Catalog: Sold Items (420)

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.

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.

Engravings of annual jousting contest on river Seine in Paris by Jacques Callot in 1630. On the left, the Nesles tower. On the right, the Louvre and the tour du Bois. Etching Dimensions: unframed: 6 1/2 x 13 3/8" (16.51 x 33.97 cm.)

Chinese Imperial yellow porcelain censer with frogs on lid and elephant handles. The pierced lid setting on a rounded form bowl on tripod legs impressed mark Daoguang period 1821-1850. In excellent condition no damage a fine addition to any collection.

Dutch Tavern scene attributed to Adrian Van Ostade 17th century circa 1650 original oil on oak panel framed in a period hand carved walnut frame. Old exhibition label from a Vienna Austria gallery exhibit of 17th Century Dutch paintings. An exquisite antique Dutch painting would be a fine addition to any collection.

Exquisite inlaid rosewood Anglo Indian table with a scene of a couple under a tree with a palace in the distance. Elephant head legs. Some minor restoration to inlay. Measuring 35" L x 33" W x 19" H

A fine Ivory netsuke of a Kappa and Frog wrestling a very fine example of netsuke art and craftmanship artist signed in excellent condition.

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of a turtle finely carved artist signed in excellent condition. Measuring approx 2.5 inches long 6 centimeters. a fine addition to any collection.

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.

A fine original watercolor by James David Smillie of a street view in Nice France signed lower right and titled and dated Nice Feb. 1893 lower left. On the reverse is an exhibit label from a exhibit at the American Watercolor Society. A fine example of this important American Artist. Measuring approx 8 x 12 image and framed in a fine gold leafed period frame overall 16 x 20. Provenance Hirschel Adler Gallery New York

Biography

A native of New York and the son of an engraver, James David Smillie earned his early reputation for his etching skills but later for watercolor landscapes. He began etching at age 8, learning from his father, James Smillie (1807-1885). At age 14, he did a set of plates illustrating John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. He had a job as a bank note engraver, and then he and his father had a business, collaborating as engravers with a specialty of bank-notes. They also did the engravings for the 1857 Mexican Boundary Survey Report. James David Smillie helped organize the New York Etching Club, and he was the U.S. representative to supply examples of American etchers' work to the Painters-Etchers Society of London. Although he continued working with etching, drypoint, aquatint and lithography, in 1865, he began doing landscape painting and was especially interested in mountain scenery. Smillie traveled in California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in Colorado in the Rocky Mountains, and in the eastern United States in the Catskills and Adirondacks. From these trips he did illustrations that were published in 1872 in the magazine Picturesque America. In 1881, Smillie got married, and the couple had two sons. By 1884, he was in France, and spent much time there doing prints of landscapes, figures, portraits and cityscapes. Between 1888 and 1896, he produced a set of drypoint floral still-life prints. James David Smillie founded the American Watercolor Society and served as president and treasurer. He also taught classes at the National Academy of Design in 1868 and from 1894 to 1903.

A fine western bronze of two cow girls by Edward Fraughton born 1939 a Utah artist is a highly regarded sculptor of western bronzes. This example of two charming western girls is finely detailed and in excellent condition. Measuring approx. 12.5 inches tall signed and numbered 8 of 30 and dated 1971. A bronze by Fraughton sold at for 10,350 at Altermann Galleries on 10/23/04. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection of western or Utah art.

A beautiful Verlys glass charger or large bowl with cranes and japanes coy fish signed in the center measuring an impressive 13 1/4inches or 34 cm. in diameter the three dimensional glass moulded with opalescent cranes. In excellent condition a beautiful example of this fine French art glass.

Verlys Glass History

In 1920, the Societe Holophane Français was set up as a subsidiary of the USA Holophane Company in a glassworks near Rouen in Northern France to make vehicle headlights. By 1925, they had expanded into making art glass vases and bowls. They created a separate department for these products, and named it "Verlys". Initially the pieces were blown vessels with several layers of glass, smooth on the outside with internal decoration. From 1933 onward, Verlys focused on high quality press-mould glass. They produced clear, frosted, opalescent and colored items with designs typical of Lalique-style glass of the 1930s.

Beautiful Egyptian street scene an Original oil painting on board signed lower right measuring approx. 20 x 24 in excellent condition. Biography LEONID GECHTOFF, 1883-1941 

Leonid Gechtoff was born in Odessa, Russia, in 1883, an only child of parents already in their forties and not particularly well off financially.  After his art school training in Russia, where he probably first met his close life-long friend David Burliuk, he and his parents fled from their homeland when he was in his twenties, rather than have him face possible conscription into the army. Cairo proved to be a haven for several years and Gechtoff painted many city and genre scenes of Egypt in his heavily impastoed style, bringing him acclaim in the Orientalist-enamored European art world as well.

Gechtoff always felt most influenced by the work of Vincent van Gogh, however, and this led him to travel to Holland where Dutch-born van Gogh painted in his early years, though not in the colorful later style Gechtoff most admired. There he established good connections which led to gallery shows in Amsterdam, and at one he met his future Russian-born wife Etya while she was on vacation from her pre-medical studies in Germany. Her family was well-to-do and supportive of the young couple, so they were able to wed and settle in Holland initially for about a year, around 1917. Several Alpine landscapes indicate painting trips in more mountainous parts of Europe too. Both Leonid and his wife were fluent in several languages.

The Gechtoffs soon moved to Indonesia, then a major South Pacific colony under Dutch control, hoping that the warmer climate would be better for Etya's health. The lush volcanic landscapes were strongly appealing to the artist as well. They lived in Java for about two years, in 1918 and 1919, and enjoyed traveling and collecting throughout the region during painting trips.

By 1920 they were living in Manila, and in early 1921 they planned a visit to see two of Etya's brothers in Pennsylvania later that year.  Once in America, the Gechtoffs found themselves persuaded to stay and settle in Philadelphia, with both becoming US citizens.  Leonid's major patron and benefactor was either a member of the family of Dutch-born philanthropist Edward Bok or Bok himself. Along with inclusion in various group exhibitions, his work was featured in a solo show at the Philadelphia Art Alliance in the early 1930's.

Gechtoff had achieved substantial success throughout the 1920's from his landscape paintings near his home in Philadelphia, and had also purchased a summer home on Cape May, New Jersey, where he painted many coastal scenes.  Unfortunately, he made large investments in the stock market in the latter years of the decade, and these disappeared almost overnight in the Wall Street Crash of 1929. The family now included young Sonia, born in 1926, and soon her sister, born in 1933.

With their fortunes in decline, like so many artists in the Depression of the 1930's, they sold the Cape May house but still were able find suitable rentals at the shore for their summer sojourns, and otherwise still lived in downtown apartments in Philadelphia. Gechtoff's works began to depict wintry landscapes along with his bright rocky seascapes and still lifes.

Gechtoff continued vigorously painting in his vivid and distinctive style, a blending of post-Impressionism and expressionism, until his health became a problem in 1940, with the stress of high blood pressure and complications. He died in 1941 at the age of 58. His widow later moved to San Francisco and ran an influential exhibition space in San Francisco called the East-West Gallery, while daughter Sonia became a well-known artist currently living in New York City. 
Gechtoff is listed in the Archives of American Artists, part of the Smithsonian Institution.

A beautiful Chinese silver and Champleve enamel or cloisonne bead necklace with silver dragon filigree snuff bottle. Antique and very beautiful measuring approx. 16 inches long circa 1910

Fine porcelain cylindrical vase or brush pot circa 1860 hand painted with floral and bird motif. Measuring approx. 11 inches tall and 4 3/4 in diameter. In excellent condition this piece has a Chinese ministry of antiquities export stamp on the bottom. Japanese Imari porcelain was first produced in the Genroku period c.1700 It is characterised by the striking use of underglaze blue, red and gilt, and occasionally green enamels. When it came to the attention of the Chinese at Jindezhen that these wares were extremely popular in Europe, they began to produce Imari wares in competition with the Japanese. The first Chinese Imari pieces were produced during the latter half Kangxi period (1662-1722). As a generalisation the Chinese Imari pieces are much more finely potted and have a thinner and more even glaze. The Japanese glaze is often crackled and on the inside of vases the glaze is clearly seen to have run. Furthermore most Chinese Imari has a much finer quality underglaze blue.

A beautiful antique carved stone statue of a Hindu deity 10 - 11th century. Of a red sandstone measuring approx. 18.5 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

Classical bronze figure of a Grecian woman with robe and sandals alongside a urn and disc. Signed Evrard for Victor Evrard French 1807-1877 sculptor known for works in bronze. The bronze in is in excellent condition with a nice original patina measuring approx. 19 inches tall a fine piece.

A fine Japanese cloisonne vase with silver wire a beautiful design of cranes and flowers in excellent condition no damage measuring approx. 12 inches tall. A fine addition to any collection.

Antique brass balance scale with elaborate design of Serpent or Dolphin Fish motif. Complete with weights set in solid brass base. Dimensions 8" L x 18" W x 24" H

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.

English rosewood traveling secretary circa 1850. These pieces were custom made for British Officers stationed in India and were brought home and have been widely collected. This is a particularly interesting example with a carved top brass banding and a exotic interior with place for correspondence and storage for writing utensils etc. It is mounted to a quality rosewood stand making it a nice side or lamp table. In good antique condition a repaired age crack due to shrinkage of the wood on the top and some minor wear.

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.

Fine pair of antique Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vases finely hand painted with court scenes of Mandarin figures with applied molded dragons and foo dog handles. Late Ching Dynasty circa 1880s measuring approx. 14 inches 35 cm. Tall and 7 inches 17 cm. At widest point. In excellent condition one vase has a small repaired chip to the underside of the rim not affecting the value or Beauty of these exquisite vases.

Baccarat Crystal Roosters by Georges Chevalier c. 1950 with Baccarat acid etched stamp on bottom. Chevalier, A graduate of the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, in Paris, began working with Baccarat in 1916 ending his career there in the early 1970s. A journey, a life made of light. His designs earned the Crystalworks a place at the forefront of the history of the decorative arts. Both In excellent condition acid etched stamp is lightly worn. Measures 18" L x 5" W x 14.5" H. Original retail price was $14,000 each. From a Palo Alto Ca. Estate 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.

A fine antique mahogany Georgian knife box now fitted for stationary. An exquisite example with a rich patina inlaid with herring bone banding and star designs. This knife box is in very good antique condition some minor restorations. Measuring approx. 15 x 9 1/4 x 9 inches overall. A fine decorative piece would make a nice addition to any collection.

Antique early American tiger maple butterfly tavern table c.1760s. A fine and rare example of this most sought after piece of American furniture. Of very small diminutive Size with baluster turned splayed legs joined by pegged cross stretchers supporting a pegged oval top with grooved edges. This table is fully constructed with pegged mortise and tennon joints and retains its original pegs and hinges in very good all original condition for a antique of this age. One of the leg ends has been repaired with a small piece spliced in at some time in the 19th century and one of the end panels has had work. The piece has a rich patina some tiger stripe grain on the top and the table color is of a warm honey maple and appears to retain its original surface finish. This table is of a fine form and size measuring approx. 24 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide 24.5 inches long and opened measures 35.5 inches. A fine museum quality example would make a nice addition to any collection.

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

Charles Dorman Robinson impressionist seascape A beautiful atmospheric seascape painting of a sunset with ships off the coast of San Francisco. Oil painting on artist board framed in the original arts and crafts era frame signed lower right. In excellent condition some very minor touch ups in the sky area professionally cleaned and re-varnished. A fine example of this highly acclaimed artists work.

Biography

Charles Robinson was born in East Monmouth, Maine, and his father, David Robinson, was a theatre producer for Gold Rush mining towns and constructed the first theatres and plays for stage productions in San Francisco. In 1850, his family moved to San Francisco where he was educated in the public schools and grew up sketching harbor scenes. He took lessons at the age of seven from Charles Nahl, a painter of mining genre and landscape, and earned a diploma at age 13 from the Mechanics' Institute for best marine drawing for a juvenile. From 1861 to 1873, he lived in Vermont because the family was forced out of San Francisco by threats resulting from his father being on the Vigilance Committee. On the East Coast, he became the pupil of marine artists William Bradford and M.F.H. De Haas as well as Impressionist George Inness. He was also much influenced by Albert Bierstadt and James Hamilton. He lived in Clinton, Iowa from 1873 to 1874 to court and marry Kathryn Wright, and then returned to San Francisco. He first worked as a retoucher of photos, and he and his wife wrote and did illustrations for "Overland Monthly" and "Century" magazine. By 1876, Robinson was exhibiting regularly as a painter, and in 1880 began making trips to Yosemite Valley. He was also in Paris between 1899 and 1901 and offered the Paris Exposition in 1900 a painting of Yosemite that was 50 x 380 feet and weighed five tons. When the committee rejected the panorama, he cut it into pieces, which he sold for passage money home. In the earthquake and fire of 1906, many of his paintings were destroyed in a warehouse where he had thought they would be safe. In 1921, a fire in his home destroyed twenty years worth of Yosemite paintings. He died May 8, 1933 in San Rafael, California. Source: Edan Hughes,

Beautiful rare Quianlong 18th century porcelain large bowl or charger exquisite Floral motif in soft enamels. Measuring approx. 14 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep. In excellent condition no chips or cracks with wear to the enamels. A fine early example would be a fine addition to any collection.

An exquisite carved Ivory image of Guanyin with the Buddha atop all hand carved from a very large tusk Measuring 5.5 in diameter 15 inches tall and 18 inches tall with stand. Signed with carved symbol on bottom. A fine example would make a nice addition to any collection.

A rare natural Emerald crystal carved into a Chinese figural group of two immortals measuring approx. 8 inches tall in excellent condition beautiful color and quality 19th century Qing dynasty.

A fine antique domed top mahogany stationary box with banded inlay and a ornate brass handle. In good antique condition with a beautiful rich patina some minor restorations to the banding. Measuring approx. 9.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches. A fine decorative antique accent piece.

George Bacon Wood fishing dory on the beach oil on board signed lower left. This painting was exhibited at the Salmagundi Club in New York in 1897. In excellent condition measuring Approx. 7 x 9 with liner 8 x 10 inches. overall size 12 x 14. Biography, George B. Wood, Jr. was born into a Quaker family in Philadelphia on January 6, 1832. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under Christian Schussele and probably saw the Exhibition of English Art there in February 1858. The exhibition laid out the work of those English painters that were following the precepts of the English painter and critic, John Ruskin. Wood as well as many of his contemporaries from Philadelphia were deeply influenced by the Ruskinian ideal and began to paint according to the precepts of "Truth in Art". Wood's neighbor and friend in Germantown, Pennsylvania, William Trost Richards, was one of the leaders of the movement and probably encouraged Wood to paint to this heightened perception of physical reality. Wood began exhibiting at the Pennsylvania Academy as early as 1858 and at the National Academy of Design by 1861. The American Ruskinians organized by 1863 with a house organ called The New Path, which was published from 1863 to 1865. His artist friends and their writings probably led to Wood's acceptance of the style and ideals of Ruskinian painting. Wood spent the Civil War years painting mainly in the area surrounding Philadelphia, but judging from the titles of his paintings, he also took a few longer trips. In 1866 he rented a studio in central Philadelphia, and the following year he moved downtown. At about this time he began summering (and even spending an occasional winter in the early 1870s) in the Adirondacks near Elizabethtown, New York. By 1870 he was married and well established as an artist. Wood exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy from 1858 to 1869 and again from 1876 to 1887. He also exhibited at the National Academy of Design from 1861 to 1885 and the Brooklyn Academy of Art in 1886. A member of the Philadelphia Sketch Club and the Philadelphia Artists' Fund Society, he was generally part of the artist community in that city. By the seventies, Wood had turned from landscapes to documenting Philadelphia streets and interiors, but at the end of the decade added photography to his arts. In 1883 Wood traveled abroad, recording the sights in carefully rendered watercolors. Some of these sketches served as sources for later, more highly finished work he submitted to the Pennsylvania Academy in 1884 and 1887.

Impressionist oil painting of an Italian coastal village signed lower right "Luigi Bertolingrande" (1912-1965), a highly regarded 20th-century Italian Impressionist artist. Oil on canvas laid on masonite board in excellent condition. Unframed.

Chinese carved spinach jade censer with intricate details of dragons and mythical beasts plus traditional Chinese decorative elements. A fine example with a deep green color in excellent condition measuring approx. 9 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.