep lacquered bed side chests in inventory.
And, of course, life would not be quite the same without something on the horizon. As I was picking up on Friday, I thought I would give a quick scout of what was coming up the following week:::::::be still my heart.




A pair (male/female) Tom Corbin cast bronze lamps. They are exactly what I love: abstract, bronze, tall, style of Giacometti, and, bien sure, very phallic and elegant..........
And now, I really need to hit the sack........busy day tomorrow.
xoxo
Mary & Jones & Cole












Wednesday, September 13, 2017

OK........JUST A QUICKIE AUCTION PREVIEW

Preview today was great--some of my absolute favorite things are up tomorrow. Here goes.........





Period Louis XVI bergere in quilted period red toile upholstery. Both of my passions, Louis XVI furniture and antique toile, in one piece. There will be a lot of competition...my good friend Fred will be going high as will a few other dealers........we'll see.
I thought I wanted this Karl Springer (style?) console, but think I'll pass.



Definitely going to bid on this amazing box lot of cups and saucers--but it will go high, very high.



Going to try for this mixed lot of Imari--I love Imari of all kinds--new, old it all makes me happy.



I do not know who designed these Deco Chairs, but they are pretty amazing--so they're on my list. They remind me of Frank Lloyd Wright chairs.....but haven't found anything like them online.




UPDATE: Here are the Shell Console in shop--I still love them and they make the Nubian Lamps and footstools pop.




Wish me luck. Fortunately, I know my limits and won't go too crazy. Note: No one should go to an auction with an untreated gambling addiction.

Mary & Jones & Cole

Monday, September 11, 2017

BUSY, BUSY BUSY and Crazy Lalo



It looks like Lolo (my upholsterer) was cutting out a poncho........This was a piece of very expensive silk velvet that was a remnant from another project. I gave Lalo a tiny Louis XVI foot stool to upholster (with nail heads!!).....didn't think I needed to tell him to be careful when he cut the fabric. I had to laugh, who would have thought to cut from the middle of the fabric?? And Lalo is good at what he does, just look at this diamond tufting 


Thank goodness he didn't cut from the middle of a large fabric section. This is just one of the journeys we take in life.....
I've been really busy the last couple of weeks.....buying and working with suppliers. Restoration is always an adventure... Roberto picked up the George III chest last week and it's gorgeous the second time around.



The second time around is a charm (hopefully). I love this big beefy chest even though he has been a bit painful (some people would say a B-I-.......). And I now have a truly trusted finish restorer. Up next is the George III tilt table top.......
As for buying..........well, last Thursday was very fruitful--which is great because I've been selling.
We bought this pair of amazing "glam" consoles.....


I thought that they were Maison Jansen, at first, but after really checking them out, I think that they are most probably Grosfield House and they look like Tony Duquette gave them them a touch up. Love them just as they are--a bit funky. They have eglomise glass tops, too.
We did manage to get quite a bit more (at least that's what the final tally states...) here are a few of the winners.
Another pair of heavy c.1960s Asian elephant garden seats


The male is a bit larger than the female--these guys have great patina and are less refined (and happier) than the turquoise guys that came home last month.
Gerry bought a superb late 20th c. rope-carved barrel back chair


The gold leaf on this chair is in near mint condition and the upholstery is over the top--instead of buttons in the diamond tufting there are silk tassels!!


And finally, this pair of wicker swan-armed chairs that are weathered with great patina and yummy.


I don't have photos of a couple of other items; so I'll post about them later.
I love the fact that (at least for me) the buyers are shifting towards a more encompassing aesthetic: I'm seeing antique tables with natural patina selling super well; French pieces are slowly coming back into the design repertoire and 80s Glam is looking good.
I love great (and I mean really great) mid-century design, but to see the same mid-level pieces and design themes over and over and over is pretty boring.
The boys, Jones and Cole are doing super well--they are getting up there in age, but are holding their own. Especially naughty Mr. Jones--he escaped today and do think he came back when called? No. And I still had my pajamas on...........
I know that God was watching over so many people in the path of the hurricanes--but we, as brothers, need to commit to continue to contribute to the massive relief efforts.
Blessings.
Mary & Jones & Cole