AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- FEBRUARY 24TH: ENGLISH & CONTINENTAL FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS AT FREEMAN'S IN PHILLY

Auction Finds returns this week with lots from the English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts auction to be held on February 25, 2014 at Freeman's Auctioneers and Appraisers in Philadelphia which have been around since 1805.  I chose a small selection of 4 items from this auction that I thought would be of interest or a curiosity, but that would also be a source of inspiration for the design of your own space.  I realize too that I am always saying create a setting of pieces from various periods and styles to produce a dynamic look.  In our post(post)modern age, one need not faithfully recreate a setting or a style of a particular period.  There are period rooms in museums for that.  And here too I am championing antiques and so-called 'brown furniture" which have not been in fashion as of late with the rise of the Mid-century modern craze.  Mix a Federal chest with Art Deco lamps.  Use a Chinese altar table as a sideboard with Danish teak 60's table.  But enough of my ranting, let's go on with the show...

This week's first find is gratuitously decadent and conjures up dreams of a fanciful East though the reality of the West's interaction with the East here namely China was far from benign.  Lot 126 is a 19th century Chinese carved hardwood opium bed with a pre-sale estimate of only $1,500-2,500.  The bed has an endless knot lattice work design that incorporates various auspicious symbols.  There is a woven rattan platform and hollow feet that span the width of the bed, one side having a drawer.  Could you imagine this piece as the centerpiece of a room laden with beautiful pillows in a myriad of colors?  Or maybe place it under a protected over hang outside for reading on cool nights.  The opium bed easily generates ideas and fantasies.

This week's second find is a wonderful example of the West looking at Chinese forms for the creation of their own forms.  Lot 26 is a quite large (81.5" in length) mahogany partner's desk done in the late 19th century in a George III Chinese Chippendale style with a pre-sale estimate of only $1,500-2,000.  (When you see George III style or Rococo style, it means the object you are looking at is not period but was made at a later date.)  The rectangular top has a leaf scrolled edge over 4 drawers on one side and 2 drawers and 2 dummy drawers on the opposite side.  The whole stands on 8 carved tapering legs united by X-form stretchers.  Notably a large piece of furniture that could not go everywhere, but would make a lovely library table/desk in a study.  I would love to see a laptop open and for use on its surface with perhaps a great pair of Chinese porcelain lamps or Deco lamps illuminating its surface.

The third find for the week, lot 160, is a sweet 17th century and later Italian side chair with a pre-sale estimate of $300-500.  When you see "and later" the item you are looking at is not all original.  Parts may have been altered or replaced.  I really like the turning on this chair in the legs and stretchers.  The carving of the crest rail has a fan shape above a medallion surrounded by stylized acanthus leaves I believe.  The stiles of the chair making up the back leg and back rest are square in shape and have lovely channel carving terminating in scroll "ears".  The square seat sits over turned legs and a H-form stretcher.  I would love to use this chair as a piece of sculpture almost in a room as the item that is different and was picked just because I fell in love with it.  I think it would look great residing in a Mid-century teak room.

The last find this week is a French clock.  I have picked French clocks before in other Auction Finds posts because although I do not own one, I find their forms for the most part fanciful and whimsical.  Lot 353 with a pre-sale estimate of $1,500-2,500 is no different.  It is a fab French Restauration patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock dating from the first quarter of the 19th century.  It depicts a young boy in his dressing gown seated on a stool in front of a large actual mirror, his one foot in a large basin and the other crossed hanging in the air.  He is washing his feet with a sponge. Opposite him is a water urn dispensing its liquid into the basin.  How charming and how mundane.  Feet washing on your clock.  How wonderful!  I would have it in my house in a second.

I hope you enjoyed this week's finds and that one or more of them inspired you in the decoration of your own home.  If you are looking for an antique or vintage piece, small or large, I can source it for you or perhaps you need an extra eye when considering buying things at auction.  Consult my website to see how I work with clients.

Also, I am now able to offer the service of insurance appraisals particularly for silver and English ceramics, but also for furniture as well.  Again take a look at my website for details.  If you  need a donation or estate appraisal for tax purposes, I have colleagues that I can refer to you who are able to perform those type of appraisals.

Until next time,

Kelly T Keating