SINGAPORE – Discovering and learning about remote Asian cultures has long been a passion of Jaina Mishra’s. An award-winning photographer and travelogue writer, Mishra has spent the past 10 years reverently documenting what she describes as “vanishing cultures.” While immersing herself in the decade-long odyssey that took her to faraway mountains and valleys that few tourists visit, Mishra also collected tribal textiles, jewelry and folk art objects she felt were special. And although she never previously attempted to make her living from the sale of Asian cultural art, Mishra, an MBA whose fascination with distant places and people dates back to her childhood in India, is now taking that logical next step. She will share her remarkable finds with the rest of the world in an April 6 online-only auction conducted through LiveAuctioneers.com.

Mishra chose the business name Wovensouls because her collection began with textiles and later expanded to include other artforms. “Textiles are the woven expression of the soul of a tribe, so the name appealed to me,” she explained.

Before formally launching her business, Mishra tested the commercial waters by selling a few pieces privately. Then, at the end of 2012, came an important breakthrough. Mishra sold a piece to one of the world’s most prestigious museums. That particular sale was a validation to Mishra that she had achieved the level of sophistication required to identify and deal in top-quality Asian cultural art.

“It made me think, ‘If a top-class museum is buying from me, then the only thing standing in the way of Wovensouls becoming a successful venture is my own lack of effort.’ Up until that time, I wasn’t really sure if my eye was good enough. I had always bought using my eye and instinct, and only once had I bought an item solely because of its provenance or because someone else said it was good,” Mishra said.

All of the pieces offered in the April 6 auction are from Mishra’s 10-year personal collection and nearly all were obtained firsthand during her travels. The carefully assembled auction selection includes jewelry, hand-painted art objects, manuscripts and, of course, textiles. The cultures represented are largely Tibetan and Ladakh (an Indian culture influenced by Tibet), with the addition of pieces from Borneo (Dayak), India and the Golden Triangle of northern Thailand, South Vietnam and Laos. The latter region is home to the Yao and Attapeu Hilltribe peoples.

The collection also includes art from the Indian Gujarat culture. “Gujarat art is very beautiful and, I believe, undervalued,” said Mishra. “Some of the Gujarat people are descended from Romany gypsies. Their art is unique and deserves further research.”

Among the most impressive items in the sale are three decorative antique peraks, or headdresses, from the Himalayas. Peraks – which can weigh as much as 29 lbs. each – are usually passed down from mother to daughter until there is a generation with no female child. In such cases, the perak is donated to a monastery after a ceremony and subsequently auctioned. Lot 102 is from the Zanskaar Valley and is embellished with old turquoise stones, coral, silver and lapis. Its two side panels are adorned with rows of pearls, which are rarely seen in peraks. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Another fine Zanskaar Valley perak has similar decorative elements, but with highly prized coral rather than pearls on its side panels. Its estimate is $8,000-$12,000. The third example is from the Changthang region and has pearl borders along the hood and small, suspended coral chains that serve as a veil. This particular perak could make $9,000-$12,000.

Lots 113 and 115 are 19th-century Tibetan noblewomen’s headdresses known as pat’h. “These pat’h are very rare. Once they are gone, I doubt I’ll ever be able to find any others,” Mishra noted.

Photos of Tibetan pat’h are seen in the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford and in the Schuyler Jones book “Tibetan Nomads.” Status symbols in their culture, pat’h were used to support elaborate hairstyles and typically were enhanced with coral, turquoise and pearls. The two examples in Wovensouls’ auction are estimated at $12,000-$16,000 and $10,000-$15,000, respectively.

Presale interest has been shown in many lots containing woven Tibetan garments and accessories. They include bags and pouches, yak-wool pants, a bridal coat, kaabo cummerbund, and a costume set consisting of a coarse wool chooba and baku.

Pabuji-ki-phad are large, beautifully hand-drawn and hand-painted folk art textiles used as a backdrop mural for devotional performances by “bhopas.” Each narrates a story about the lok deva, or folk gods. Ancestral phads are passed from father to son and used over three or four generations. Lot 131, executed in stunning rose, green and blue shades, was acquired from one of the few surviving phad artists and is estimated at $5,000-$8,000. Lot 132 was created by the renowned phad master artist the late Shri Jadau Chand Shrilal, who work is displayed at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Its estimate is $4,000-$8,000.

There are seven palm leaf etchings in the collection, all from Odisha, India. Several of these fascinating hand-inscribed works narrate legends or folk tales. Others relate the story of a journey to Java Sumatra, are etched with writings about medicine, or, in one case, display content from the Kama Sutra, therefore classifying the etching as erotica.

Wovensouls’ April 6 online-only auction featuring the personal collection of Jaina Mishra will commence at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern). For questions about any item in the sale, e-mail jaina@wovensouls.com or call Singapore 011 659 824 2864. Prompt international shipping.

Log on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com to view the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online during the April 6 auction. Visit Wovensouls online at www.wovensouls.com.

Heavy Internet bidding contributed to consistent above-estimate prices

LAS VEGAS – Coin connoisseurs from throughout the country gathered at the elegant Venetian/Palazzo hotel for Legend-Morphy Rare Coin’s Feb. 28 Regency Auction, which tallied an outstanding $1.73 million (all prices quoted inclusive of 15% buyer’s premium). Legend-Morphy brought its A-game, offering a carefully handpicked selection of coins in a boutique-style, 334-lot sale held in association with the PCGS Members Only Coin Show.

Collectors liked what they saw and bid aggressively, both before and during the event.

H10C 1796/5 PCGS MS64+ CAC, provenance from the Eliasberg collection, $92,000. Legend-Morphy image.

“The pre-auction online bidding activity greatly exceeded our expectations,” said Legend-Morphy’s president, Julie Abrams. “That, combined with heavy attendance at the preview, gave us every reason to believe the auction would be a success.”

Boasting exceptional eye appeal, an H10C 1796/5 PCGS MS64+ CAC exhibited fully struck details, pristine surfaces, light semi-proof-like mirrors and strong luster. With provenance from the Eliasberg collection – the only known complete collection of half dimes – the rare coin was offered without reserve and estimated at $65,000+. Bidders showed no hesitation in pushing the final price to $92,000, making it the top lot of the sale.

Landing in the runner-up position was a $20 1909-D PCGS secure MS66 CAC, ex Dr. Steven Duckor collection. A totally original coin, exceptionally clean and satiny on both sides, it sold for $80,500.

Another crowd favorite was a 1798 $1 Small Eagle 15 Stars B-2, BB-81 PCGS secure AU55+. “This particular coin came from the personal collection of a major bust dollar dealer and is extremely rare in ‘choice AU’ or higher,” said Legend-Morphy partner Laura Sperber. It made a strong showing at the Feb. 28 auction, garnering $51,750.

“Penny wise” collectors were all over an exceptionally high-quality 1C 1909 VDB PCGS secure PR64 BN CAC. Considered the ultimate example of a matte proof Lincoln, it streaked past its estimate of $15,000+ to settle at $27,600.

Offered without reserve and pre-auction guidance of $20,000-$22,500, a much-sought-after 1796 25C PCGS F12, was described as “picture perfect” and “superb gem fine 12.” A problem-free coin in original pewter with hints of golden brown, its details and depiction of Miss Liberty were “just what they are supposed to be – nicely struck,” said Sperber. The 18th-century numismatic treasure concluded its bidding run at $29,900.

A magnificent multicolored Peace Dollar was entered in the sale with a $6,000-$7,000 estimate and Sperber’s catalog notation that it was “easily the finest colored 1923S and possibly one of the finest colored Peace Dollars that exist.” The coin handily surpassed expectations to sell for $11,500.

There was great excitement over a 1C-$1 1901 proof set PCGS PR64-66 from the Buckeye Commander Collection. Every coin in the set was high end, with matched original colors and spectacular clarity and reflectivity. Offered without reserve, it was bid to $21,850 against an estimate of $17,500-$20,000.

“There was intense interest in this auction, and absentee bidding was strong,” said Legend-Morphy partner Dan Morphy. “That reflects very favorably on the trust coin buyers have placed in our operation. They know how selective we are and that we bring only the finest-quality coins to the auction marketplace.”

$1 1901 proof set PCGS PR64-66, ex Buckeye Commander Collection, fully matched set, $21,850. Legend-Morphy image.

Sperber, Morphy and Abrams all commented on the valuable feedback they received from customers at their second Las Vegas Regency event.

“The comment I heard most often was how much they appreciate our boutique approach and the carefully chosen high-end offerings in our auctions,” said Abrams. “Customers also appreciate that we produce a beautiful hardbound catalog and that we’re so attentive and available to answer their questions at the preview.”

The Legend-Morphy team has already begun work on the next Regency Auction, which will be held April 11th at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

“Although the April 11th sale is already full, we are accepting quality consignments for our July auction,” Sperber noted.

For information about consigning to Legend-Morphy’s July auction, call Julie Abrams at 717-335-3435 or e-mail info@legendmorphy.com. Visit the company online at www.legendmorphy.com.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – The excitement of Asia Week New York, with its multitude of lectures, exhibitions and other special events, has attracted knowledgeable buyers from the Far East to Manhattan for the past seven years. Now dedicated Asian art aficionados who spend as long as 16 hours on an airplane to reach the US East Coast have a very tempting reason to add a Los Angeles layover to their itineraries. The I.M. Chait Gallery in Beverly Hills will be hosting a March 17 auction of Important Chinese Ceramics and Asian Works of Art to welcome those travelers to US shores.

“Many outbound flights from Asia to New York make a stop in California along the way. Since we were unable to participate in Asia Week this year due to the unavailability of a suitable auction space in New York, we decided to conduct our annual Asia Week sale right here in our Beverly Hills gallery,” said Chait founder Isadore M. Chait.

Chait explained that Asia Week’s agenda has expanded to the point that exhibition space is now difficult to secure – in his words, “a good thing, in one way, as it is a clear indication that the economy is improving and the Asian art market is robust.”

The I.M. Chait family and staff have left no stone unturned in preparing for the March 17 live auction, which also will be available to bidders via phone, Internet and absentee methods. The 295-lot sale is led by a premier Park Avenue (New York) collection of carved jades, early Chinese bronzes, ivories and fine ceramics. Also highlighting the event are Ming Dynasty porcelains (including 15th- and 16th-century examples) and carved jades from a second prestigious East Coast collection; and a collection of rare contemporary carved netsuke and Ojime pieces.

A European collection was the source of the auction’s centerpiece – a magnificent 14th-century Yuan Dynasty blue and white ovoid porcelain jar (Lot 144) decorated with a continuous equestrian warrior scene. A most exceptional and historically significant piece, its motif narrates a scene from the Yuan zaju drama “The Savior Yuchi Gong” and describes how General Yuchi Gong saved the Tang Emperor Taizong from assassination. Isadore Chait believes the vessel could reach or exceed one million dollars at auction.

Divine in more ways than one, a highly important early 15th-century Ming Dynasty gilt bronze Bodhisattva of Manjushri (Lot 186) wears an elaborately detailed crown, necklaces and earrings. A six-character Yongle mark is inscribed under the figure’s base. Estimate: $200,000-$300,000.

From China’s 18th-century Qianlong Period, a celadon with gray-black jade mountain (Lot 212) is masterfully carved with the scene of two figures in a boat amid rockery and clouds. A third figure of a man is carved in relief to render the effect that he is crossing a bridge. This artwork is expected to make $45,000-$55,000.

Another fine antique carved from celadon jade is the 18th-century Chinese marriage bowl on ornate hardwood stand (Lot 214). Of low, wide form with openwork bats and flowers on its handles, the bowl is decorated in relief with gourds and foliage that create the rebus “fulu shuangquan,” translated: “May both fortune and wealth prevail.” It is entered in the sale with a $40,000-$50,000 estimate.

A third celadon jade artwork of particularly fine quality is the Chinese carved tablescreen (Lot 287) with an image of flowering bushes and rocks on its front and a lacquered landscape scene on verso. The carving is handsomely presented in a carved hardwood frame of archaistic motif with dyed green bone and ivory openwork borders. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000.

Large and well modeled, an early Tang Dynasty model of a striding Bactrian camel (Lot 175), with mouth agape and separate bearded rider on saddle, stands 28 1/8 inches tall. It is accompanied by an Oxford TL Test Certificate and has a presale estimate of $25,000-$35,000. Extremely rare and dating to the Song Dynasty, a pair of pottery figures of seated generals (Lot 172), each wearing ornate armor and hats with removable finials, also comes with a TL Test Certificate (C-Link Research & Development Ltd). Estimate for the pair: $18,000-$24,000.

An example of symmetrical perfection in Chinese porcelain, a 21¼-inch-tall gu-form dragon vase (Lot 147) dates to the 16th-century Ming Dynasty. With a blue-on-white pattern that incorporates peonies, foliage and writhing dragons, the stately vessel bears the Wanli mark and carries an estimate of $35,000-$40,000.

The realistic artistry on many of the netsukes in the auction simply must be seen to be believed. For example, a carved wood sashi netsuke (Lot 29) depicting a tall armored warrior deity about to plunge a long sword into an oni at his feet is as intricately detailed as any full-size work by a master sculptor. Each strand of hair on the oni’s head is clearly visible, as is the musculature of his legs. This particular netsuke is signed and boxed, and comes with provenance from the Florida estate of Michael Earlman. It is estimated at $2,500-$3,000.

An impressive 7 7/8 inches tall, a spinach jade brushpot (Lot 224) is expertly carved with a continuous landscape scene of sages in a courtyard, with pavilions tucked amid rockery and pine trees. Formerly in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and deaccessioned around 1950, the brushpot should realize $35,000-$45,000 at auction.

Isadore Chait, who spent the past year carefully hand selecting each piece for his company’s March 17 auction, said he is confident the event will be a great success. “Asian art buyers have become one united community. Although it is always a pleasure to see and be seen in New York during Asia Week, we know that the location of our auction room is of far less importance, now, thanks to new technologies and the choice of bidding methods that have been made available to Asian art buyers,” he said.

I.M. Chait’s Asia Week Important Chinese Ceramics & Asian Works of Art Auction will take place at the Chait gallery on Sunday, March 17, commencing at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. The gallery is located at 9330 Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com and Artfact.com.

For additional information on any lot in the sale or to obtain a fully illustrated color catalog ($35 + shipping), call 1-800-775-5020 or 310-285-0182; or e-mail joey@chait.com. Visit the company online at www.chait.com.

This is not the first time Renoir’s adopted daughter had her portrait painted.

It’s November in 1904 and the young Jeanne, Mrs. Paul Valery, now 27 years old, receives a note from Pierre-Auguste Renoir.   “Would you care to come [to my studio] starting Tuesday morning, if there’s not too much fog?” A gentle request from one of the best loved Impressionists of all time. The result of that sitting and those to follow would yield the remarkable composition you see here.

The story of how Jeanne Gobillard became the ward of Renoir is quite the story; a story of love, friendship, and a commitment to both.

Berthe Morisot and her sister Edmé (the mother of Jeanne) were students of art.  Berthe even went on to study with Corot and was great friends with Édouard Manet, marrying his brother in 1874. She was the only female that exhibited in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874.   However, unlike most of the Impressionists, Morisot’s works were favorably critiqued by the Salon. Her most famous, The Cradle, was a painting of her sister Edmé gazing at her new born daughter Jeanne.

A string of tragedies befall the family leaving Julie, the daughter of Berthe, and her cousins Jeanne and Paule orphaned.  Renoir volunteers to adopt all three of the girls and raise them as his own.  The four became very close and the tenderness Renoir felt for Jeanne is evident in this work of art.

Displaying Renoir’s spectacular skill for utilizing light and color, this composition is truly representative of his body of work.  Moreover, this portrait represents an intimate chapter in the artist’s life and gives a glimpse of who he was beyond the canvas and the brush. Any one of these factors would make this painting a tremendous addition to your collection.  The importance of their union in this masterpiece, as well as the fact that this is the first documented portrait Renoir completed of Jeanne, cannot be overstated.

These portraits can be found at the M.S. Rau Antiques  shop in New Orleans and the article and further information on the portraits can be found online: here http://www.rauantiques.com/blog/2013/01/25/a-loving-rendition/ and here http://www.rauantiques.com/29-9143.html

DENVER, Pa. – Morphy Auctions’ Feb. 8-9 collaboration with the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property resulted in an exciting weekend of transactions that tallied over one million dollars (inclusive of basic 20% buyer’s premium). Of that total, 26% was attributable to prices realized by 200 lots of fine jewelry, watches, coins and other valuables from the Treasury’s vaults in Harrisburg, Pa. The greater portion of the 1,146-lot sale included consignments of paintings, mechanical music, a collection of vintage violins and a broad selection of decorative art, including Part II of a highly refined Amphora pottery collection.

“There was a lot of interest from the media in the run-up to this sale, especially because of the Treasury Department items,” said Dan Morphy. “It was the first time in 10 years that the Treasury had sanctioned a live auction of unclaimed goods from safe deposit boxes. The quality was there, all the way.”

There were 2,179 registered bidders for the sale, and more than 100 people attended the event in person, including representatives from the Pennsylvania Treasury. The phone bank was active throughout the auction, and Internet bidders made their presence known in a big way, with online purchases representing 62% of the gross over the two-day period.

Of the Treasury consignment, the earliest representation of Pennsylvania’s history was a Spence-authenticated,

Spence-authenticated 1787 land deed signed by Benjamin Franklin, $13,200. Morphy Auctions image.

handwritten 1787 property deed signed by Benjamin Franklin. Estimated at $7,000-$10,000, it was bid to $13,200.

Bidders dipped into the Treasury’s jewelry box with glee, taking away many exquisite gold, diamond and platinum pieces just in time for Valentine’s Day. A heart-shape diamond-encrusted pendant set in 14K gold featured a 1.25ct pear-shape center diamond surrounded by smaller rough-cut pave diamonds. Its sparkle and heft encouraged bidders to ignore the $7,000-$10,000 estimate, and ultimately it checked out at $18,600.

A stunning platinum engagement ring with a 4.25ct European-cut diamond and two flanking baguettes, each weighing .30 carats, came very close to achieving its high estimate at $19,800. The ring would have made quite a spectacular statement if paired with another retro-chic design that finished high amongst prices realized: a platinum, diamond and ruby bracelet with an Art Deco feel. It featured an eye-filling medley of round, Asscher- and emerald-cut gems, and drew a winning bid of $15,600.

14K gold heart-shape pendant set with 1.25ct pear-shape center diamond, smaller rough-cut pave diamonds, $18,600. Morphy Auctions image.

Timepiece highlights included an impressive 18K diamond-face Rolex Presidential watch, $10,800; and a sporty Swiss-made Breitling Chronograph with cobalt blue and gold face, $5,700.

Patrick Orbe made his debut as Morphy’s fine art consultant with the selection of paintings he curated for the Feb. 8-9 sale. The auction’s top fine-art lot was a Ferdinand Richardt (Danish, 1819-1895) oil on canvas titled “View of Niagara Falls.” The signed 33 x 43in painting presented in a custom-made gold leaf frame realized $37,200.

Bidders competed aggressively over rare pieces of Amphora from the Les Cohen collection, especially the monumental 18½in “Daughter of the Rhine” vase with applied jewels and enameled flowers. Well exceeding estimate hopes, it rose to $18,000. Another crowd-pleaser was the 22½in Amphora Saurian & Crab vase. Estimated at $7,000-$9,000, it was chased to $13,800.

Other decorative-art categories also held up very well. Desirable Loetz glass was led by a circa-1903 pink luster vase with a blue pattern reminiscent of peacock feathers, $4,800. The top Rookwood lot was an initialed and dated 1927 monumental vellum vase in a hibiscus motif, created by Elizabeth Lincoln. The vessel garnered $6,000.

“I couldn’t have been more pleased with the way bidders responded to the fine jewelry and other articles from the Pennsylvania Treasury,” said Dan Morphy. “Even though all of their items were offered without reserve, nearly every piece met or exceeded expectations, with sales totaling $260,000. We’re very much looking forward to presenting the next Treasury selection, which we anticipate will be sometime in the fall.”

To contact Morphy Auctions, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail serena@morphyauctions.com. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. – For their March 1 auction titled “Antiquities, Ancient and Ethnographic Art,” Antiquities-Saleroom.com decided to think big – as in dinosaur big. Coming on the heels of their highly successful Feb. 1 auction, Antiquities Saleroom’s latest auction offers the biggest piece ever offered by this Colorado antiquities company.  Lot #3 is a nearly complete dinosaur fossil skeleton of a Psittacosaurus measuring over a full meter in length and half a meter in height. Far from the only prize piece in this 260-plus lot auction, this 140-million-year-old fossil, estimated to fetch a dino-sized $10,000, is just the beginning of what’s in store.

According to Teresa Dodge, managing director and co-founder of Antiquities-Saleroom.com, the March 1 auction includes more than 260 authentic examples from ancient cultures all over the world, as well as several interesting fossil and mineral specimens.

“We’re really excited about this latest auction.  Unlike our February auction that featured Pre-Columbian antiquities exclusively, this sale literally has something for everyone,” said Dodge. S he pointed out that the March auction showcases almost two dozen ancient examples from Egypt, more than 30 pieces from ancient Greece, including a fine Attic / Athens-made pottery wine jug (lot #32) estimated to hit $8,000 to $10,000, and a large number of Roman artifacts, including examples in stone, bronze, pottery and glass. There are also many fine examples from Asia-Minor, including the largest and most complete cuneiform tablet Antiquities-Saleroom has ever seen or offered and many more exceptional examples of ancient and near-ancient Chinese / Far East antiquities, as well as more than 65 lots of Pre-Columbian artifacts.

Bob Dodge, Teresa’s husband and also a co-founder in the company, stresses that all items offered by Antiquities Saleroom have been legally acquired, are legal to resell and are unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic and as described in the catalog.  “We do not sell replicas or anything ‘in the style of’ any ancient culture. What’s more, no sale is ever final. We want satisfied customers who are happy with what they buy – so they will come back and buy more.” Dodge said.

Antiquities, Ancient and Ethnographic Art Auction will start at 10 a.m. MST, noon Eastern, on Friday, March 1.  Bids may be placed through a variety of methods – absentee (including absentee online), by phone (by prior arrangement) or live on auction day through LiveAuctioneers.com.

For additional information about the auction or about upcoming auctions, call Teresa Dodge directly at 720-502-5289, send her an email at antiquitiessaleroom@gmail.com, or visit the company’s website www.Antiquities-Saleroom.com.

2.1.13  ROUND TOP, TEXAS – Remember your first antique show? Was it an experience? Did you find a treasure that you look upon daily?

On April 2-6, 2013, you’ll have a chance to visit Marburger Farm Antique Show in tiny Round Top, Texas, for a first visit or for a never-missed twice-yearly swoon. “Wow!” is how photographer April Pizana sums up her first visit to the 43 acre Marburger Farm. “You come expecting knick-knacks and you have no idea of the amazing things and displays that you will see. Once you get past the initial ‘Wow!’—it’s pure giddiness and glee.”

What does Pizana suggest for first-time visitors? “Bring a list, dimensions, a sturdy tote, a checkbook, cash or an ATM card. Bring a friend.  And wear comfy shoes, but also cute. People dress really fun for Marburger Farm.” See April’s photos of Marburger at www.aprilpizana.com

On a recent Marburger Farm Facebook post, Katrina Lounsbury of California recalls that “On my first visit many years ago, I loved the French enamel-ware, the jewelry and the antique and vintage Santas. I have a treasure or two from every show since.”

“What I loved most about my first visit to the Marburger Farm Antique Show,” says shopper Terri Henderson on Facebook, “was the quality of the merchandise, the number of awesome dealers and the creative displays.”

For some, it will be their first trip to Round Top, while those who have been a part of the adventure since the beginning, will see for the 32^nd  time that over 350 top exhibitors from coast to coast will encamp on the central Texas cow pasture with antique furniture, vintage  accessories, jewelry, art, lighting, folk art and more. Styles range from industrial to French, from Swedish to mid-century modern to the original creations of the Marburger artisan dealers. Spilling out of ten giant tents and twelve historic buildings, the antiques and re-purposed objects find eager new owners among the thousands of shoppers who visit Marburger Farm.

If it’s the first time for you or a return engagement, be sure to visit French exhibitor Pascal Jones of Desiree Antiques. Jones recalls that her own first impression of Marburger Farm was “the different styles of antiques— everything is at Marburger Farm.” For the spring 2013 show, Jones will offer her own mix of classic 18^th c. French and European antiques alongside 1980s brass, Lucite, art, industrial end tables made from French engraving plates and early wooden type-face letters made into furniture surfaces.  “I love the mix of styles,” says Jones. “It’s nice to have different centuries and styles in a home. It makes it unique.”

Originally from Italy, Philadelphia exhibitor Marco Astrologo noted that on his first visit to Marburger, he found the other dealers to be “extremely good and extremely happy. They are the cream de la cream. And the customers love to buy.” Astrologo continues with the admission that “Before I went to Marburger, I expected Texans to be strange, you know? But you quickly realize that the people who come to Marburger Farm are very knowledgeable. They come from all over the world. They breathe the past 24 hours a day and they enjoy it.” Astrologo will offer antique and vintage trunks and luggage from makers such as Louis Vuitton and Goyard. His is the largest collection of antique Louis Vuitton trunks in the country.

Texas exhibitor Melissa Whitely Vasquez creates a booth with her mother and sister, jammed with American cottage furniture, early toys, doll furnishings, advertising signs and garden antiques. “What do I remember about my very first Marburger Farm Show? There was only one tent and one Porta-Potty.”

Things have changed. Not only are there air-conditioned restrooms now, but Marburger Farm has grown to become what Newsweek magazine calls “one of the country’s best venues.”

North Carolina dealer Susan Curran-Wright carries antique Italian and American linens, sterling and jewelry. “On my very first time at Marburger,” says Curran-Wright, “I knew Marburger Farm was going to explode. The energy was there, the wonderful property was there, the potential was there. Everyone there was so infused with enthusiasm that I knew that Marburger Farm was going to become a great antique show.”

So whether it’s your first time or a rendezvous  you never miss, come to Marburger Farm to be infused with the energy and wonder of the very best antiques displayed by the most creative dealers anywhere.

In addition to the antique and artisans exhibitors, the April 2-6 show will also feature benefit booths for Dwell with Dignity of Dallas and for the Brookwood Community near Houston.  The Brookwood exhibit will offer plants grown by and specialty décor, garden and kitchen items made by the special needs adults who are served by residential community. See www.brookwoodcommunity.org

Founded by interior designers, Dwell with Dignity transforms donated furnishings into dignified interiors for families escaping poverty and homelessness. Their booth at Marburger, located near the Food Pavilion, will bring to life such a sample interior. At the end of each Marburger Farm week, the show’s dealers donate antiques and vintage objects that will go back to Dallas to be used in dwellings or to be sold in the Dwell with Dignity Thrift Studio sale April 18 – May 18 in the Dallas Design District. See www.dwellwithdignity.org

The Marburger Farm Antique Show opens on Tuesday April 2 with Early Buying from 10 am through 2 pm for $25 for adults, free for children 15 and under. Regular $10 admission begins April 2 at 2 pm. One admission is good all week, with the show running on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturday, April 6, from 9 am to 4 pm.  Advance tickets and group tickets are available.

Parking is free. Marburger hosts a Man-Cave in the Blacksmith Shop. A full-service food pavilion and Blacksmith Bar will keep you energized and happy. Dogs on a leash are always welcome.

And, if it is your first time, cute shoes count, but are not required.

See information on travel, maps, vendors, special events, the Marburger Farm blog and mobile app, lodging, on-site shipping and the Marburger Cafe at www.roundtop-marburger.com or call Ashley Ferguson at 800-947-5799.   Follow show news on Facebook or on the show blog at www.marburgerfarmshow.blogspot.com

Florida – After conducting a similar survey last year, the Asheford Institute of Antiques (a distinct learning program on antiques and appraising), has released its latest trending data on the antiques marketplace for 2013. The survey, which is aimed at compiling the purchase trends of customers buying antiques over a twelve month period, was brought back this year after an overwhelming response on the school’s website from readers requesting more information, said Charles Green, Director of the Institute. Green went on to say that he was struck by how the results seemed to resonate with readers, and that pollsters at the Institute decided to run the survey again, with a few tweaks (including doubling the number of participants to over a thousand), to see if there was any measurable change from the previous year. “It just seemed to make sense, since so many of our students and those visiting our website were requesting it,” said Green.

School publications Director, Tony Drew echoed the sentiment and stated that the primary focus of this year’s survey was to again gauge interest in current trends of antiques and collectibles, based on sales and requests for particular items. He stressed that while no stringent scientific formulas were employed, and the survey was informal in nature, the results were still quite interesting when viewed in their entirety. “What we’re seeing is still a basic reflection of last year’s poll…” said Drew, “but on an even more magnified level – younger buyers are definitely becoming the norm, and there seems no doubt that all the television shows out there about antiques and collectibles are having some influence on this demographic.”  Drew went on to say that some areas of “collecting” had moved up or down a notch in the survey, but that one noticeable trend was the move towards smaller collectibles from the 50’s and even 60’s. “Again…” said Drew, “it’s the younger buyers leading the way.”

If you’d like to see the full results from the survey conducted by the Asheford Institute, you can visit their Poll/Survey page at(http://www.asheford.com/2013-survey-results.html) or on the schools web site at, www.asheford.com for a complete listing of surveyed trends for 2013.

For readers seeking more information about the schools antiques and appraisal course, you can contact them at: (877) 444-4508. Or write to them at; the Asheford Institute of Antiques 981 Harbor Blvd., Suite 3, Dept. 275GSV21 Destin, FL 32541-2525, or at their Canadian office at; 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Dept. 124 Toronto, ON M5S 1R8.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – It was an elegantly simple but universally embraced paper container – the cone-shape Dixie Cup – that enabled millionaire inventor and philanthropist Cesare Barbieri to amass the spectacular collection of European paintings, bronzes, Asian art and Oriental rugs featured in Myers Fine Art’s Feb. 10 auction.

‘Portrait of Gabrielle de Bourbon,’ depicting the daughter (b. 1460 of Louis I, Count of Montpensier, a direct descendant of Saint Louis (1214-1270), framed size 35¼ x 24 5/8 in., est. $4,000-$6,000. Myers Fine Art image.

The Italian-born Barbieri (1878-1956) held more than 100 patents, including one issued in 1926 for conical Dixie Cups and the machinery that manufactured them. He also possessed a finely tuned eye for classical art and design.

“He bought the best of everything for his multiple residences, but he was also very generous toward others,” said Myers co-owner Mary Dowd. “His will provided for the establishment of a Dixie employee pension fund, and his Dixie Cup royalties funded an endowment for Italian cultural studies at Trinity College that continues to this day. He also helped to finance the post-World War II reconstruction effort in his hometown of Bologna, Italy.”

Barbieri’s largesse extended to those who cared for him in his declining years, in particular his nurse and companion Anita De Paulis. Barbieri bequeathed to De Paulis the entire contents of both his lavish Manhattan apartment and Villa Barbieri, his estate in Tuxedo Park, N.Y. De Paulis retired to a town near Sarasota, Fla., and after her death in 2011, Myers acquired the Barbieri collection directly from the De Paulis Estate.

Myers has a policy of only conducting a European & Asian Art auction when a collection of exceptional quality is available to headline such a sale. The 480-lot Feb. 10 event is the first of its type to be scheduled in two years and consists of fresh goods acquired almost exclusively from estates.

The featured Barbieri collection includes magnificent paintings, bronzes, antique clocks, Oriental rugs, furniture and carved ivories. Among the top pieces is a graceful marble nude titled “The Flower of the Alps,” by Attilio Piccirilli (Italian, 1886-1945). A similar Piccirilli sold a few years ago at Sotheby’s for $19,000. Myers Fine Art has placed an estimate of $10,000-$15,000 on the signed Piccirilli in their sale. A signed Giuseppe Gambogi (Italian, 1891-1965) statue of Shakespeare’s “Ophelia” carries an estimate of $8,000-$10,000.

An extraordinary artwork from Villa Barbieri, “Portrait of Gabrielle de Bourbon,” depicts the 26-year-old daughter of Louis I, Count of Montpensier, a direct descendant of Saint Louis (1214-1270). The richly detailed portrait, created possibly as early as the 15th century, exhibits an extremely high standard of artistry, evident by the level of detail in the sitter’s ornately embroidered silk dress and ermine-trimmed robe. A gold figural pendant adorns her pearl-trimmed bodice, and pearls embellish her Renaissance cap. The 17 by 12½-inch painting is presented in an elaborate gilt tabernacle frame from the late-18th or early 19th century. It is expected to make $4,000-$6,000.

Other Continental artworks in the sale include an 18th/19th-century French portrait of a lady holding a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a Charles Cousin (French, 1904-1972) Venetian canal scene, and a J. Eisenhut oil painting of a Venetian doge. Additional enticements include an Italian pietra dura specimen table and micromosaic pieces; French cameo glass, majolica, silver, Louis XV bronze candelabra, and Austrian ivory and wood figures. There will also be fine European porcelain, an inlaid Italian marquetry chest and antique Italian walnut cupboard; and a pair of French Empire bronze table lamps. A Continental relief-carved ivory plaque depicts a frenzied battle scene of warriors on horseback. Dating to the mid-19th century and possibly from Dieppe, France, it is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Another standout is a signed Tommaso Gentile (Italian, 1853-?) bronze mirror adorned by two nude women. It bears the Kunst-Erzgieserei Vienna foundry mark and is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

Timepieces include European mantel clocks, a miniature tall-case clock with chinoiserie artwork, and a highly desirable tall-case clock with Joshua Wilson (London) 17th/18th-century movement in a Philadelphia Chippendale walnut case. The musical moon phase clock stands 95 inches tall and, although missing some of its mechanical parts, is likely to achieve $4,000-$6,000.

An interesting estate collection contains antique Japanese samurai swords of various lengths. The edged weapons are in good company with the auction’s grouping of early Persian armor and trio of 18th-century Japanese Edo Period matchlock rifles.

The sale’s extensive Asian section covers all imaginable forms and media. Ceramics include Japanese Imari, antique Chinese hand-painted plates and a pleasing selection of Chinese export porcelain. Among the carved figural pieces are a 77-inch oxblood Buddha, an ivory Siddhartha bust, jade and hardstone objects, and numerous Chinese and Japanese ivories. Other highlights include a Japanese inlaid and carved screen, a set of four Chinese Qing silk paintings, 19th-century Chinese reverse paintings, a pair of yoke-back armchairs, an early 19th-century Kano school 4-panel screen painting, and an array of Asian bronze and mixed-metal vessels and other items.

Not to be missed if one is considering the renovation of a special room is the lot containing more than 25 rolls of Zuber et Cie. (French) panoramic wallpaper in the “Views of North America” pattern. The rolls were printed from Zuber’s original 19th-century woodblocks.

“In the 1970s, Jacqueline Kennedy chose the very same wallpaper for the White House [Diplomatic] Reception Room,” said Mary Dowd. “It depicts American scenes such as Boston Harbor, Niagara Falls, and Natural Bridge in Virginia. The rolls we are auctioning are in perfect condition. They were ordered from Zuber in the 1970s but were never installed.”

The garden and architectural category is led by a 19th-century marble bench side support depicting a winged mythological creature, and an impressive pair of 19th-century marble Bacchanalian garden herms topped by carved busts of a satyr and nude maiden. Each herm stands 62 inches tall, and together they tip the scales at 1,000+ lbs. Formerly ensconced at a Southampton, N.Y., estate, the pair is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.

Other items of note include a John Wallace (1841-1905) landscape of a hilltop castle, a carved R.J. Horner partner’s desk with carved griffin legs ($3,000-$5,000), 18th-century ecclesiastical vestments, and a chic F.V. Manti (Italian) 18K yellow gold openwork bracelet adorned with women’s faces ($2,000-$4,000). Last but certainly not least, the sale includes a sporty red 2007 Ferrari F430 with less than 3,000 miles on its odometer – a stylish vehicle in which to transport one’s purchases home on auction day.

Myers Fine Art’s Sunday, Feb. 10 auction of European & Asian Antiques & Fine Art featuring the Cesare Barbieri collection will commence at 12 noon Eastern Time. A preview will be held from 10-6 on Saturday, Feb. 9, and from 10 a.m. till noon on auction day. The gallery is located at 1600 4th St. North in St. Petersburg, FL 33704. All forms of bidding will be available including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information, call 727-823-3249 or e-mail auctions@myersfineart.com. Online: www.myersfineart.com.

Exquisitely detailed circa-1910 Marklin carousel, crank or steam driven, top lot of the sale, $218,500. Noel Barrett Auctions image.

NEW HOPE, Pa. – It took more than a brass ring to claim ownership of an exquisite Marklin carousel that topped prices realized at Noel Barrett’s $1.3 million Winter Auction. The circa-1910 German-made toy commanded $218,500 at Barrett’s Nov. 16-17 event, selling to a US buyer against stiff competition from collectors on both sides of the Atlantic. All prices quoted in this report include a basic 15% buyer’s premium; additional for Internet.

A toy fit for royalty, the carousel had surfaced during the disposition of an estate in Phoenix, and to Barrett’s great surprise, was in “astoundingly original condition.” Lavishly festooned with colored glass balls, mirrors, pennants, cartouches and metal embellishments, the cloth-canopied carousel could be operated either as a crank or steam-driven toy. It featured eight girl and four boy riders on diminutive hide-covered horses and in vis-à-vis chariots. Entered as the star lot of the sale, it carried a pre-auction estimate of $75,000-$100,000.

A rare and most impressive toy, the carousel will be in good company alongside a folk-art “Amor L Jones” loco and tender that was offered together with a photo of a young girl for whom the train may have been created. Selling price: $907.50. “The same person bid successfully on both the carousel and the Amor Jones train. He likes to buy the best of every category, and although the train was not one of the more expensive toys in the sale, it was definitely the best train in the folk art category. To me, this approach to buying proves the buyer has an eye, not just a pocketbook,” said Barrett.

Several train-related lots landed in the top 10, including a circa-1909 to 1919 Marklin PLM coupe-vent passenger set with pictorial box, which sold for $46,000. It had been shipped to Barrett’s gallery from Buenos Aires by the nephew of the original owner, who received the train as a young girl around 1920. “Apparently she preferred playing with dolls, so the train was packed up and stored away. It spent the next 90 years virtually untouched. It was in near-mint condition when it arrived to us,” said Barrett.

Althof Bermann hand-painted tin Santa in Sleigh, one of only two known examples considered 100% original, $97,700. Noel Barrett Auctions image.

Other train highlights included a lithographed tin Grand Central Station made for the American market, $28,750; and a fully functional 89-inch-long live-steam model of the Empire State Express, whose detailed construction was covered in the May 1976 issue of Live Steam Magazine. It was bid to $27,600. A Carette 2350 gauge 1 live-steam loco and tender that appeared in the manufacturer’s 1911 catalog with the description “Latest design (an original scale model)” changed hands for $16,100; while a Marklin Washington Pullman observation car more than tripled its high estimate at $13,800.

One of the most popular toys in the 932-lot sale was a wonderful Althof-Bergmann Santa Sleigh drawn by two goats wearing royal blue and gold saddles with matching pairs of bells. For years the only known examples of this particular toy were those belonging to pioneer collector Bernard Barenholtz and another trailblazer of the toy hobby, Leon Perelman, founder of the Perelman Antique Toy Museum in Philadelphia. A third Althof-Bergmann Santa Sleigh with goat team was later confirmed in the collection of the Margaret Strong Museum. The sleigh in Barrett’s sale became the fourth, and quite likely will be the last, Santa Sleigh to emerge, Barrett said, noting that only the Barenholtz sleigh and the one in his sale are considered totally original. An iconic toy with immense charm, the sleigh sold for $97,750.

The auction included a fine array of high-end European and American toys, bolstered by selections from the renowned

Gerald Wingrove hand-made scale models of a 1924 Hispano-Suiza No. 3 (top) and a 1933 Derham Tourster Duesenberg. Auctioned for $16,100 each. Noel Barrett Auctions image.

Athelstan and Kathy Spilhaus antique toy collection and the Rick Ralston collection of trains and trolleys. The two anchor collections were complemented by numerous attic discoveries and choice single pieces from several consignors.

A cloth-dressed clockwork Tambourine Player from a series of four African-American clockwork toys produced in the last quarter of the 20th century by Jerome Secor easily surpassed its estimate to ring up $17,200. Another American beauty, The Pittsburgh House was an extravagantly detailed circa-1890 architectural model formerly in the collection of the Toy Museum of Atlanta. It achieved $18,400 against a $6,000-$10,000 estimate.

Cast-iron mechanical banks made their mark in Barrett’s sale, as well. An excellent to near-mint J. & E. Stevens Clown on Globe made $18,400 against an estimate of $6,000-$8,000; and an exceptional example of a Stevens Cat & Mouse bank streaked past its $3,000-$5,000 estimate to settle at $9,775.

Other highlights of Noel Barrett’s Winter Auction included Gerald Wingrove hand-made scale models of a 1924 Hispano-Suiza No. 3 and a 1933 Derham Tourster Duesenberg. Each was estimated at $7,000-$9,000 and each realized $16,100.

After the sale, Barrett commented that it had been “quite the international event. We shipped toys to sixteen countries. A brand new customer from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe bought twelve items, and two pieces from the top ten were purchased by collectors who knew me but who never laid eyes on the toys they bid on. They felt confident that our descriptions were accurate and thorough.”

Phone bidders were responsible for 40% of the gross, Internet bidders 24%, and absentee bidders just under 10%. The remaining 25% of the $1.3 million total was attributable to bidders in the room.

To contact Noel Barrett Auctions, call 215-297-5109 or e-mail toys@noelbarrett.com. Visit Noel Barrett’s website at www.noelbarrett.com.