I KNOW, I KNOW-- I DIDN'T INTEND...........

It would be a huge understatement to describe the last 6 weeks as tumultuous...........so I won't go into the gory details. But I did come out on the other side with my two feet firmly planted and not too much the worse for wear.  I did miss blogging, but simply didn't have enough energy to have a creative thought.

Now on to the good stuff...
I didn't buy anything for about a month--jut too busy with other stuff and since business was a little off, there really wasn't any point. But this past month has been great; so I'm once again "on the hunt"---which means auction time. My first week back to auction, I laid low with my bidding. There is a definite rythm to bidding and if you are off your rythm, it's best not to bid until you are back in the swing of the gladiator/arena contest.
But Thursday (I preview Wednesday and spotted a couple of things)--I had my eye on this little beauty. (I had been looking for a Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture credenza for about two years.) And here was this little beauty sitting pretty. I would have preferred a longer credenza, but this one worked. The condition of the gold leafed door panels is excellent; however the lacquered top has suffered a bit. In the past, I've always sent the piece right off to be restored; this time, I think that I'll wait a bit. Angie (and I agree) thinks the the crackling of the black lacquer gives the piece authenticity and character. Plus, because of the the California EPA standards being tightened a couple of months ago, it is almost impossible to obtain the products necessary for a lacquered finish.......... (always something).
So here is my little Renzo Rutili credenza just after I bought her at auction--she measures just 50"--but those 50" pack a punch. 

Lorenzo (Renzo) Rutili (1901-1966) was born in Donora, Pennsylvania. He studied at Carnegie Institute and for several years continued his design studies in Europe. Rutili worked for Johnson Furniture (Gran Rapids, Michigan) for over 30 years. Subsequently he worked for Tomlinson Frniture Co. of North Carolina for three years.

Rutili was the only designer to incorporate gold leafing to this extent--although his designs were incorporated into the design vocabulary of several different furniture companies of the period.

I pulled a few photos of similar Renzo Rutili pieces from 1stdibs.com. None are quite like the piece that I just purchased. (Sorry about the spacing of these 1stdibs photo--couldn't crop them)

These are definitely New York, high style pieces, but since lately most of my items are going back East, I definitely am shopping for this look. And besides, Chinoiserie is starting to make a come-back. And to honor this resurgence, I acquired (spent way too much money) on this pair of gorgeous Italian Chinoiserie lamps that I believe were created by Paul Hansen in the early 1960's.

The carved detailing of the porcelain is exceptional--they are a little over the top to pair with the credenza, but they'll find their spot. And last up is this mid-century lamp with it's original shade. I believe that the pottery is Japanese Studio Pottery--you can see the form the fingers took on the potting wheel and look at the large cut out which is difficult to maintain during the firing.........but what really gets me is the gorgeous glazing of the pottery. The shade was custom made for the lamp with that little filet of color exactly matching the rich blue of the lamp. 

Well, we are off to celebrate Kaia's birthday--I made brownies (Kaia doesn't like icing) and guacamole......

Happy Memorial Day to all--especially in remembrance of those that have given their lives for our freedom.

Blessings!!

Mary & Jones & Cole.

PROBLEM CHILD---The Upholstery Mini Nightmare

Finally......these guys have made it to completion...almost.

This is what the chairs looked like when I acquired them

This what they looked like while being painted

When I had completed painting the chair frames, I had a difficult time deciding what fabric to upholster them in. The fabric had to be appropriate for the period and design of the frames without looking "Grandmotherly"--so I first purchased a deep gray velvet, but wasn't happy. Then I purchased a top quality linen in a Chinese Chippendale pattern.......too boring. Finally, I found the perfect fabric--a top quality velvet printed in an abstract/ethereal lime green, ivory and gray pattern. I knew that there would be just enough fabric for the chairs, but just in case there wasn't enough for the welting, the gray velvet would be a perfect accent. Off the chairs went to Lalo (with whom I have worked for almost 6 years). Four days later I get a call from Lalo........help, there isn't enough fabric for both chairs!!! Lalo had cut and completed one chair without making sure he had enough fabric for both chairs and the welting. I have been doing upholstery for almost 25 years and I used to make my own clothes--so I really do know how to make the best of yardage and how to measure--Lalo had obviously been very careless and wasteful. And of course, I couldn't get any more of that fabric.........So I found another great fabric, but had to buy 7 yards and spend another $140. Lalo dropped off the chairs yesterday, when I wasn't at the shop. When I went over the work this morning, I noticed that pieces of straw were dropping out of the bottom of the chair. Lalo was supposed have replaced all of the insides--many times early 20th c. chairs (and period chairs) had padding created with horsehair and straw. When Angie and I turned the chairs over, the bottom liner was the old stained fabric!!! So when Lalo came to pick up his payment, off the chairs went again to have their undersides worked on......Ayyyyyyy!

But do love how these guys turned out

I think Lalo is going to be very surprised when I deduct the cost of the original fabric that I had given him. But perhaps he will be more careful the next time.

Next Up

The Jacques Adnet style occasional folding tables are ready. And they are show-stoppers!! I think I will hold off with cutting the 1/2" glass--the buyer can decide the dimensions of the glass top.

    

I love the vintage 1980s faux bamboo brass frame. And the workmanship is fantastic. Now that I have this new employee of the leather craftsmen (this is the shop that crafts all of the Disneyland fantasy costume shoes) who can do superb custom leather, I have started designing again.  Let's see what I come up with.

It's getting late and Mr Jones is starting to prowl as he waits for me to go to bed.

Hope you all have a wonderful spring day.

Mary & Jones & Cole

IN THE ZONE

Today is Friday and the only day of the week that I do not "do" LA freeways. So I stopped by the fabulous leather craftsman that I use for custom pieces.

This is the second pair of Jacques Adnet style tables and look at the design improvements. Here is the second set

Here are a couple of shots of the first pair.

The initial pair was good; but the second pair is going to be phenomenal. I am definitely in "The Zone" with this project.

After my disaster with my upholsterer last week, I needed this encouragement. I love it when someone takes initiative. Of course, if I had not liked this new design, nothing would have been lost.

Yesterday was the memorial service for Emily (and her birthday), my niece. I spoke on love and based my talk on 1 Corinthians 13.  It was a challenge to keep my emotions in check, but I felt so completely in His presence that I was fine. I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians 13 since Emily left us in November. It's hard to look with honesty at my failings and judgements. But that is the only way to grow in faith and love.......

Spring is finally here!! It's been a perfect week. Beautiful clear sunny skies and mid-70s.

Have a great week-end.

Mary & Jones & Cole

SMOKIN'--- (Well, we're getting there)

Thursday, while I was at auction, I had an interesting sale--$250 worth of rocks. Well, that's a lot of broken up Geodes.... it turns out that Nate Berkus and partner were in and bought rocks from me and chairs from Angie. 

And Yesterday Joel Chen was in and posted photos of Jones to his instagram account. Joel came in with his mixed Bichon who was a little intimidated by Jones--but Jones is so sweet with little dogs.

So when two of the current top guys in the industry come knocking at my door (the reason is unimportant) I'm honored. Unfortunately Jones hates to have his picture taken............

Updates on Purchases

The 17th/18th c table is not French--I think that it's Flemish--love the stretcher and finials

The Chinese trunk looks a lot better than I remember

The Steuben Pedestal Bowl or Compote is stunning--I didn't remember it as being quite so beautiful

And finally, The Suzanne Pascal large glass sculpture. I did not realize that large chunks of glass--not works of art sell for quite a bit of money!! I priced this piece very reasonably as she has lost her marble plinth. I think she's stunning.

It's a gorgeous Monday--and thankfully cooling down from our mid-90s weather of the past few days. 

I've got to hustle the next few days as I will be taking a couple off for my niece Emily's memorial service and to spend time with family.

Jones says "hi"--he's gradually recovering, but it's still a long process.

HAPPY SPRING!

MARY & JONES & COLE

BACK TO BASICS--THE HUNT

It was a great Auction Thursday....sorry, forgot to take photos; so I pulled some images of pieces from Google and 1stdibs that are similar to what I bought today. You really have to go to auction with a very open mind--you just never know what is going to go way too high (and I've set my sights on just that piece) or what will go low. Or (as what happened today) the auctioneer doesn't see your bid because some one jumps in front of you...

I wanted to purchase a set of four Katavolos T-chairs (and so did a lot of other people)........ I loved the patination of the carmel colored leather---there's always more!!

I wanted to purchase a 19th c. French farm table similar to this one........

But didn't get it!

And I really, really wanted a 19th c. large French Bistro table

The Bistro table at auction today had a slightly more refined marble, but it went for twice the price of this 1stdibs listed table.......not my kind of price point. (It's a secret, but we dealers do try to make a little profit)

HOWEVER---I did bring home some really good pieces:

I bought a period Louis XIII small side table similar to this one, but with more exaggerated turnings and finial and it appears to retain its original dark surface and it has a little lip around the top. This is a nice little Louis XIII table, but just a tad bit boring, n'est pas?

Next up was a trio of glass sculptures by the well-listed American artist Suzanne Pascal (1914- ). Here's an example (higher level than mine)

I'm embarrassed at what I paid for them--yep, a bit of profit here.

Then I bought an early 20th c. Chinese lacquered pigskin trunk something like this guy

but in better condition and with its original lacquered stand. I have a client who was looking for a black Chinese trunk--perhaps this one will work.

And, at the very end of the auction, I bought two medium-sized Steuben footed bowls.

I realize that Steuben is not currently "in", but these beautiful Steuben pieces are classic and this amazing American company--sadly, is no long in existence. Quality never looses its value.

I also bought some other stuff--just for a bit of filler.

Hopefully Roberto will be close by so that he can come unload for me.

It takes a huge amount of perseverance, focus and a lot of patience to stay at auction all day--but I love this serendipitous, never quite knowing what's evolving process. (Note to self: drink plenty of water and coffe and always carry good chocolate.) Plus I get to see many of my dealer buddies (remember: there are no friends at auction).

It hit 90* today. I pray that is not signaling the end of winter just yet. We need quite a few more good storms to roll through to alleviate our drought--lots more snow in the Sierra. I hope that Boston is beginning to thaw--wish it were possible to truck all that snow to California.

Jones is gradually getting back to himself. And I'm grateful. I'm settling in to my two new/old locations and am soooooo happy. 

I'll take photos of these items and post them to my website shortly....for now it's off to bed.

Have a wonderful almost Spring week-end.

Mary & Jones & Cole

AND NOW FOR THE BOYS--SO PROUD

The guys, Ethan, Blake and Sam, picked up their Dad's guitar last Christmas and in the past year have taught themselves to play electric and acoustic guitar, the drums and they are now working on piano.

We didn't even have much of an indication that they were talented........Ethan (on the right) has started writing all of their music. I wonder if we need an agent?

I think that you can link his most polished composition http://soundcloud.com/stargate148/stargate (I still don't quite know how to do this link thing). Anyway, the vocals are Ethan; the guitar solos are Blake and Sam (only 12) is on the drums.
I'm so proud of them as they have formed a super strong bond with their music.
Ethan does a killer Jimi Hendrix, too.
More photos:

The arts are the surest form of bringing about unity of purpose. Hopefully, we as a nation will return to a policy of non-intervention and reinstitute full funding for the arts in K-12.

Blessings for the week.

Mary & Jones & Cole.

SCOPING OUT THIS WEEK'S AUCTION and INSTAGRAM

For some strange reason I'm being called by this antique painted Chinese altar table.

The table looks as if has been left out in the elements for a very long time. I just love the intensity of the green and the time-acquired deep patina.  I've got just the place for it, but it will have to be super cheap. It's pretty cool isn't it?

Next to catch my eye was this 18th/19th c. Spanish bracero fragment........and you know me, a sucker for just about anything antique brass. I think it would be great with a mirror in it's center??

And there is this original Noguchi paper lamp--

I'll ponder these guys for a couple of days.........but now it's time to pack it in!! Jones is waiting.

Instagram is going super well....

Blessings,

Mary & Jones & Cole